The second largest man-made lake in the United States is the playground for Page, Arizona and nearly three million visitors annually. Lake Powell is 186 miles long and has 1,960 miles of shoreline, which is longer than the entire west coast of the continental United States. There are 96 major canyons to explore though you’ll need a water craft for the majority of them since access is limited because there are few roads.

Boats and PWC’s can be rented from businesses in Page and at each of four marinas with tour boat cruises—from one hour up to seven hours—offered year round at Wahweap and Bull Frog marinas. Dangling Rope Marina is only accessible by boat and is 3/4 of the distance from Wahweap Marina to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Other lake activities include swimming, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, hiking and sightseeing. Photographic opportunities abound. You can even take a scenic flight by plane or helicopter over the lake, which provides a bird’s eye view of how far some those 96 canyons extend from the main channel

Around early June, the lake’s waters begin to warm and stay that way well into October with a clarity unrivaled in other fresh water lakes. While the climate is arid and humidity is generally less than 40 percent, Lake Powell is classified as a “high desert” area due to it’s 3,700 ft. elevation. Water temperatures cool significantly in the winter then rise into the high 70’s in the summer. When it does snow at Lake Powell, the contrast of the white against red-rock cliffs and azure blue waters makes for beautiful photographs and memories.