Lake Powell, Arizona & Utah
Lake Powell is a reservoir on the Colorado River created by Glen Canyon Dam in 1963. It stretches 186 miles from the dam near Page, Arizona, upriver into Utah, with 96 major side canyons and roughly 2,000 miles of shoreline. The lake sits within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is federal land managed by the National Park Service. Most visitors access the lake from two marinas near Page: Wahweap, on the Arizona side, and Antelope Point, slightly uplake on the main channel.
The lake is not a natural feature. It is a water storage reservoir for the Upper Colorado River Basin states — Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico — and it generates hydroelectric power at Glen Canyon Dam. Its water level fluctuates seasonally and has trended downward over the past two decades. As of mid-year, the reservoir sits at approximately 3,526 feet in elevation, about 174 feet below its full pool level of 3,700 feet. For visitors, this means some boat ramps are shortened or closed, shoreline access points have shifted, and the band of exposed sandstone above the waterline is wider than it was historically. The lake remains fully open for recreation, but you should check current ramp and facility status before booking a boat rental or launching your own vessel.
The Marinas
Two marinas serve the Page area. They are run by different operators, charge different entrance fees, and offer slightly different services.
Wahweap Marina
Wahweap is the older and larger of the two marinas, located 5.5 miles from Glen Canyon Dam along Lakeshore Drive. It is operated by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. Services include a lodge, restaurant, gift shop, campground with hook-ups, laundry, showers, a service station, and full marina services: slips, buoys, boat rentals, tours, repairs, dry storage, and fueling. The launch ramp here is typically the most reliable on the south end of the lake, though it is still affected by low water levels.
Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The America the Beautiful National Parks pass is accepted.
Distance from Page: Roughly 7 miles, or a 15-minute drive.
Antelope Point Marina
Antelope Point is the newer marina, located approximately 5 miles uplake from the dam on the main channel. It is operated by the Navajo Nation through Antelope Point Holdings. The marina has a public launch ramp, day-use area, 14-day parking, and a dump station. Services include boat rentals, valet launching, slip rental, boat repair, pump-out, a restaurant, snack bar, and a small convenience store. The marina also has an RV park with full hookups.
Antelope Point is typically less congested than Wahweap and has a wider approach channel, which makes it easier to navigate for newer boaters. The Jádí'tooh Floating Restaurant is the largest floating restaurant on the lake and serves Southwest-inspired food with live music on weekends during peak season.
Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days. The National Parks pass is also accepted here.
Distance from Page: Roughly 10 minutes east on Highway 98, then a short drive down to the marina.
| Wahweap Marina | Antelope Point Marina | |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas | Antelope Point Holdings (Navajo Nation) |
| Distance from Page | ~7 miles (15 min) | ~8 miles (15 min) |
| Entrance fee | $35/vehicle (7 days) | $30/vehicle (7 days) |
| Lodging | Lake Powell Resort (hotel rooms) | RV park only |
| Restaurant | Wahweap Grille, lounge | Jádí'tooh Floating Restaurant, snack bar |
| Launch ramp | Main ramp + auxiliary | 3-lane concrete ramp |
| Valet launch | Available | Available ($50 launch + $50 retrieval) |
| Crowds | Busier | Less congested |
Activities on the Water
Boat Rentals
Both marinas rent powerboats, pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. You do not need a boating license to rent a powerboat on Lake Powell, but you must be at least 18 years old (some operators require 21) and have a valid driver's license. All renters must complete a safety briefing and watch a safety video before departure. A damage deposit is required, and you must sign a liability waiver.
Powerboat rentals are available by the hour or by the day, though full-day reservations are recommended in summer. Hourly rentals are typically walk-in only and require a 2-hour minimum. Fuel is not included — boats depart with a full tank and you must return them full or pay a refueling charge.
Rough rental price ranges:
- Small pontoon boat (half-day): $400–$550
- Large pontoon boat (full-day): $725–$825
- Deck boat (full-day): ~$550
- Jet ski (hourly): ~$94; (full-day): ~$435
All Lake Powell marina locations operate as cash-free businesses. Credit and debit cards are accepted.
Houseboat Rentals
Houseboats are the signature Lake Powell experience. They range from basic 44-foot models sleeping 6 to luxury 75-foot models sleeping 12 or more, with full kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, and upper-deck slides. The minimum rental is typically 3 days, though 5- to 7-day trips are more common. Summer bookings should be made 2 to 4 months in advance.
You do not need a special license to drive a houseboat. The rental facility provides a 30- to 45-minute orientation covering operation, anchoring, and safety. Houseboats use a pin-anchor system — you cannot drop a traditional anchor. The rental staff will explain how to secure the boat in a cove for the night.
Houseboats are slow — cruising speed is roughly 5–8 mph — so plan your itinerary conservatively. A round-trip from Wahweap to Rainbow Bridge and back is a full-day journey and not practical on a houseboat unless you have multiple days.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Kayaks and paddleboards offer access to side canyons too narrow for powerboats. Both marinas rent kayaks and paddleboards by the hour or day. If you have your own kayak, you can launch from either marina ramp or from the Antelope Point Launch Ramp for a lower fee. A popular paddle is into the lower end of Antelope Canyon from the lake — a roughly 5-mile round-trip on open water that reaches the slot canyon's dry wash. See our kayaking Lake Powell guide for specific routes and safety tips.
Fishing
Lake Powell is known for striped bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. You need either a Utah or Arizona fishing license — one license is valid for the entire lake. You do not need both. Licenses are available online, at Arizona Game and Fish or Utah Division of Wildlife Resources offices, and at many convenience stores.
Key regulations for Lake Powell:
- Striped bass: No daily limit
- Walleye: No daily limit
- Smallmouth bass: Limit 20
- Largemouth bass: Limit 5
- Crappie: Limit 10
- Channel catfish: Limit 25
If you catch a bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, or razorback sucker — all protected native species — release it immediately and do not handle it.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted at designated beaches and from boats. There are no lifeguards at most swimming areas. Water temperatures range from the 50s in winter to the 70s in summer. The reservoir's water level affects which beaches are accessible — some coves that were popular swimming spots a decade ago are now dry land.
Current Water Level and What It Means
Lake Powell's water level changes daily based on snowmelt, downstream releases, and upstream inflows. As of mid-year, the reservoir sits at approximately 3,526 feet — about 174 feet below full pool and roughly 30 feet above the minimum power pool elevation of 3,490 feet. The Bureau of Reclamation publishes daily updates.
For visitors, the practical effects of low water include:
- Boat ramps: Some ramps are shortened, extended, or closed. Halls Crossing Launch Ramp has been periodically inoperable. Check the National Park Service's current ramp status before you arrive.
- Marina facilities: Floating docks, walkways, and pump-out stations may shift or be relocated as the water drops. Fuel dock hours can change.
- Channels: Narrower channels mean increased boat congestion in some areas. Submerged rocks and sandbars that were deep underwater years ago are now hazards.
- Shoreline camping: The shoreline has shifted. Some former beach campsites are now high and dry. New beaches have emerged in other areas.
The National Park Service has adapted by extending ramps, relocating docks, and posting current conditions online. Recreation continues year-round. The key is to check status before you go rather than assuming conditions are the same as the last time you visited or the last time a friend visited.
Getting to Lake Powell from Page
To Wahweap Marina: From downtown Page, drive west on Lake Powell Boulevard, which becomes Lakeshore Drive. Follow the signs for 5.5 miles. The road is paved and suitable for all vehicles.
To Antelope Point Marina: From Page, drive east on Highway 98 for approximately 6 miles. Turn left at the signed entrance and follow the paved road down to the marina.
To Lone Rock Beach: From Page, drive west on Highway 89 for approximately 12 miles. Turn left at the signed entrance. The road is sand and gravel — high-clearance vehicles are recommended, though standard cars can usually make it in dry conditions.
Shoreline Access Without a Boat
You do not need to rent a boat to experience Lake Powell. Several shoreline access points are reachable by car:
- Lone Rock Beach: A popular beach on the Utah side, accessible via a sand road off Highway 89. Swimming, camping, and wading are permitted. The road can be soft — 4WD is recommended but not always required.
- Wahweap Swim Beach: Near the Wahweap Marina, accessible by foot from the campground and day-use area.
- Antelope Point Day-Use Area: Picnic tables, restrooms, and shoreline access near the marina.
- Lees Ferry: Downstream from the dam on the Colorado River, not on the reservoir itself, but a scenic spot for wading and fishing.
How to Combine with Nearby Attractions
Lake Powell fits naturally into a Page-area itinerary:
- Glen Canyon Dam: The dam visitor center is on the way to Wahweap Marina. Stop first to orient yourself with the relief map of the reservoir.
- Horseshoe Bend: Five minutes south of the dam on Highway 89. Easy to combine with a morning at the lake.
- Antelope Canyon: Ten minutes east of Page on Highway 98. Most visitors do Antelope Canyon in the morning and Lake Powell in the afternoon, or vice versa.
- Lees Ferry: Forty minutes southeast on Highway 89A. The historic river crossing and rafting put-in is downstream from the dam.
- Rainbow Bridge: Accessible only by boat from Wahweap or Antelope Point, or by a long hike from the lake. Boat tours run regularly in summer.
Rules and Safety
- Life jackets: Required for all children under 12 on boats. Strongly recommended for everyone. Must be worn by all personal watercraft operators.
- Float plan: File a float plan with the marina or a friend before heading out. Cell service is spotty on the lake.
- Anchoring: Houseboats use a pin-anchor system. Do not attempt to use a traditional anchor. The rental staff will demonstrate.
- No glass: Glass containers are prohibited on the lake.
- Fire restrictions: Check current fire restrictions before building a beach fire. Restrictions are common in summer.
- Zebra and quagga mussels: All boats must be inspected and decontaminated if necessary before launching. These invasive species threaten the reservoir's ecosystem.
- Alcohol: Permitted for passengers of legal age. The boat operator cannot drink.
- Swimming from boats: Legal and common. Ensure the engine is off and the boat is anchored or drifting safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lake Powell from Page, Arizona?
Wahweap Marina is roughly 7 miles and a 15-minute drive from downtown Page. Antelope Point Marina is roughly 8 miles and a 15-minute drive. Both are easily reachable by paved roads.
Can you swim in Lake Powell?
Yes, at designated beaches and from boats. There are no lifeguards at most swimming areas. Water temperatures range from the 50s in winter to the 70s in summer. Wear water shoes at rocky beaches.
Do you need a boat license for Lake Powell?
No. You do not need a boating license to rent a powerboat on Lake Powell. You must be at least 18 years old (21 at some operators), have a valid driver's license, and complete a mandatory safety briefing.
How much does it cost to rent a houseboat on Lake Powell?
Houseboat rentals start at roughly $1,500–$2,000 for a 3-day minimum in shoulder season and climb to $4,000–$6,000+ for a week in peak summer. Luxury models sleep 12 or more and cost significantly more. Book 2–4 months ahead for summer.
What is the water level at Lake Powell right now?
Lake Powell's water level changes daily. As of mid-year, the reservoir sits at approximately 3,526 feet — about 174 feet below full pool. Check the Bureau of Reclamation website or the National Park Service for the current elevation and ramp status.
Can you camp on the shore of Lake Powell?
Yes, shoreline camping is permitted in undeveloped areas. You must bring a portable toilet. Developed campgrounds with facilities are available at Wahweap, Antelope Point, and Bullfrog. See our camping and RV page for details.
What fish are in Lake Powell?
Striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Striped bass and walleye have no daily limit. You need either a Utah or Arizona fishing license — one license covers the entire lake.
Is there cell service on Lake Powell?
Cell coverage is reliable near the marinas but drops off within a few miles. Verizon generally has the best coverage. Do not rely on cell service for navigation or emergencies on the water. Carry a marine radio or satellite communicator for remote areas.
How do you get to Rainbow Bridge from Lake Powell?
Rainbow Bridge is accessible by boat tour from Wahweap or Antelope Point, or by private boat. The boat ride takes roughly 2 hours each way from Wahweap, plus a short walk from the dock to the bridge. See our Rainbow Bridge page for details.
What is the best marina on Lake Powell?
Wahweap has more services, a lodge, and the largest boat fleet. Antelope Point is less crowded, has a unique floating restaurant, and is operated by the Navajo Nation. Choose Wahweap if you want maximum amenities and a hotel. Choose Antelope Point if you want a quieter launch experience and are staying in an RV.
For lodging near the lake, see our Lake Powell hotels page. For houseboat rentals, visit our houseboats page. For boat and jet ski rentals, see our boat rentals page. For camping, visit camping and RV.
For river rafting below Glen Canyon Dam — where the calm, emerald water flows through Horseshoe Bend toward Lees Ferry — see our Colorado River rafting guide.
For a land-based perspective on the Colorado River — including the famous Horseshoe Bend overlook — see Horseshoe Bend tours.
For aerial tours over Lake Powell's 2,000 miles of shoreline and 96 side canyons, see air tours.
Hotels & Things to Do at Lake Powell
Lake Powell Sunrise Villa by Antelope Canyon
Firepits | Optimal Stargazing | Family-Friendly
Antelope Point RV Park & Marina
THERE'S NOTHING BETTER THAN A NEW RV PARK ...
especially when it’s loaded with luxurious lake-life amenities and situated on ancient cliffs overlooking one of the most spectacular destinations in the American Southwest, Lake Powell.
Spectacular Amenities & Views
Fro
… More
THERE'S NOTHING BETTER THAN A NEW RV PARK ...
especially when it’s loaded with luxurious lake-life amenities and situated on ancient cliffs overlooking one of the most spectacular destinations in the American Southwest, Lake Powell.
Spectacular Amenities & Views
From our large, landscaped sites with turf, full hook-ups, 30 and 50 apm service, 70’ pads, wi-fi, and our public areas with pergolas, grills, fireplaces, and even a putting green, you’ll enjoy amazing views as well as incredible sunrises and sunsets while gazing upon Tower Butte and the red sandstone cliffs of the Navajo Nation’s Colorado Plateau. Drift off to sleep after adventurous days pondering the mysteries of the Milky Way while experiencing evening solitude and the darkest skies in Northern Arizona.
Pet-Friendly
Comfort Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell
The Comfort Inn & Suites hotel in Page, Arizona offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities along the Colorado River, including water skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing and raft trips. This hotel is also convenient to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Guests of … More
The Comfort Inn & Suites hotel in Page, Arizona offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities along the Colorado River, including water skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing and raft trips. This hotel is also convenient to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Guests of this hotel will appreciate the indoor heated pool and indoor hot tub, providing a great way to relax. Other amenities at this hotel includes free wireless high-speed Internet access, exercise room, business center.
All spacious rooms at this smoke-free hotel include a coffee maker, desk, flat-screen television with cable, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. In addition to standard amenities, some rooms feature a microwave and refrigerator.
Family-Friendly Suites | Free Breakfast | Hot Tub | Pool | Fitness Room
Lake Powell Houseboat Rentals
Best Western View of Lake Powell
Free Breakfast | Family-Friendly Suites | Pool | Fitness Room
Antelope Point Marina
Wahweap RV & Campground
Pet-Friendly
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas
Pet-Friendly
Lees Ferry Campground
Pet-Friendly
Bullfrog RV & Campground
Pet-Friendly
Lake Powell Campgpound
Local Business Spotlight
