Lake Powell

Some people say that Lake Powell offers some of the finest water recreation opportunities in the world. Lake Powell is the the second largest man-made lake in the United States, and visitors can bring their own watercraft or choose to rent houseboats, personal watercraft, powerboats, kayaks and other water toys.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a vast panorama of human history.

History

In 1869 Major John Wesley Powell led an expedition into the area as he explored the area that is now officially known as the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Lake Powell is 186 miles from end to end and has nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline (exceeding that of west coast of the United States). With over 90 major canyons, Lake Powell offers plenty of space to find your own solitude.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

One of the natural wonders of the world, the bridge has been formed by erosion of the sandstone by water flowing from Navajo Mountain towards the Colorado River. The bridge was officially “discovered” by the Douglas-Cummings surveyor party in 1909. Until the formation of Lake Powell, the bridge was several miles up Bridge Canyon from the shores of the Colorado River, and it was one of the most remote and inaccessible regions in the United States. Today, the shores of Lake Powell, which flooded Glen Canyon, now bring boaters to its base.

Rising up at the edge of Lake Powell, it may be reached by boat, on foot, or on horseback. Rainbow Bridge is located 50 boat miles northeast of Wahweap Marina. Boat cruises from Wahweap or Bullfrog Marinas are offered daily. Except for a courtesy boat dock there are no services.

Trailheads to Rainbow Bridge may be reached via unpaved roads on the Navajo Indian Reservation south of Lake Powell. Hikers must have a permit from the Navajo Nation. The most commonly used trails are the 14-mile trail from the Navajo Mountain Trading Post or the 13-mile trail from the abandoned Rainbow Lodge. Scenic flights over Rainbow Bridge can be arranged at Bullfrog and Wahweap. The best times to hike are April, May early June, September and October.