Lake Powell
Reservoir Large reservoir on the Colorado River, dramatic canyons
Formed by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, Lake Powell’s red-sandstone canyons and houseboating routes attract boaters, anglers and kayakers along Utah-Arizona shores.
Lake Powell is a large reservoir on the Colorado River that straddles the Utah-Arizona border in the southwestern United States. It was created when the Colorado was impounded by Glen Canyon Dam during the 1960s and is managed as part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The reservoir extends into numerous side canyons and has a highly irregular shoreline that supports marinas, houseboating and backcountry boating. The lake provides regional water storage and hydroelectric power through the dam while also being one of the major recreational reservoirs in the American Southwest.
Access towns such as Page, Arizona, serve as primary gateways for lake services, boat rentals and guided trips into the canyon country.
- Formation: Formed by impoundment of the Colorado River behind Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s and managed within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Recreation: Extensive shoreline and canyon country make the lake a major destination for boating, houseboating and water-based recreation across Utah and Arizona.
What to See #
- Glen Canyon Dam: The concrete dam on the Colorado River that impounds the river to form the reservoir; construction was completed in the 1960s and the structure is the reason the lake exists.
How to Get to Lake Powell #
Main access is via Page, Arizona (U.S. Highway 89). Glen Canyon Dam and Wahweap Marina are nearest public boat launch areas. Private boaters and houseboat renters typically launch from Wahweap or Antelope Point; reservations recommended in high season.
Tips for Visiting Lake Powell #
- Reserve houseboat or boat permits well in advance for summer - demand is high.
- Watch weather forecasts: high winds can make boating dangerous and create choppy waters.
- Visit by kayak or small boat to reach slot canyons and quieter inlets; many dramatic views require water access.
Best Time to Visit Lake Powell #
Spring and autumn balance pleasant temperatures with lower crowds; summer is popular but very hot.
Weather & Climate near Lake Powell #
Lake Powell's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Almost no rain.
.jpg?width=600)
