Lake Powell: A History of Beauty, Recreation and Resources

Created by the Glen Canyon Dam, picturesque Lake Powell encompasses almost 2000 miles of shoreline and spans an impressive 186 miles in length. It's so massive that it took almost 14 years to fill the lake after the dam's completion in 1963, and another four years to reach its capacity. Since then, the Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Recreational Area have become a premier attraction for millions of annual visitors from around the globe.

History of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Historic evidence indicates that the Navajo people called these lands home thousands of years ago, but not much notice was given to the glories of the region until explorations by Europeans came calling in the late 1800s. After John Wesley Powell, a Civil War veteran explored the area near Grand Wash Cliffs it was 15 years before ferry boat service was established across the Colorado River areas that Powell traversed.

Almost 20 years later, the first non-natives happened upon what is known as Rainbow Bridge – the world's largest stone bridge constructed entirely by nature – somewhere around 1909 by the Douglas-Cummings journeymen. This spectacular wonder stands almost 300 feet above the streambed and spans an impressive 278 feet wide, and it is arguably the most visited Lake Powell attraction today.

However, Lake Powell didn't even exist at that time and accessing Rainbow Bridge and the other bounties of the region were difficult and time-consuming. In 1956, construction began on the Glen Canyon Dam under orders by President Dwight Eisenhower. By 1963, Glen Canyon Dam's diversion tunnels were shut off, allowing Lake Powell to begin filling up – a task that would take many years.

Eventually, the lake was named after Major John Wesley Powell, the initial explorer of the region who led two expeditions here. By 1966 generated power was a reality, and in 1972 the official establishment of Glen Canyon National Recreational Area took place.

Activities and Attractions at Lake Powell & Glen Canyon

The crystal blue waters of Lake Powell and the oft-temperate climate make this place a haven for water enthusiasts, particularly scuba divers. What better place on earth is there to launch popular lake activities such as swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, and scuba diving than from a houseboat or speedboat on picture-perfect Lake Powell?

Houseboating Lake Powell – Create an unforgettable experience in the desert with a remarkable Lake Powell Houseboat vacation! With more than 17 types of houseboats on Lake Powell to choose from, there's a vessel boasting the comfort and luxury any traveler seeks. Three marina locations make renting a houseboat on Lake Powell simple, so whether travelers want to cruise for a day, a week, or a month, they'll find just what they need with ease.

Northern Lake Powell Attractions – Beach that boat along stunning Forgotten Canyon, and hike 20 minutes to step 700 years back in time. Discover the ruins of Defiance House and its ancient mural-like painting and prehistoric bowls – complete with petrified food scraps. Another attraction just minutes from the Bullfrog Marina is the Cathedral in the Desert located along Lake Powell's Escalante Arm. Arrive at this top boating destination, tie off, and then head into the massive chamber where thousand-foot sandstone walls tower above.

Southern Lake Powell Activities and Sights – Navajo Canyon is one of Lake Powell's longest major side canyons and was once a Colorado River tributary. Twisting and meandering almost 16 miles along walls reaching 600 feet, Navajo Canyon features fascinating erosion patterns that are dubbed as Navajo Tapestries. Antelope Canyon promises more enticing adventures to draw in visitors, and boaters enjoy easy access to the best canyons in the park.

Rainbow Bridge – Also within the southern reaches of the park, Rainbow Bridge is perhaps the region's most sacred place. An official National Monument as of 1910, Rainbow Bridge's perceived purposes, ancient lore, and haunting stories are best heard through a tour or with a Navajo guide within the park.

Lodging at Lake Powell & Glen Canyon

Those looking for lodging at Lake Powell on a houseboat have two phenomenal choices recommended by visitors. One Lake Powell houseboat rental provider is the Wahweap & Bullfrog Marina and the second option is the amazing Antelope Point Marina. Both offer a superior selection of fully equipped houseboat rentals on Lake Powell that accommodate families of all sizes, yet Antelope Point's offerings are known for their over-the-top luxury amenities and larger vessels.

The Lake Powell Resort at the Wahweap Marina is the ideal respite for landlubbers who opt to skip the houseboat experience. Right in the heart of the action and just minutes from Page, Arizona, the Lake Powell Resort features restaurants, spa services, and offers guided tours and adventures on land and water for guests.

The gorgeous views over Bullfrog Bay and Lake Powell from the Defiance House Lodge are only surpassed by the properties fantastically remodeled rooms and its proximity to all the modern conveniences of home. This low-key lodging at Lake Powell allows guests to focus on outdoor excursions, rather than in-room distractions.