6 Best Places to Visit on Lake Powell
Discover the best places to visit on Lake Powell, from sandy beaches to narrow canyons and iconic natural landmarks.
Lake Powell has so many incredible spots to visit, you could fill an entire book trying to name them all—but here are six of the best places to visit on Lake Powell I’ve come across so far. If you’re planning a trip to this stunning Arizona-Utah reservoir, these should be right at the top of your list.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a breathtaking natural wonder, one of the world’s largest natural stone arches, spanning 275 feet across a side canyon of Lake Powell. Located in a remote area accessible primarily by boat, this massive sandstone bridge rises 290 feet above Bridge Canyon, its red and beige hues glowing against the desert sky.
Sacred to Navajo and other Native American tribes, the site carries deep cultural significance, with guided tours offering insights into its spiritual history. The boat journey from Wahweap or Bullfrog Marina, often 50 miles round-trip, weaves through towering red cliffs and turquoise waters, making the trip as stunning as the destination. Once there, a short dockside trail leads to a viewing area where the arch’s scale and graceful curve leave you in awe. Low lake levels may extend the hike, but the bridge’s majesty remains unmatched.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument Highlights
- Massive sandstone natural bridge
- Sacred Navajo cultural site
- Stunning 50-mile boat journey
- Towering red cliff surroundings
- Serene viewing trail experience
- Ideal spring and fall visits
- Photogenic geological marvel
Lone Rock Beach
Lone Rock Beach is Lake Powell’s most accessible beach, located in Wahweap Bay just north of the Utah-Arizona border, where a towering sandstone monolith rises from the water. This expansive sandy shoreline allows vehicles to drive directly onto the beach, making it a favorite for RV camping and day-use visitors seeking easy lake access. The soft sand slopes gently into clear, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or lounging under the desert sun.
Framed by red rock cliffs, the beach offers a striking contrast between the lake’s blue hues and the arid landscape, with Lone Rock’s solitary presence creating a photogenic focal point.
Lone Rock Beach Highlights
- Expansive sandy shoreline for vehicles
- Iconic Lone Rock monolith
- Clear turquoise waters for swimming
- Red cliff desert backdrops
- RV and tent camping options
- Ideal for kayaking and lounging
- Stunning sunset cliff views
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a world-famous slot canyon near Page, Arizona, accessible by boat from Lake Powell or land tours, renowned for its smooth sandstone walls sculpted by flash floods into a photographer’s paradise. Located on Navajo land, the lower canyon’s narrow passages glow with golden and red light filtering through overhead slots, creating a surreal, almost liquid-like atmosphere.
The boat tour from Wahweap Marina offers a unique perspective, gliding through the flooded canyon’s wider sections, where red cliffs rise 1,000 feet above the turquoise water. The Upper Antelope Canyon, reached by land, requires guided tours due to its delicate ecosystem and cultural significance, with stories of Navajo heritage shared by guides. The interplay of light, shadow, and stone makes every turn breathtaking, whether seen from the water or on foot.
Antelope Canyon’s otherworldly beauty and limited access make it a must-visit, showcasing Lake Powell’s geological artistry.
Antelope Canyon Highlights
- Sculpted smooth sandstone walls
- Golden light through narrow slots
- Navajo-guided cultural tours
- Stunning boat-accessible canyon views
- Photogenic rock formations
- Turquoise waters in flooded sections
- Exclusive, limited-access experience
The Chains
The Chains is a hidden gem near Glen Canyon Dam, offering a secluded rocky beach accessible by a short, 0.6-mile hike from Page, Arizona. This free-access spot, outside the paid park boundary, is a local favorite for swimming, cliff jumping, and relaxing on smooth sandstone ledges. The trail descends over red rock to the lake’s edge, where clear waters meet rugged cliffs, creating a raw, untouched vibe.
Water levels affect the beach’s size, with lower levels requiring a longer hike, but the reward is a serene spot with panoramic views of the dam and surrounding cliffs. The area’s isolation and lack of facilities enhance its wild charm, perfect for those seeking solitude. The Chains’ dramatic sandstone and quiet shores provide an off-the-beaten-path Lake Powell experience, showcasing the lake’s pristine beauty without a boat.
The Chains Highlights
- Secluded rocky beach oasis
- Free access outside park fees
- Short 0.6-mile hiking trail
- Clear waters for swimming
- Cliff jumping opportunities
- Panoramic dam and cliff views
- Serene, uncrowded desert vibe
Padre Bay
Padre Bay is Lake Powell’s largest bay, stretching nine miles long and seven miles wide, with pristine sandy beaches accessible only by boat, offering a secluded paradise south of Wahweap Marina. Its calm waters and soft sand are ideal for anchoring houseboats, swimming, or watersports like wakeboarding. Sheltered coves, such as Kane Wash, provide shaded spots and shallow waters safe for kids, while landmarks like Domingues Butte and Cookie Jar Butte create a dramatic backdrop of red rock formations.
Padre Bay Highlights
- Vast pristine sandy beaches
- Calm waters for watersports
- Secluded Kane Wash cove
- Domingues and Cookie Jar Buttes
- Ideal for houseboat anchoring
- Shaded family-friendly spots
- Stunning red rock vistas
Gunsight Canyon
Gunsight Canyon features a two-mile pristine sandy beach accessible only by boat, located south of Wahweap Marina and named for its rifle-sight-shaped notch in the red cliffs. Towering Gunsight Butte provides shade, making this a haven for swimming, tubing, and anchoring houseboats.
The calm waters are perfect for watersports, while the sandy shore offers ample space for lounging or camping. The canyon’s 800-foot-high sandstone walls create a dramatic setting, with light and shadow enhancing the desert’s beauty. The beach’s size depends on lake levels, but its sheltered position ensures a serene experience. Gunsight Canyon’s expansive sand and striking geology make it a breathtaking spot for a secluded Lake Powell adventure.
Gunsight Canyon Highlights
- Two-mile pristine sandy beach
- Calm waters for tubing
- Shaded by Gunsight Butte
- 800-foot-high sandstone walls
- Ideal for houseboat camping
- Serene spring and fall visits
- Dramatic desert canyon scenery
From iconic natural arches to serene slot canyons, these are the best places on Lake Powell to visit for a day of fun in the sun.
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