How to Spend Three Days at Lake Powell

South Lake Powell

Lake Powell, in southern Utah and northern Arizona, is a natural wonderland that is difficult to describe with words. You have to see the rock formations, the canyons, and the mesas to truly understand this magnificent place. You will need years to see all there is to see at the lake, especially since it changes every year as the water level rises and drops and the seasons change. Spend three days at Lake Powell to get a feel for it, and you’ll want to go back again and again.

Things You'll Need

• Lake map
• Camping gear
• Houseboat or ski boat
• Swimsuit
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Hat

Instructions

1. Plan to camp on the lake, if you can. There are motels in every town nearby, but you’re just not going to get the same experience as you will if you actually get out on the lake, away from town to enjoy the water, the red cliffs and the rock formations. This lake has a huge shoreline and it’s not difficult to find a secluded beach where you can tie up and camp.

2. Alternatively, rent a houseboat, or tag along with a friend who has a boat. You can rent just about anything, including a ski boat or a party barge, for any number of days and reduce the per-person cost if you share. Try to get a boat with a water slide–it’s a water park right on the back of the boat. Pack a couple of swimming suits, a cover-up and a towel.

3. Get on the lake on day one and look for a great beach for camping. Don’t forget to admire your surroundings as you travel up the lake; that’s what this trip is all about. When you find your beach, anchor your boat according to the instructions you got from the rental folks. Set up camp and spend some time exploring your immediate surroundings.

4. Spend days two and three enjoying life on the lake; this is a low-stress experience. Watch the sun rise and set over the lake. Get in the water; Lake Powell water is remarkably warm, especially in July and August. If you’re camped in a quiet cove, swim around or take a small inflatable raft and paddle around to explore. Build a campfire on the beach and roast marshmallows. This can be one of the most relaxing trips you’ll ever take.

5. On day 2, bust out the personal watercraft or ski boat and go exploring. You won’t want to take the houseboat out again unless you absolutely have to, and you do want to see as much of the lake as you can. That huge flat water is perfect for wake boards and water skis. In the evening, pull out the binoculars and survey the birds and the trees.

6. Stay on the lake as late as you can on your third day; you may not have a chance to get back to it for a while. Rather than waste a perfectly good lake day, stretch it out. Have a leisurely coffee on deck in the morning. Zip down the water slide. Play in the water on your inflatable toys. Improve your photography skills, using the lake as your backdrop.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to weather reports and take shelter from severe storms.

• Watch the little ones every minute of the day.

• Play safely around power boats.

Resources

• Glen Canyon and Lake Powell
• Antelope Point Marina