Lake Powell at a glance
Lake Powell is the reservoir behind Glen Canyon Dam, right next to Page. It floods dozens of side canyons along the Colorado River and stretches far into southern Utah, which is why the best way to see it is from the water. Lake Powell boat tours leave from two marinas near Page: Wahweap, home of Lake Powell Resort, and Antelope Point east of town.
The lake lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, run by the National Park Service. The entrance fee covers areas such as Wahweap, Lone Rock and Lees Ferry. It does not cover Antelope Canyon, which has its own Navajo fee, or the Horseshoe Bend parking lot.
Lake Powell boat tours compared
Tours listed by the marina operators when we checked in October 2026. Schedules change with the season and the water level, so confirm before you plan around one.
| Tour | From | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic dam cruise | Wahweap | About 90 min | Bookable |
| Dinner cruise | Wahweap | About 2 h | Bookable |
| Navajo Canyon boat tour | Wahweap | Varies | Bookable |
| Antelope Canyon boat tour | Wahweap | About 1.5 h | Unavailable until further notice |
| Antelope Canyon boat tour | Antelope Point | About 1 h | Check current schedule |
| Rainbow Bridge tour | Wahweap | Most of a day | Unavailable until further notice |
| Private charter | Both marinas | Flexible | On request |
Our picks: Lake Powell tours
Three ways to see Lake Powell near Page: by boat, by kayak and from the air.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Horseshoe Bend flight with Tower Butte landing
Fly over Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell and land on Tower Butte, a mesa high above the lake.
Check availability →Antelope Canyon photo boat tour on Lake Powell
A small-group boat trip into the Antelope Canyon arm of the lake, the side of the canyon you can't reach on foot.
Check availability →
Kayak and hike to Antelope Canyon
Paddle across Lake Powell into the water side of Antelope Canyon, then continue on foot up the narrowing slot.
Check availability →Lake Powell tours from Page
Boat trips, kayak tours to Antelope Canyon and combos with Horseshoe Bend from Page, with live prices and availability.
Rainbow Bridge: status in 2026
Rainbow Bridge, on the Utah side of the lake, is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world: 290 feet (88 m) high with a span of 275 feet (84 m). It is sacred to neighbouring Native American tribes, and the National Park Service asks visitors to treat it with respect.
Reaching it has become harder. The classic Rainbow Bridge boat tour from Wahweap, a cruise of around 50 miles each way, was listed as unavailable until further notice when we checked in October 2026. At current lake levels the courtesy dock at the monument does not reach land, so boaters have to beach and walk through mud to the trail, at their own risk. Even when tours run, plan on about 2 miles of walking round trip.
- Private charter: Antelope Point Marina has offered private Rainbow Bridge trips for small groups. Ask about current conditions.
- On foot: long backcountry trails lead from Navajo Mountain across Navajo land. They are multi-day hikes and need a permit from the Navajo Nation.
Kayaking and paddling
Paddling is one of the best ways to experience Lake Powell, and low water has made it more important, because some ramps that no longer work for motorboats can still be used by kayaks.
The favourite trip is the paddle into the water end of Antelope Canyon from the Antelope Point public ramp. Expect roughly 45 to 60 minutes of paddling each way, then a walk up the narrowing sandy wash. Guided kayak tours from Page include gear and know the current launch spot. If you go on your own, be ready to carry your boat over rough ground to the water.
Afternoon wind can whip up waves on open water, and boat wakes are strong in the main channel. Start early, wear a life jacket and bring more water than you think. More ideas in our guide to things to do in Page.
Water levels: what low water means for you
Lake Powell has been shrinking for years, and in 2026 it fell to its lowest level on record, according to NASA's Earth Observatory in September 2026. You will see the pale "bathtub ring" of mineral stains high on the cliffs, and some bays and side canyons are now dry or too shallow for boats.
- Launch ramps: several ramps have been closed to motorized boats and opened for paddlecraft only. The park is building ramp extensions for lower water.
- Tours: some boat tours have been suspended. Check with the marina when you book, not just the day before.
- Before you go: the Glen Canyon NRA website keeps a page on changing lake levels with current ramp status.
Fees and passes
As of 2026, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area charges $30 per private vehicle for 7 days, $25 for motorcycles and $15 per person on foot or by bicycle. If you bring or rent a motorized boat, a separate vessel fee applies. Boat tour prices are set by the marina operators and do not include the entrance fee.
Planning to visit the Grand Canyon too? Non-US residents now pay $100 per person on top of the $35 vehicle fee there. The America the Beautiful pass for non-residents costs $250 and covers both parks for your vehicle, which can pay off on a longer Arizona road trip. Compare options in our Grand Canyon tours guide.
Lake Powell: frequently asked questions
Can you still take a boat to Rainbow Bridge?
The scheduled Rainbow Bridge tour from Wahweap was listed as unavailable until further notice in October 2026. Private charters may still go, but the dock does not reach land at current lake levels. Check with the marinas before you plan around it.
Which Lake Powell boat tour is best?
If it is running, an Antelope Canyon or Navajo Canyon tour shows you the narrow side canyons that make the lake special. The scenic dam cruise is the shortest and easiest option.
Do I need to pay to visit Lake Powell?
Yes, for areas inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, as of 2026. America the Beautiful passes are valid.
Can you kayak into Antelope Canyon?
Yes, from the lake side. Paddle from the Antelope Point area into the canyon and walk up the dry wash. This is a different part from the guided Upper and Lower tours. See our Antelope Canyon tours guide for those.
Is Lake Powell in Arizona or Utah?
Both. The southern end with Page, Wahweap and Antelope Point is in Arizona. Most of the lake, including Rainbow Bridge, lies in Utah.