Things to Do
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ATV & Off-Road
ATV and off-road vehicle use is allowed in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, but only on NPS-designated routes and areas. Travel responsibly by following designated trails or consider going with a guide. In North Lake Powell, Ticaboo Adventure Center is a local guide company that offers remote excursions within the Henry Mountains and Glen Canyon.
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Boating
Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is one of the premier boating destinations in the world. Wahweap is the most active center for boat excursions on Lake Powell, including the popular trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, but several other marinas and launch points exist. In addition to power boats and houseboats, kayaks and sailboats also enjoy the waters of Lake Powell. No boat? No problem because boats and other boating equipment are available for rent. See our Boating Guide for more information on the boating opportunities on Lake Powell.
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Camping
For Glen Canyon National Recreation Area hotels, check out the marinas at Wahweap and Bullfrog. Kanab, Utah, is another excellent base camp to adventures on Lake Powell. There are also primitive and developed campgrounds in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, but not within the boundaries of Rainbow Bridge.
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Fishing
Fishing in Lake Powell is superb and varied. Numerous species of fish can be pursued and supplies can be purchased at local marinas. For a complete description of the fishing opportunities on Lake Powell, check out our fishing guide.
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Hiking
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is not known for developed, maintained hiking trails. However, off-trail hiking is available just about everywhere. Just bring plenty of water and navigation tools. Southern Utah is also renowned for its more technical hikes through slot canyons. Read our list of top hikes in Lake Powell.
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Kayak & Paddleboarding
Kayak or paddleboard are another great way to explore Lake Powell. Slower, for sure, but slower can be better. It’s also a peaceful way to access the narrow canyons. There is no fee to launch a kayak in Glen Canyon, and all launch ramps are welcome to any kind of boat.
Blazing Sandals in North Lake Powell
It’s not unreasonable or out of the ordinary to go UTVing, paddleboarding and canyoneering all in the same day (or weekend) at Lake Powell.
Scenic Driving
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Glen Canyon Dam
As you drive southeast of the town of Big Water on U.S. 89 toward Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the views open up. The landscape here looks like the Monument Valley area of southeastern Utah: flat desert dotted with eroded mesas and spires.
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Hole-in-the-Rock Road
Pack your sense of adventure and pull out your four-wheel-drive skills to venture down the historical Hole-in-the-Rock Road south of Escalante.
What's Nearby
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Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Considered sacred in Navajo culture, Rainbow Bridge is a symbol of deities responsible for creating rain, the essence of life in the desert.
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Bullfrog Marina
Of the five marinas on Lake Powell, Bullfrog Marina is the closest to the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, and it offers the most amenities outside of Wahweap.
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Ticaboo
Visitors looking to get away from crowded national parks to enjoy the beauty of Southern Utah will find an escape in Ticaboo. Boating, fishing, biking, canyoneering, and off-road riding are all popular.
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Grand Staircase-Escalante
The allure of the Grand Staircase region — the bulk of which is contained in the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument — is phenomenal. Sun-drenched Utah backcountry spreads out well beyond the visible horizon from the road, whether you’re traveling along the The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12, or on Highway 89.
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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley, Utah, an iconic symbol of the American West, is the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation and the ideal setting for your next adventure in the warm, high desert climate of southeastern Utah.
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Kanab
Kanab, Utah is classic American West, surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and vistas of sagebrush. Kanab's self-proclaimed title, "Little Hollywood," is fitting for its many abandoned film sets.
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White Pocket
White Pocket will impress even the most adventurous explorer with its abundant colors and a varied landscape.
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Antelope Canyon
Want to visit the awesome Antelope Canyon? Utah offers all kinds of adventurous day trips for visitors — start planning your getaway today.
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