We left Kanab early taking the short drive to the Wahweap RV Resort and Marina on the shores of Lake Powell, After settling in, we decided to take a quick drive to Page to explore the town. As we walked through the charming streets, we learned that Page was once a small railroad town that grew rapidly in the 1950s with the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam. It now serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful sights in the Southwest, including the renowned Horseshoe Bend.
Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir located on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona. The lake was created in the 1960s by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, which was built primarily for water storage and hydroelectric power generation.
The construction of the Glen Canyon Dam was a controversial topic during the mid-20th century. Some saw it as a symbol of progress and modernization, while others criticized its impact on the environment and displacement of native communities. The flooding of the Glen Canyon resulted in the loss of many ancient petroglyphs and ruins, and the creation of the lake also disrupted the natural habitats of many wildlife species.
Today, Lake Powell is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world to enjoy its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The lake has over 1,900 miles of shoreline and covers an area of over 160,000 acres, making it the second-largest man-made reservoir in the United States.
We then made our way out to the Horseshoe Bend lookout, eager to take in the view. The majesty of the natural wonder before us was breathtaking – the winding Colorado River carving its way through the red rock landscape, the perfect horseshoe bend, and the deep blue green water below. As one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Southwest, the crowds at Horseshoe Bend were immense. Nevertheless, we were determined to experience its beauty and found a quiet spot to sit and take in the view.
Boating on Lake Powell
The next day, we woke up early, excited to embark on our adventure to explore Lake Powell by boat. We made our way to the marina, eager to get out on the water and experience the natural beauty that surrounded us.
As we left Wahweap Bay and travelled past the Glen Canyon Dam and the Antelope Point Marina, we couldn’t help but notice the low water conditions of Lake Powell. The lake’s water levels have been decreasing over the years due to drought and the diversion of the Colorado River for agricultural use. Despite this, the stunning rock formations that surrounded us still took our breath away.
We continued our journey across the lake, taking in the spectacular views of the towering cliffs and buttes that lined the shore. The reflections of the landscape on the calm waters of the lake were truly stunning.
We stopped for lunch in Last Chance Bay, where Patty got on her paddleboard to explore the shoreline. The colors of the surrounding landscape were reflected on the water, creating a breathtaking sight.
After leaving Last Chance Bay, we made our way south to Labyrinth slot canyon. The sheer walls of the canyon twisted and turned, creating a maze-like structure that was both beautiful and mesmerizing. Patty got on her board and explored deeper into the canyon, taking in the incredible views. Click on thumbnail to view image
From Labyrinth Canyon, we crossed the lake again to explore Gunsight Bay. The views of Gunsight Butte and the sheer cliffs of Alstrom Point were simply breathtaking, and we felt grateful to be able to experience such natural beauty.
As the sun started to dip lower in the sky, we reluctantly started our journey back. However, the constantly changing rock colors of the surrounding landscape made the long ride back just as memorable as the rest of our day on the lake.
Antelope Canyon
On our final day in Page, we were eager to explore the stunning Antelope Canyon. This unique geological formation is located on Navajo land and is a sacred place to the Navajo people. Antelope Canyon is divided into two sections: upper and lower. We had booked a tour with Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours to explore the upper canyon.
Our tour started in Owl Canyon, where our Navajo tour guide, Irene, explained the history and meaning of the canyons to the native people. She was knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the beauty and significance of this natural wonder with us.
Our next stop was Upper Antelope Canyon, and the moment we stepped in, we were in awe. The steep and colorful walls, narrow slots, and constantly changing light created a surreal and unforgettable experience. It was easy to see why these canyons were so mystical for the Navajo Nation. The way the sunlight danced off the rocks and illuminated the canyon in different ways as we walked through it was truly magical.
Our last canyon was Rattlesnake, which was also a maze of colorful twists and turns. The Navajo name for Rattlesnake Canyon is Tsi’naajinii which means “where water runs through rocks”. It was a breathtaking sight to see the way the water has carved the canyon over time and left its mark on the rocks.
The Navajo people have a rich culture and history in the area, and their connection to the land is evident in the way they treat these canyons with respect and reverence. We were grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about and experience this natural wonder with the guidance of a knowledgeable Navajo tour guide.
Our three canyon tour of upper Antelope Canyon was truly a highlight of our trip to Page. The colorful twists and turns of the canyons, the changing light, and the Navajo culture all came together to create an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever.