Your bags are packed, skin lathered up with SPF 50 sunscreen to combat the 107 F degree weather, water bottles filled with ice cold beverages…you’re ready for Lake Powell!
While technically a reservoir on the Colorado River, Lake Powell is a beloved getaway destination that spans the border between Utah and Arizona. Getting to Lake Powell can be quite a feat, no matter which direction you’re coming from…even with multiple marina options, such as Bullfrog and Wahweap.
Below you’ll find my top 10 things to do at Lake Powell, without having to get back into a vehicle and drive!
#1 WATCH THE SUNRISE OVER LAKE POWELL
There is nothing quite like sitting in the wee hours of the morning, watching the sky slowly and almost imperceptibly lighten. And, to be honest, the sun rises so early over Lake Powell, you’ll find it difficult to stay asleep after it peeks over the horizon.
If you’re feeling up to it, why not hop on a kayak or paddle board and make your way into the water to sit and watch the sunrise?
Waking up with the sun is the best way to start off a fun-filled day on the lake!
#2 STAR GAZE OVER LAKE POWELL
Even with a full moon, constellations and planets are littered across the sky. Galaxies are painted across the heavens in a way that only a master artist can achieve.
Starting with Polaris (also known as the North Star), trace the constellations with your gaze, recounting the vanity of Cassiopeia, the heroes Hercules and Orion, and discover all of the House of Black characters’ name-sakes from Harry Potter (Andromeda, Sirius, Draco, etc.).
And if you’re lucky, you might see a few planets, the international space station, and shooting stars!
“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.”
Bill Watterson
#3 PLAY ON LAKE POWELL’S ENDLESS BEACHES
One of the benefits of being completely surrounded by water on Lake Powell is the endless stretches of soft sand, ready to be manipulated into creatures, chairs, and castles. Never underestimate the creativity of someone with nothing but two hands and an imagination, surrounded by a blank landscape.
Brought a shovel? Dig a huge hole and take a break from the sun. Have a toddler? Instant playground. Are you a shell collector? You’d be surprised how many shells are scattered around, still fully intact.
Toss around a football. Fling a frisbee. Spikeball. Soccer. Badminton. Almost any type of sport is infinitely more exciting playing on the shore of a beautiful lake, toes squidging in the sand.
#4 HIKE
There are tons of options to hike around the lake. Avoid the heat of the day and opt for a sunrise/morning or evening hike. Summit the numerous mounds offering a more elevated view of the lake.
If you choose to hike around, make sure to bring plenty of water, a head covering (like a hat, bandana, or wrap), and wear shoes. Although hiking around barefoot sounds like a great idea, keep in mind that Lake Powell is in the desert. There are desert plants with sneaky-sharp barbs and stickers that will make a grown man weep like a Belieber.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my sense put in order.”
John Burroughs
#5 PADDLE BOARD ON LAKE POWELL
Have you ever paddle boarded on a body of water that was so smooth, you looked down and could see your own reflection in the glassy surface? Or have to shield your eyes because the reflection of the early-morning sun is so brilliantly illuminated?
Even if you don’t have the best core strength or balance, I would highly encourage you to give paddle boarding a shot! If you haven’t tried it before, DO IT! You’ll never know if you like it or not until you’ve put yourself out there.
AND if you don’t want to stand up paddle board (SUP), you can kneel or sit on the paddle board and still have a memorable experience!
*Pro tip: the winds across Lake Powell tend to pick up during the afternoon and early evening. I’d highly recommend avoiding these times to SUP far away from your camp, as you’ll have to battle the wind on your way back…and just might find yourself drifting to another shore!
#6 KAYAK ON LAKE POWELL
Not comfortable paddle boarding? Hop on a kayak and comfortably work your way along the coastline. The best part? You can bring along a friend!
Have someone in your group that isn’t necessarily able to strike out on their own? Plop them into your kayak and help them become more acquainted with the water! Pretend you’re an early explorer and traversing some untamed waterway.
Or, you know, get in a great upper-body workout while having a blast!
#7 GO BOATING
Of course, no trip to Lake Powell would be complete without a few boating adventures. Whether you’re pulling a tube, skis, or kneeboard, feeling that warm air whip around your hair is the quickest way to bring life back into your current hairstyle!
The beauty of Lake Powell is that it is ever-changing. Water levels rise and drop daily, creating new hidden coves to explore, islands appear and disappear, and passageways become passable.
Just remember to keep in mind that if you choose to go boating during the early morning or late evening, please be respectful to those around you. There’s nothing fun about waking up to a noisy boat before dawn with all of the occupants screaming and blasting music that isn’t to your taste!
#8 SWIM IN LAKE POWELL
During the summer months, the air temperature surrounding Lake Powell is constantly 100+ F degrees. What better way to cool off than throwing yourself headfirst into the water?
Depending on the time of day and the position of the sun, the water in Lake Powell will change from emerald green to sapphire blue, making any swimmer feel like they’re in a Disney movie (except no Flounder or Sebastian to keep company)!
#9 CAMP
If you love to camp, good on ya! Pack a tent for your trip to Lake Powell and pitch on the sandy beach. Wake up every morning with the warm sunrise, stumble out of the opening, and walk right into the cool water.
Keep in mind that the winds across Lake Powell tend to pick up during the middle of the day and can be strong at times. Make sure that you anchor your tent down at multiple points to avoid a tent collapse! If you don’t have deep anchors, you can usually find some larger rocks to help tie everything down securely.
Are you a solo traveler? Want to have a truly magical and one-of-a-kind experience? Check out this post from My Life’s a Travel Movie about Alyssa’s experience solo camping!
“Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.”
Walt Whitman
#10 STAY ON A HOUSE BOAT
The penultimate adventure to have when visiting Lake Powell is to stay on a house boat! Sleep on the top under the moon and stars. Slide off the back into the clear blue (or green) water. Escape the blazing heat. Take the comforts of home with you as you beach-hop your way up and down the shores of the lake.
Keep in mind – just because you’re staying in a house boat doesn’t mean that you have to spend all of your time in it! The temperature at the lake scorches, so do yourself a favor and prepare your meals outside in a dutch oven or grill!
Did you find this article helpful? What activities would you include in your top 10 things to do at Lake Powell?
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