North Lake Powell By: NorthLakePowell January 1, 2020

Lake Powell is actually located in both Utah and Arizona, with most of the lake extending into Arizona. The history of Lake Powell dates back to the 1950s, when the US government authorized the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, near the border of Utah and Arizona.

The construction of the dam began in 1956 and was completed in 1963. The dam was built to provide hydroelectric power, control flooding, and to provide water for irrigation and municipal use in the arid Southwest. The construction of the dam also created Lake Powell, which is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States, with a capacity of over 27 million acre-feet of water.

The creation of Lake Powell was controversial, as it required the flooding of the Glen Canyon, a natural wonder that contained many Native American sites, including petroglyphs and ruins. Despite opposition, the dam was completed, and the lake began to fill in 1963. It took over 17 years for the lake to reach its full capacity, due to a prolonged drought in the area.

Today, Lake Powell is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports, as well as a major tourist attraction in the region. The lake attracts millions of visitors each year, and the surrounding area is home to many parks and recreation areas, including the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which covers over 1.2 million acres of land and water.

North Lake Powell is a section of the lake that is located in Utah, and it is known for its stunning scenery and recreational opportunities. This area of the lake is popular for fishing, boating, water skiing, and other water sports, as well as camping and hiking in the surrounding canyons and wilderness areas.

Some of the most popular destinations in North Lake Powell include the Hite Marina, which serves as a gateway to the lake and provides boat rentals and other services for visitors, and the Bullfrog Marina, which is another major marina that offers lodging, restaurants, and other amenities.

There are also several notable landmarks and natural wonders in the area, such as the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, which is one of the largest natural bridges in the world and can be accessed by boat or by hiking through the surrounding canyons. Additionally, there are several scenic overlooks and hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the lake, and surrounding landscape, including the Halls Creek Overlook and the Rim Rock Trail.

Overall, North Lake Powell is a beautiful and diverse area that offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or simply a scenic place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

How to get to North Lake Powell

North Lake Powell can be accessed by car, plane, or boat, depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. Here are some options for getting to North Lake Powell:

Car: If you are driving to North Lake Powell, the main access points are from Highway 89 in Utah or from Highway 160 in Arizona. From Highway 89, you can take State Route 276 to Halls Crossing or Bullfrog Marina. From Highway 160, you can take State Route 98 to Wahweap Marina.
Plane: The closest major airports to North Lake Powell are in Las Vegas, NV and Salt Lake City, UT. From either airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to North Lake Powell.
Boat: If you have your own boat, you can launch it at one of the marinas on the lake, such as Hite Marina, Bullfrog Marina, or Wahweap Marina. If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one from a local outfitter or charter company.

It’s worth noting that some areas of North Lake Powell are only accessible by boat, so if you want to explore those areas, you will need to either have your own boat or rent one. Additionally, the roads in the area can be remote and sometimes challenging to navigate, so it’s a good idea to check road conditions and plan your route ahead of time.

Where to Stay

There are a variety of accommodation options available in North Lake Powell, ranging from camping and RV parks to hotels and vacation rentals. Here are some of the most common types of accommodation in the area:

Hotels and Resorts: There are several hotels and resorts located around North Lake Powell, including Ticaboo Resort and others. These properties offer a range of amenities, such as on-site restaurants, pools, and marina services.
Vacation Rentals: There are many vacation rental properties available in the area, including cabins, condos, and homes.
Houseboats: Renting a houseboat is a unique way to experience North Lake Powell. There are several companies that offer houseboat rentals, including Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, Antelope Point Marina, and Halls Crossing Marina.
Campgrounds and RV Parks: There are several campgrounds and RV parks located around North Lake Powell, including Wahweap Campground & RV Park, Bullfrog Marina RV Park & Campground, and Halls Crossing RV Park & Campground. These properties offer tent and RV sites with full hookups, as well as showers, laundry facilities, and other amenities.
Dispersed Camping: There are also many opportunities for dispersed camping on public land around North Lake Powell, including BLM land and National Forests. However, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles and obtain any necessary permits before camping in these areas.

Regardless of your preferred type of accommodation, it’s important to book in advance, especially during peak season, as availability can be limited.

Things to do in North Lake Powell

North Lake Powell is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with many activities to enjoy on the lake and in the surrounding canyons and wilderness areas. Here are some of the things you can do in North Lake Powell:

Boating: North Lake Powell is a great place to go boating, whether you have your own boat or rent one from one of the local marinas. You can explore the lake’s many coves, canyons, and beaches, and enjoy water sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
Fishing: Lake Powell is known for its excellent fishing, with a variety of fish species including bass, catfish, trout, and crappie. You can fish from a boat or from the shore, and there are many fishing guides and outfitters in the area to help you get started.
Hiking: The surrounding canyons and wilderness areas offer many hiking opportunities, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular hikes in the area include the Rainbow Bridge Trail, the Halls Creek Overlook Trail, and the Rim Rock Trail.
Camping: There are many campsites and RV parks in the area, including at the local marinas. You can also find backcountry camping opportunities in the surrounding wilderness areas.
Scenic drives: The area around North Lake Powell is full of stunning scenery, and there are several scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular drives include the Hite Overlook Road and the Burr Trail Scenic Backway.
Sightseeing: There are several landmarks and natural wonders to see in the area, including the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the Glen Canyon Dam, and the Antelope Canyon. You can take guided tours to see these attractions and learn more about their history and significance.

Less known for, but also great for

While North Lake Powell is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism, there are some lesser-known things about the area that many visitors may not be aware of. Here are a few examples:

Ancient ruins: The area around North Lake Powell is home to many ancient ruins and petroglyphs left by the Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont peoples. Some of these sites are accessible by hiking, while others can only be seen from the lake.
Geology: The rocks and formations around North Lake Powell are some of the oldest and most diverse in the world, with some dating back over 2 billion years. The area is also home to many geological wonders, including slot canyons, arches, and hoodoos.
Stargazing: North Lake Powell is far from any major cities, making it an ideal place for stargazing. The clear skies and lack of light pollution offer amazing views of the night sky and stars.
Wildlife: The area around North Lake Powell is home to many species of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert tortoises. Visitors may also spot birds such as bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
Quiet coves and beaches: While the main areas of the lake can get crowded during peak season, there are many quiet coves and beaches around North Lake Powell where you can escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and solitude. These areas are also great for wildlife viewing and exploring the natural beauty of the lake.

Off-roading in North Lake Powell

North Lake Powell offers several opportunities for off-roading enthusiasts. Here are some popular off-roading areas in the North Lake Powell region:

White Canyon: This area is located just west of Lake Powell and offers some challenging off-roading opportunities. The area is full of steep, rocky terrain and narrow canyons that provide a thrilling off-roading experience.
Alstrom Point: This is a popular off-roading spot in the North Lake Powell region, located on the west side of the lake. The area offers some fantastic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, and there are plenty of challenging trails to explore.
Wahweap Overlook: This area is located on the east side of Lake Powell and provides some excellent off-roading opportunities. The terrain is rocky and challenging, with steep inclines and narrow trails that require some skill and experience to navigate.
Lone Rock Beach: This is a popular off-roading spot that is located on the south end of Lake Powell. The area offers some fantastic sand dunes that are perfect for those looking for a more traditional off-roading experience.

Please note that it’s always important to follow the local laws and regulations when off-roading in North Lake Powell and to stay on designated trails to protect the environment.

Boating in North Lake Powell

Boating is a very popular activity in North Lake Powell. The lake is a large reservoir with over 2,000 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by scenic canyons and rock formations, making it a great place to explore by boat.

There are several marinas located around the lake, including Wahweap Marina, Bullfrog Marina, and Halls Crossing Marina, where you can rent boats or launch your own. Many types of boats are available for rent, including houseboats, pontoon boats, ski boats, fishing boats, and personal watercraft. You can also take guided tours and excursions on the lake, such as kayak tours and sunset cruises.

It’s worth noting that the lake can be quite busy during peak season, so it’s important to follow safety guidelines and be aware of other boats and watercraft on the water. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the environmental impact of boating and to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Best hiking trails in North Lake Powell

Rainbow Bridge Trail: This is a popular hiking trail that leads to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the largest natural bridges in the world. The trail is 3.6 miles (5.8 km) each way and starts from the Rainbow Bridge National Monument boat dock.
Wiregrass Canyon Trail: This is a moderate hiking trail that starts from Bullfrog Marina and leads to a beautiful slot canyon. The trail is 3 miles (4.8 km) each way and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Trail: This is a short but beautiful hiking trail that leads to a slot canyon located near the famous Horseshoe Bend overlook. The trail is less than a mile long (1.6 km) and features beautiful rock formations and narrow passages.
Cathedral in the Desert Trail: This is a scenic hiking trail that leads to a beautiful rock formation known as the Cathedral in the Desert. The trail is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) each way and starts from the Cathedral Wash Trailhead.
The Chains Trail: This is a challenging hiking trail that leads to an overlook of Lake Powell and the surrounding canyons. The trail is 4.4 miles (7.1 km) each way and features steep switchbacks and rocky terrain.

It’s important to prepare for hiking in the desert environment by bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear. Additionally, it’s important to stay on designated trails and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.