Utah's Largest Artificial Lake Is A Sprawling Canyon Paradise With Scenic Boating And Fishing

Heading off for a vacation at the lake is one thing if you're talking about a small, local lake near you. It's another thing entirely if the lake you're visiting stretches 186 miles and has around 1,960 miles of shoreline at full capacity. Welcome to Lake Powell, the largest artificial lake in Utah (though it also crosses over into Arizona, where you'll find the dam that created it). Named after explorer John Wesley Powell, who explored the area in the 19th century, this enormous reservoir is set within rainbow-colored sandstone canyons, with water recreation activities to explore and scenery worthy of a postcard. This long and thin lake lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, featuring a beautiful canyon that might be even more stunning than the Grand Canyon. Lake Powell has several marinas where you can rent everything from a stand-up paddleboard to a houseboat (a popular way to vacation on the lake). Activities include fishing, swimming, camping, and more.

One reviewer on Google Maps says of Lake Powell, "The contrast between the deep blue water, glowing orange sand, and massive red canyon walls looked almost too vibrant to be real. Every turn felt like stepping into another planet." They mention swimming in "crystal-clear water," hiking, camping, and the scenery. The average highs at Lake Powell are in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit from May through September, with average water temperatures between the low 60s and upper 70s. However, April and October have average highs in the 70s if you're looking for cooler weather (though water temperatures are chilly then). Entry fees are $15 per person if you're walking and $30 per vehicle. 

Boating is the main recreation on Lake Powell, and you have lots of options to try out. People hit the water in kayaks, on stand-up paddleboards, in motorboats for wakeboarding, and aboard houseboats. There are several marinas on the lake, including Wahweap Marina and Bullfrog Marina. Wahweap Marina has places to stay, campgrounds, laundry, showers, boat rentals, fuel, and food. Bullfrog Marina offers accommodations, dining, a grocery store, campgrounds, showers, and rentals. Antelope Point Marina near Glen Canyon Dam has a boat launch, rentals, repair, a store, and dining. Halls Crossing, on the other side of the lake from Bullfrog, has a grocery store, campgrounds, boat repair, laundry, and showers. Note that while there is a boat fee in addition to the entrance fee, there is no fee for kayaks. One reviewer on Google Maps mentions boating as a great way to explore hidden coves and scenic shoreline spots, saying, "The juxtaposition of the vibrant blue water against the red and orange canyon walls creates a mesmerizing contrast."

If you want to go camping, you can hit the campgrounds at Lees Ferry, run by the National Park Service, or the campgrounds at Wahweap, Bullfrog, or Halls Crossing. There are also several RV campgrounds. If you want to rough it a bit, you can do primitive camping along the shore in several campgrounds that have only pit toilets. However, you can pick up supplies at the major marinas or pack in what you need from home. 

Whether you're fishing from the shore or off your boat, Lake Powell is an ideal place for it. You can try for smallmouth, largemouth, or striped bass, channel and bullhead catfish, northern pike, bluegill, green sunfish, walleye, and black crappie. Fishing is open all year, though make sure you have a valid license in either Utah or Arizona (which allows you to fish on either side of the border). Note each state's daily limits and be aware that there are boat launch fees. Swimming is also a popular activity in Lake Powell, though note that there are no lifeguards. You can pull into a cove or swim off your boat or drive to some of the beaches along the lake, including Wahweap Swim Beach, Lone Rock Beach, or Hobie Cat Beach. Note that you can't swim in the marina areas. 

Hiking is another way to explore the Lake Powell area. The hike to Rainbow Bridge has a walking distance that varies with lake levels. The closest airport to Lake Powell is Page Municipal Airport (PGA) in Page, Arizona, just a few miles away (depending on where you enter the lake). However, if you want to fly into a larger airport, you can drive around 277 miles to Lake Powell from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, though note that U.S. airlines have been cutting flights to this airport. Still, Las Vegas was the 2026 "Best City for Recreation", so you can make it part of your vacation as well. Either way, you're going to want a car so you can explore the area or even go between marinas.