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Lake Powell, Arizona & Utah, USA

Lake Powell is located in one of Southern Utah’s most picturesque red-rock desert areas and in Arizona’s Navajo Indian Reservation. It is one of the USA’s most scenic reservoirs. At “full pond” (normal water level) it is the second-largest man-made reservoir in the USA by volume – but drought can reduce that. With 1,900 miles of shoreline, a temperate climate and 160,800 acres to explore, Lake Powell…
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    • All About Lake Powell, AZ/UT

    Lake Locations: USA - US Southwest Region - Arizona - North Central Arizona - US West Region - Utah - Canyonlands Region, UT - Color Country, UT -

    Lake Powell is located in one of Southern Utah’s most picturesque red-rock desert areas and in Arizona’s Navajo Indian Reservation. It is one of the USA’s most scenic reservoirs. At “full pond” (normal water level) it is the second-largest man-made reservoir in the USA by volume – but drought can reduce that. With 1,900 miles of shoreline, a temperate climate and 160,800 acres to explore, Lake Powell is a utopia for 3+ million visitors seeking recreational opportunities each year.

    Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Boating is the major drawing card. Fishing, diving, water skiing, hiking and camping are just some of the other possibilities. Open year round, many sun-seekers come to escape northern winters and to relax in the warmth, exploring spectacular side canyons and coves.

    With two National Forests, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, and Antelope Canyon nearby, Lake Powell is an ideal starting point for a day’s sightseeing and play. Lake Powell separates Arizona and Utah, providing a giant playground for both states’ residents – and for visitors from all of the USA.

    Under the auspices of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Lake Powell was formed by the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, impounding the Colorado River. Construction was completed in 1963. Lake Powell was completely filled 17 years later, in 1980. Lake Powell’s primary purpose is as a reservoir for the Upper Colorado Basin. By the Colorado River Compact, it must provide a specified amount of water to the Lower Colorado Basin states. Lake Powell acts as a “sponge” to Lake Mead, enabling Lake Mead to provide power and irrigation water to lower states. Glen Canyon Dam also produces hydropower. Spectacular recreation of all types is a byproduct of the dam and Lake Powell. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation operates and maintains the dam, power plant and reservoir, while the National Park Service administers Lake Powell.

    Boaters revel in the lake’s gorgeous waters. Fully stocked marinas dot the lake, some accessible only by boat. Everything from 75-foot houseboats to canoes and kayaks can be rented. Houseboating is common, with over 90 scenic canyons and coves to explore. Houseboats can be launched – or rented. Water sports abound with the warm climate, and at full pond boating can be enjoyed over 95% of Lake Powell. The remaining 5% is not navigable due to fluctuating shallow water levels. Launch ramps in both Arizona and Utah are conveniently accessible. For those without boats, cruises and boat sightseeing tours are plentiful.

    Anglers enjoy Lake Powell’s striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish and crappie. Fishing is open year round, except in posted areas. Fishing from a houseboat’s comfortable lounge is favored by many.

    Developed camping is available at many marinas. Some prefer piloting their boat or houseboat to a beautiful side canyon and roughing it. Camping possibilities are endless and memorable. There are no camping restrictions around Lake Powell, but be careful to note that the lake level can go up or down overnight. Follow the park’s instructions for tying up in the evening.

    Geocachers can find dozens of caches around the lake. Although some require steep rock climbs, many are easy to find, log and add to your total.

    Lake Powell provides a spectacular setting for all kinds of outdoor activities – and unforgettable memories.

    Things to Do at Lake Powell

    These are some activities in the Lake Powell, AZ/UT area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • National Park
    • National Forest
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Powell?

    Lake Powell has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Striped Bass
    • Sunfish
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Powell

    If you’re considering a Lake Powell lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Powell Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Powell lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Powell Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Not Known

    Water Level Control: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

    Surface Area: 160,800 acres

    Shoreline Length: 1,900 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 3,606 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 3,370 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 3,700 feet

    Average Depth: 132 feet

    Maximum Depth: 560 feet

    Water Volume: 27,000,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1963

    Drainage Area: 108,335 sq. miles

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    Lake Water Level
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