Lake Powell, AZ-UT

Top Rocks

copyright, Lake Powell
Resorts and Marinas/
David Schmidt

The 186-mile-long Lake Powell (and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area) is packed with attractions from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona to the mouth of the Colorado River in Utah. Some of our favorites include:

• Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Considered a sacred religious site by Native Americans, this natural sandstone bridge spanning 275 feet is located in Utah, about 50 miles from Wahweap, and best reached by boat.
• Hole-in-the-Rock. In 1879, hardy pioneers cut and blasted open this rock in order to drive 1,500 head of livestock to the canyon bottom. The best way to see it is by boat. From the water, you can gaze up and get a great view of the giant, man-made crevice in the rock. It's located 28 miles down-lake from Bullfrog Marina.
• Defiance House. In these well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the Anasazis, you can view pictographs of three "defiant" warriors. The alcove is also lined with rock art panels and "anthropomorphs," animal-like figures with human characteristics. Located in Utah's Forgotten Canyon between Halls Crossing and Hite Marinas, the site is an easy hike from the water.
• Glen Canyon Dam. Free guided tours of the dam and power plant tell the story of Lake Powell's birth. Tours start from the adjacent Visitors' Center.