Sightseeing on Lake Powell
- Author
- Heather
- Category
- Destinations, Good News 'n Stuff, How To, Things to Do
Sightseeing on Lake Powell
Lake Powell is one of the most breathtaking and unique lakes in the US (though, we may be completely biased.) With over 1900 miles of shoreline, the lake is notorious for its size, awe-inspiring red rock canyons and formations, making it the top houseboat destination in the country!
Situated on the Utah/Arizona border and part of the Colorado River system, Lake Powell spans more than 95 miles along the main channel with hundreds of channels and large bays to explore. Lake Powell is equipped with 3 full service marinas: Wahweap and Antelope Point on the south end of the lake in Page, Arizona, as well as the Bullfrog Marina on the northern end of the lake. Each offer houseboat and other watercraft/toy rentals, fuel docks, and marina stores.
You can't really go wrong on Lake Powell. Wherever you end up on the lake, here are a couple of ideas of sites to see while you're there:
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One of the most popular sights along the lake is Rainbow Bridge Natural Monument, about 50 miles from either Wahweap/Antelope Point marinas on the southern end of the lake or Bullfrog Marina on the northern end.
Rainbow Bridge was dubbed as the "rainbow turned to stone" by the Navajo people. The sandstone bridge stands 290 feet high, making it the tallest natural bridge in the world! The water level will bring you within an easy 1-2 mile hike to the bridge from a courtesy dock where you can park your powerboat.
Don't miss a dinosaur track, likely a Dilophosaurus, which lies in the second viewing area closest to the bridge. There's also a petroglyph from the late 19th century/early 20th located to the left of the trail about 50 yards from the second viewing area. You will see numbers and an animal.
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By houseboat, Padre Bay (buoy 19-23/about 2.5 hours by houseboat from Wahweap) is the largest bay on Lake Powell. It stretches seven miles across and nine miles long. This area is surrounded by gorgeous rock formations: Cookie Jar Butte, Gunsight Butte, Dominguez Butte, Tower Butte, and Boundary Butte. (You could say, this area is a "butte".)
Within Padre Bay are several canyons: Kane Creek, Kane Wash, Gunsight, Padre, Labyrinth, and Face Canyon, with endless offshoots great for parking a houseboat or exploring by kayak or paddleboard.
Fun Fact: Padre Bay is home to historical "Crossing of the Fathers", where Franciscan priests Dominguez and Escalante found a place to cross the Colorado River in November 1776 on their expedition. The crossing is now 400 feet under water.
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On the northern end of the lake, beach your boat in Forgotten Canyon (buoy 106/1.5 hours by houseboat from Bullfrog) and take a short 20 minute hike to the Defiance House (aka Forgotten Canyon) ruins. You can get up close to these Puebloan dwellings dating back to 1250AD and see mural-like paintings, bowls, and other artifacts.*(To preserve this amazing site for years to come, please do not touch or otherwise disturb petroglyphs or artifacts.)
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Since the closure of Dangling Rope Marina, a former fuel stop mid-lake, all marinas are recommending the houseboats stay within a ~25 mile radius of the marina to ensure adequate fuel and to stay within radio range. We highly recommend having a powerboat, pontoon, or other watercraft will give you more range for exploring.
They're not just good for exploration, they're great for water sports as well: water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and kayaking are just a few ideas of ways to enhance your lake experience. The best time for these activities is in the morning and early evening when the waters are glassy and smooth. With our large selection of houseboats, powerboats and water toys we are sure to have the right rental(s) to meet your needs.
Lake Powell Watercraft and Toys

No matter your age, activity level or interest, there is something on a Lake Powell houseboat vacation for everyone!
Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or fill out a Contact Form and an agent will reach out to you to help you make it uniquely yours.