At its busiest you can barely see the water contained in Lake Powell. That’s because when tourist season starts the lake becomes a sea of houseboats and navigating its waters becomes a bit tricky. But, don’t let its popularity deter you from making the trip. Considered the second largest man-made lake in the United States, Lake Powell will take your breath away with its incredible scenery (yes, there are some houseboat-free areas).
For those of you unfamiliar with Lake Powell, it straddles the Utah-Arizona border by the Glen Canyon Dam and is the jewel of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. What’s more, it has been enchanting visitors since the 1960s. So why do visitors flock to the area year after year? Sure, there’s the crystal clear water… but even more impressive are the giant, 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, which frame the blue sky above and the water below.
Lake Powell is a jaw-dropping 186 miles long. (Did you know there is more coastline on Lake Powell than there is on the entire West Coast of the United States?) All that shoreline allows you the opportunity to spend the day fishing or leave land and hit the lake on a boat. My brother’s favorite Lake Powell activity—wake boarding. And, he’s not alone. Lake Powell is really recognized the world over as being one of the best places to wake board. Professional wake boarders flock to the lake each year and say the numerous fingers and canyons which stretching off it make it one of the most ideal locations to hone their craft.
Of course, you don’t have to be a professional wake boarder to enjoy all that Lake Powell has to offer. Personally, I think it’s the surrounding canyons that make Lake Powell so special. The finger canyons of Lake Powell, often referred to as slot canyons, are wonderful places to explore as a family. Once you get into one of the narrow red rock canyons you gain a new perspective on nature. Head out to Lake Powell and I think you’ll agree that the beauty of the lake and its surrounding makes it a must-see destination for families with children of all ages.
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