For hundreds of thousands of years, the Colorado River roared through Glen Canyon, carving a tremendous canyon through the sandstone. In 1963, the Glen Canyon Dam was completed and impounded the Colorado, turning the wild beauty of Glen Canyon into popular Lake Powell -- a vast body of deep blue water contained within orange-red cliff walls.
Lake Powell offers excellent opportunities for houseboat vacations and fishing. In summer, when water temperatures climb to a comfortable 70-80 degrees, swimming and water skiing become very popular. Lake Powell has a myriad of side canyons that narrow to just a boat width as they twist away from the main channel and make for fascinating exploration. Many visitors are content to just cruise its waters by houseboat and spend nights on its beaches under the stars. Hiking from the lake into the very rugged environs of Glen Canyon Recreation Area is an option for the adventurous.
The lake covers a large area in south central Utah. Its 1,960 miles of shoreline (more than the United States' entire west coast) stretch 180 miles northeast from the Utah/Arizona border. Three highways provide access at four different points. At each access point is a marina.
To learn more about Lake Powell, select a topic of interest from the list to the left.
Entrance Fees
1-7 Day Vehicle Pass - $15
1-7 Day Individual Permit - $7 per person
Individual Permit (organized non-profit groups) - $7 per person
Glen Canyon NRA Annual Pass - $30
** Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free. **
Boating Fees
$30 - annual vessel permit valid from Jan 1- Dec 31 for each motorized vessel
$16 - valid 1-7 days for first motorized vessel
$8 - valid 1-7 days for each additional motorized vessel
**All National Park Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.**
