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The scenery on the drive from Las Cruces, New Mexico to Page, Arizona changes frequently from sparse desert scrub to soft mountain vistas as the back roads slide quickly into the rear view mirror. Long before the magically changing southwest landscape gets boring, you find yourself in Page, a town that exists because of Lake Powell. After a quick excursion through the community of about 7,000, take a short drive across the 710-foot tall Glen Canyon Dam into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The $5 entry fee into the recreation area belies its size. It’s hard to comprehend that you’re entering a protected area of land and water of over one million acres.
The ultimate destination of Lake Powell is surrounded by this desert and canyon area and stretches almost 200 miles through northern Arizona and Utah. Fed by the Colorado River, Lake Powell takes on enormous proportions. When you think about a lake, seldom would you think of over 161,390 surface acres of water. This is a big lake! If you took the 1,960 miles of shoreline in Lake Powell and stretched it out, it would be longer than the shoreline of California, Oregon, and Washington put together. It’s also deep, averaging 400 to 500 feet, which gives it a fabulous deep blue color under equally brilliant blue skies.
A short drive past the dam takes you to Wahweap Lodge and Marina where Steve Ward, the Director of Public Relations at Lake Powell Resorts & Marina will be our guide as we explore the ancient canyons and waterways of Lake Powell. Wahweap is in Arizona while the majority of the lake is in Utah but you quickly forget about traditional boundaries and shift into serious vacation mode when you leave the dock.
The 59-foot Admiral Class boat we’re taking out may not be as luxurious as the Queen Mary but a tour of the interior will certainly make you believe it’s as large. Four queen size beds and a queen sofa sleeper provide bunks for 10 but the boat is rated for 12 passengers. Two bathrooms, two single bed staterooms and a double bed sleeping room make up the private areas. A full size kitchen, dining and living area fills out the rest of the interior space. There’s a huge upper deck that’s half covered and would be my choice for sleeping in good weather. Fortunately, the weather is almost always good at Lake Powell. Where else can you get a Sunshine Guarantee that promises a free day of house boating if you have a cloudy day? Rain is scarce and you can count on a great sunset to end your day. When you’re not sleeping or lounging on the upper deck, zip down the water slide into some of the clearest, cleanest lake water on earth.
Part of the rental can include a speedboat with a capacity of 8. The ideal way to explore the lake is to find a secluded beach in one of the 96 canyons and anchor the houseboat to the beach. Hop into the speedboat and start to explore some of that extended shoreline. Don’t forget to stop every once in a while and do a little exploring on foot. Half the beauty of Lake Powell is in the rock wall canyons sculpted by thousands of years of wind and water. One of my favorite places was near Cookie Jar Butte. Large naturally formed pools fill with water a deep azure color and look like perfect swimming holes on a hot day. Make sure there is an easy exit before you jump in. Some of the pools have steep, slick walls.
The most famous landmark on the lake is Rainbow Bridge and unless you want to make a pretty long hike through rough terrain, it’s best approached by boat. This is the world’s largest natural bridge and has been a sacred site to Native Americans since long before the lake made it accessible to the rest of the world. It spans 275 feet and arches to a height of 290 feet. The top of the bridge is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide. The approach through narrow, tall canyons hides the bridge from view until you turn the last corner and tie up at the floating dock. It’s about a quarter mile walk along the dock and another quarter mile walk to the viewing area but it’s more than worth it. You really can’t imagine the size of this bridge until you are standing below it looking up. Plan a little extra time here to sit along the rock wall of the canyon and listen to the sound of the wind and water and you’ll understand why it’s always been a sacred place. There are plenty of cheerful birds to add to the natural symphony and if you are still long enough, you’ll discover a teaming neighborhood of wildlife.
Bring your own food and supplies or for a small fee, the marina staff will fill your shopping list and have the groceries stowed away when you arrive. This is a real bargain and timesaver when vacation days are all too short anyway. Not too far up the lake is Dangling Rope Marina for those last minute items you forgot to list. Dangling Rope is a pretty unusual marina. It’s only accessible by water and everything is brought in and out by boat including the gasoline they sell. One of the things you have to do on a trip to Lake Powell is go to Dangling Rope Marina and buy a loaf of bread in the marina store. Walk out anywhere along the docks and start to toss pieces of bread into the water. In a few seconds, the water will become a teaming mass of huge, greedy, open-mouthed Carp all trying to get their share of the bounty. This is as delightful for adults as it is for children and shouldn’t be missed.
A highlight of any visit to Lake Powell is a guided scenic half-day or full-day tour that can be booked through the Wahweap Marina. You can sit topside and enjoy an elevated view as your host explains the geological marvels around you. Dinner cruises are also available on the nostalgic 95-foot Canyon King Paddlewheeler.
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Log cabin in the Pinetop - Arizona Planning A Trip To Costa Rica? Check With Us. You May Be Paying Too Much Or Getting Too Little For Your Vacation Dollar. We have been maximizing vacat... Accommodation: Vacation Rentals > Northeast > Arizona |
US $125 - 175 |
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Mountain Log Home in the Pines Nice log home located in Pinetop Arizona. This property has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and will sleep 10+ people. Enjoy the views from the large deck... Accommodation: Vacation Rentals > Northeast > Arizona |
US $185 Night/Room |
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Secluded Foothills B & B Nestled in the beautiful foothills desert a private guestroom offers you seclusion and convenience. At night listen to the sounds of desert wildlife w... Accommodation: Bed & Breakfasts > Northeast > Arizona |
US $100 Night |
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Devon Hiking Spa in Tucson, Arizona Join us in Tucson, Arizona for a fun hiking and health spa vacation. Our all-inclusive, five-night program provides you with luxurious accommodations,... Accommodation: Health Spas/Retreats > South: Tucson > Arizona |
US $2,900 Week |
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Luxury Furnished Scottsdale Condo for Rent Booking for Winter Season Now !!! This is a 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo located at Montage in a private gated community. The condo was built in 2003 a... Accommodation: Vacation Rentals > Central: Scottsdale > Arizona |
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Cameldale This patio home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, mountain views, fireplace, vaulted ceilings, balcony, patio, fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, microwa... Accommodation: Vacation Rentals > Central: Scottsdale > Arizona |
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Horseback riding for couples Foothills Ranch: Enjoy the beauty of the mountains near Prescott, Az on horse back. "Sweet Heart" rides, custom rides and family rides. No nose to tai... Active: Horseback Riding > Central: Prescott > Arizona |
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Grand Canyon Tours and Hikes See Canyons, Not Crowds. World Class Guides. Spectacular Vistas.... Tour: Sight-Seeing Tour > Central > Arizona |
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ARIZONA'S PRIVATE COACH LIMOS.COM AZ'S PRIVATE COACH LIMOS has everything you need to experience Arizona and the surroundding area.From our Executive First class,Sedan Service with n... Tour: Sight-Seeing Tour > Central > Arizona |
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