Artificial Lake Powell on the Colorado River (28 photos). Amazing Lake Powell, USA Powell Reservoir on the Colorado River

At the Hoover Dam). It stretches for 298 kilometers in length among red cliffs from the city of Page, where the Glen Canyon Dam is 178 meters high, to the city of Hight and contains about 30 cubic kilometers of water (during high tide) with a maximum surface area of ​​1627 km 2. Lake Powell is named after a one-armed veteran Civil War v North America John W. Powell, who in 1869 became the first to explore the Colorado River, leading a legendary expedition through its canyons on three wooden boats.

It is curious that itself lake Powell in the USA was formed in 1963, immediately after the completion of the construction of the dam on the Colorado River (begun in 1956 by the decision of the US Congress), blocking the Glen Canyon. However, the process of filling it with water continued until 1980, when it was completely filled, after which specialists checked the mass spillway.

Basic information:

The unique contrast between the deep, clear blue waters and the surrounding rugged landscape of deep red sandstone with few vegetation makes Lake Powell a stunningly memorable experience. Countless steep incisions and side canyons leading up to the lake, tall natural spiers and ridges that once stood high above the Colorado Plateau, now form steep cliffs on the shores of Lake Powell or protrude from its depths in the form of small islands. They are visible from afar, and we took several photos of them from the observation decks located around the lake.

Today Lake Powell is an important tourist destination, not only regional but also famous throughout the country. Many people come here on vacation to relax and have a carefree time, go fishing or go boating along the numerous canyons, aquatic species sports, cycling, hiking or even living in a house on the water.

Interesting fact: in 1972, Lake Powell and the surrounding area were included in the composition, which is in demand among tourists. More than 2.5 million people flock to Lake Powell every year, and this popular American recreational area is growing in attendance.

Location of Lake Powell on the USA map:

Most tourists who want to see Lake Powell come to Page in their own or rented car. However, those who want to save time should keep in mind that Page has its own airport (including United Airlines from Washington and other US cities flies here).

• All cheap flights to Page
• You can rent a car inexpensively for a trip to the USA on the car rental website Rentalcars.com →

What is Lake Powell

Continuing our wonderful experience, we arrived at Lake Powell in the afternoon, in the late afternoon, from the Monument Valley side. We decided to stay in the town of Page, and at the same time see the amazing canyon located nearby. The next day, early in the morning, we went by car to the most famous attraction on Lake Powell - Glen Canyon Dam, thanks to the construction of which it was formed.

Access to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon by car is very limited due to lack of good roads paved to coastline... Most tourist attractions such as boat excursions, trails for hiking or campsites focused on it west bank, near the small town of Page, located on the southwestern edge of the lake and is the center of resort tourism on the northernmost edge of the US state of Arizona.

The most popular natural attractions of Lake Powell, such as the Rainbow Bridge or the Hole in the Rock, are located in the adjacent canyons, which are easiest to reach by motorboat with a pre-paid sightseeing tour or by booking a private boat or car trip.

Also near the border with Utah there are various beaches (wild and equipped), resort hotels(resorts), boat docks and a variety of campgrounds. All this can be easily found along the Lake Powell coastline, however for everything you need for relaxation and camping optional equipment you need to bring it with you, but you will have to go to the city for groceries.

Outline of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Park

The coastline of the northeastern tip of Lake Powell is located in sparsely populated areas, but there are also several small towns where you can take advantage of the main benefits of civilization. This part of Glen Canyon Park has only basic leisure and leisure facilities. There are beaches, boat docks and campgrounds, and several roads leading directly to the lake.

The general decline in water levels in Lake Powell in recent years has caused the coastline to move quite far from the village of Hite. Well-paved roads provide access to the Bullfrog and Halls Crossing marinas, two thirds of the lake's size, opposite each other and connected by a car ferry.

In addition to the asphalt roads listed above in Page, Hight, Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, there are many dirt roads that provide access to various locations along the lake. They are generally only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles, although regular high-ground city vehicles can drive some of them, such as the Smoky Mountain Road, which leads north of Lake Powell from its western end. All travelers can get along this scenic road to some remote beaches (the road passes close to them). It then turns north and continues towards Escalante.

View of Lake Powell from the plane - watch the video:

Wildlife lovers will be interested to know that in Lake Powell and on the territory of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, despite the seemingly seeming scarcity of flora and fauna, a lot of species of plants, animals, birds, fish and other waterfowl grow and live. Here you can find:

• 875 plant species;
• 305 bird species;
• 57 species of mammals;
• 26 types of fish;
• 27 types of reptiles;
• 7 types of amphibians.

Lake Powell weather rather unpredictable by its nature, but in general by its nature it is more in line with the continental climate characteristic of the highlands (high deserts). During the day, temperatures can fluctuate over a wide range, and sunny weather often gives way to harsh winds and precipitation.

In general, the weather here strongly depends on one of the four seasons of the year and can be very different. In summer, Lake Powell is always very hot (up to +40 degrees in the shade) with variable clouds and frequent showers. It is very cool in winter (in the afternoon average temperature is +6 .. + 10, at night -3 ..- 5).

Spring weather is also not happy, it is very changeable, and this time of the year is characterized by strong piercing winds. On the other hand, the weather in autumn is usually quite calm and the most comfortable for traveling to Lake Powell, however, short-term rains and sudden gusts of wind are possible.

There are several options for exploring Lake Powell, available to all tourists who come to it:

• By car Is a convenient and inexpensive way to travel between the territories of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area surrounding Lake Powell. A car in the USA can be easily rented. The closest city where you can do this is Paige. Public transport does not walk around the lake. It is possible to buy a tour or order a transfer from Page.

You can spend the night right by Lake Powell - on the territory of Glen Canyon Park in one of the lodges, in a camping, trailer or in a houseboat on the water located in one of its parts:

• Hotels and lodges are only available in Wahweap territories (for example, Lake Powell Resort) and Bullfrog.
• Place in a trailer (you can rent it) in Halls Crossing, Bullfrog and Hite.
• Organized campgrounds with amenities are available at Wahweap, Lees Ferry, Bullfrog and Halls Crossing.
• Primitive campgrounds with minimal amenities are on the banks of the Colorado River between the Glen Canyon Dam and, at Lone Rock Beach, Bullfrog, Hite, Lake Powell Shoreline.

If you do not want to camp or have not reserved a place in one of the lakeside lodges in advance, then you can choose one of the hotels in the city for an overnight stay. The closest hotels to Lake Powell are in Page, a 10-minute drive from Glen Canyon Dam, Utah.

Here good hotels in Page that can be booked:

• Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel - a hotel overlooking Lake Powell;

• Map of the area around the city of Page

  Hikes near Lake Powell in Arizona and Utah

  Hikers will initially be a little surprised to learn that there are only a few prepared hike trails around Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Recreation Area. But if you look at this fact from the other side, it provides an opportunity for independent walks outside the marked trails. You can go down into narrow canyons, visit the hills from which beautiful panoramas of the lake open up, see khuduses and other geological forms of weathering. So for avid hikers and travelers who are simply interested in geology, this is even good.

  Basic information about the hikes around Lake Powell in Arizona and Utah:

  Hike name	Length	Climb	Grade
  Horseshoe bend	0.5 miles	50 meters	4/5
  Spencer Trail	2.1 miles	550 meters	4/5
  Blue pool wash	1.2 miles	30 meters	2/5
  Bullfrog Bay Canyon	0.5 miles	20 meters	2/5
  Cathedral wash	1.5 miles	110 meters	3/5
  Davis Gulch	2.7 miles	140 meters	5/5
  East Sevenmile Canyon	3 miles (roundabout)	180 meters	3/5
  Fall Creek and the Echo Pass Trail	11 miles (circular)	400 meters	4/5
  Ferry swale canyon	4.6 miles	140 meters	3/5
  Spencer Trail	2.1 miles	550 meters	4/5
  Llewellyn Gulch	6 miles	230 meters	5/5
  Neon canyon	4 miles	400 meters	4/5
  Rock Canyon	5 miles	100 meters	4/5
  Smith fork	7.5 miles	180 meters	4/5
  Stateline canyon	2 miles	110 meters	3/5
  Stud horse point	5 miles	210 meters away	4/5
  Swett creek	7.4 miles	290 meters away	3/5

  It is worth adding that there are many narrow canyons outside the Glen Canyon recreation area, but nevertheless also interesting for hikes - in the area of ​​Page, North Wash, Trachyte Creek, White Canyon and Escalante River.

  The United States of America is a very large country with large lakes, and Mountain peaks and amazingly picturesque plains. However, Lake Powell managed to stand out even against the background of such a variety and today is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting in the country.

  Lake Powell is of artificial origin; back in 1956, the US Congress decided to create a reservoir on the Colorado River. Then the decision of the authorities caused a long dispute, since environmentalists opposed the flooding of such a large area.

  In order to create an artificial reservoir, the Glen Canyon Dam was built, which has a height of 178 meters. Construction was completed only by the mid-60s, but only by 1980 the blue-green waters of the Colorado River were able to fill the entire newly created lake.

  The lake was named after Major John Wesley Powell, who first marked the area on maps in 1869.

  They built a dam over Glen Canyon primarily for economic purposes, trying to get just another reservoir. As a result, Lake Powell became the second largest in the United States after Lake Mead and, depending on the season (there are dry and wet months in the area), can contain up to 30 cubic kilometers of water. Meanwhile, the creation of Lake Powell was not limited only to economic needs - the reservoir turned out to be unexpectedly spectacular, unusually beautiful and picturesque. In 1972 he joined National Reserve Glen Canyon, which includes over 1 million acres of unspoiled land. Today, Lake Powell, located in Utah and Arizona, is visited by more than 2 million tourists annually, attracted by the rugged beauty of rocky slopes and canyons that cut the shores.

  Lake Powell - PHOTOS

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  The creation of a reservoir in the Colorado River Valley was an initiative of the US Congress. Construction began in 1956 with the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, which eventually reached 178 meters. The completion of its construction took place on September 13, 1963, but full filling with water and reaching the maximum point took place much later, in June 1980. Since then, the water level in the lake has been subject to significant fluctuations, which were dependent on the seasonal melting of snow.

  
  

  The resulting pool, in the process of which about 700 canyons were flooded, was named after the American explorer John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran who explored the river with three wooden boats in 1869.

  Bends of the Colorado River:

  
  

  The main goal of the dam construction was the need to create a reliable reservoir and the subsequent construction of a hydroelectric power station, but in the end, in addition to solving economic issues, an unusually beautiful man-made landscape was added. That is why Lake Powell was included in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in 1972. The reservoir occupies only 13% (161 390 hectares) of the largest total area of ​​the reserve (1 250 000 hectares), which is a harsh arid desert.

  
  

  
  

  The creation of an artificial basin has seriously affected the life of the Colorado River, biological balance and environment this region, which caused a huge number of protests from various organizations. Activists advocated the preservation of the remains of ancient Indian settlements drowning under water, the ecological balance and the vital activity of local representatives of flora and fauna. The lake caused the death of many species of plants growing in the nature of the canyon, and altered the state of the aqua system, which disrupted the process of normal development of fish, many of which were valuable and rare species. The influx of boats serving visitors to the recreation area is also not particularly influential.

  

  
  

  View of Lake Powell from space:

  
  

  But, if we discard all the minuses, a very good picture emerges: the flooding of the Glen Canyon led to the formation of an absolutely unique landscape treasure. About 96 canyons of various sizes, sometimes up to a kilometer in length, picturesquely cut the shoreline of the lake and create an extraordinary labyrinth at its depth. The smooth surface of the water is cut up by steep reddish-orange walls, crowned with spiers and towers, which are a kind of parade of stone statues of the most bizarre shapes and outlines.

  
  

  

  Besides amazing natural resources, the territory of the Glen Canyon acquired the infrastructure, at one time necessary to support the construction of the dam, which significantly revitalized the entire region. The fact is that the place where the dam is located today used to lie at a distance of ten miles from more or less passable roads.

  Dam:

  
  

  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with picturesque lake Powell is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, attracting more and more tourists from year to year. About 3 million people visit these places annually. The huge area of ​​the recreation area and the presence of a large number of hard-to-reach areas, despite the countless flows of tourists, allows the reserve to remain partially unexplored. Lake Powell opens wide choose entertainment for all tastes, from sightseeing and exploring the amazing natural creations to the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of sports and recreation.

  

  There are several rental points near the lake where you can rent jet skis, jet skis, yachts, canoes or boats. Americans, who come for the weekend with their families, often rent so-called floating houses, reminiscent of the water version of the "home on wheels". These pontoons also host parties where you can have fun. Boat excursions of various lengths (half day or day) provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the most picturesque views of the coast. Diving enthusiasts can explore the depths of Lake Powell and its inhabitants, as there are good conditions for diving - visibility is about five meters. Boat cruises are offered at Wahweap Marina, near the largest nearby city, Page, Arizona. Such a walk away from the shores of the lake will plunge vacationers into another world, undistorted by the traces of civilization.

  
  

  Among other activities, do not miss fishing, hiking and a variety of excursions. When it comes to fishing, there is a chance to catch fish species such as striped bass, catfish, carp, crappie and smallmouth bass in the waters here.

  
  

  In addition, Lake Powell is a treasure trove of great shots for photographers. To see this picturesque reservoir and the ridge of colorful canyons from a bird's eye view is a very real prospect. Everyone can take a helicopter or plane ride. At the disposal of the owners of personal air transport a small airfield is provided.

  
  

  One of the most striking sights of this region is the Rainbow Bridge, natural monument, who is often awarded the title of himself big bridge natural origin and the most easily accessible natural arch in the world. It is a mountain arch reaching about 88.5 m in height and 71 m in width between two pillars. The bridge, sacred to the Navajo, is a two-hour walk from Lake Powell.

  Rainbow Bridge:

  
  

  
  

  On the territory of the reserve, be sure to visit the John Wesley Powell Museum, in which there are many interesting information about Glen Canyon and how the study of the area began. Also near the lake there is one more at least interesting place- Mormon settlement of the XIX century.

  
  

  Such popularity of the American reservoir could not but arouse interest among filmmakers: local beauties took part in the filming of about 45 television series and films, including such famous films as Planet of the Apes (versions of 1968 and 2001), Maverick (1994), TV series Doctor Who (The Impossible Astronaut and The Wedding of River Song, 2011), John Carter (2012) and Gravity (2013).

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  The so-called "Horse Horseshoe" on the Colorado River:

  
  

  
  

  February 1, 2014

  Lake Powell is a creation of human hands, an artificial reservoir, which was built primarily to meet the economic needs of the population of the adjacent territories. It is located mostly in Utah. No one expected that the lake would be so beautiful, and the landscapes of its shores would be so unusual and breathtaking.
  
  The dimensions of the lake are as follows: the length is almost 300 kilometers, and its greatest width is 40 kilometers. The lake covers an area of ​​658 sq. Km. The depth in most places is about 40 meters, but there are areas where the bottom is as much as 170 meters! The volume of water varies depending on the season. The maximum amount of water was recorded at 30 cubic kilometers!

  

  The history of the reservoir

  Back in 1956, Congress voted to create an artificial reservoir on the Colorado River. Environmental and environmental organizations criticized this decision of the authorities, because it could worsen the environmental situation in the region. Unfortunately, after the dam appeared and the water balance changed, some fish species disappeared. The area had to be flooded very large, which negatively affected the development of natural communities in this area.

  A dam called Glen Canyon Dem was built in the mid-sixties. Its height reached 178 meters. In the 80s, the artificial lake was finally filled with Colorado waters completely. It was decided to name the new reservoir in honor of the explorer of the area, a major named John Wesley Powell.

  Picturesque landscapes of an artificial lake

  Everyone who sees the lake in the photographs admires the rocky shores, which consist of amazing canyons of various heights, painted in the most incredible range of beautiful shades of red and brown. Water against the background of such colors seems bright blue, emerald, contrasts with the coastline. Here and there islets can be seen, which in shape resemble various figures. Not far from Lake Powell is the famous Rainbow Bridge - a stone arch built by the forces of water.

  

  The waters of the lake are clean, transparent and suitable for relaxation. The lake is one of the favorite vacation spots of many Americans. In early 1972, a National Recreation Area was established here. Tourists are waiting for boat trips on the water for an hour and a half. Canoes can be rented. You can go rock climbing, fishing, water skiing.

  The John Powell Museum is located next to the lake and contains a lot of interesting information about how the lake was built, what was here before it, how the Glen Canyon was built. Tourists visiting an artificial lake in Utah admire the beauty of the rugged rocky shores, their unusual color and shape.

  Lake Powell is currently part of the Glen Canyon Conservation Area. Its territory is simply huge - 1 million acres of land that have not yet been spoiled by civilization. It is hoped that future generations will also have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of the coastline, incredible canyons, crystal-clear water that beckons and delights in its amazing color.

  Lake Powell photos

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Lake Powell is famous for being located on the site of a former canyon. Once upon a time in this place was the Glen Canyon, but after the construction of a dam upstream of the river and its flooding, a lake was formed here, which is now one of the popular places for recreation among local residents.
  

  A very bizarre place and very unusual for our eyes - like a lake, but surrounded by high rocks.
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Finally, we were able to swim - in the 35-degree heat it turned out to be very useful. There are many cars and trailers on the shore of the lake, although few swim, despite the heat and pleasant water
  
  
  
  
  A road leads to the lake, the last couple of kilometers of which is a dirt road - in principle, a typical approach to any lake in Len. areas, except that the primer in the American and Russian understanding is very different not in favor of the latter. And at the same time at the entrance there is a huge poster that the off-road road goes further and it is strongly recommended to drive on it in an SUV - strange people =)
  
  
  Literally 10 kilometers from Lake Powell, there is another interesting, but less famous place, called Horseshoe (Horse horseshoe)
  
  
  At this point, the Colorado River makes a very bizarre loop, so that from above this bend looks like a horseshoe - hence the name.
  
  
  
  
  Also very a nice place, although here almost everything, wherever you look, makes an impression =)
  
  We planned to visit several more places, but did not take into account that we returned from Utah to Arizona, which means we have an hour less time (it gets dark here an hour earlier), so we stopped at Walmart, which we loved for its prices. Among other things, we bought Philadelphia cheese there, only $ 5 for 1lb (about 0.5 kg), so now we will enjoy a real creamy taste =)

  We found a curious thing here - some of the cash registers in the store are automatic. You go to such a cash register, take turns bringing the goods to the scanner, put everything in bags, then you pass it with a credit card and calmly go home. Still, the American mentality is very different from the Russian one - here, apparently, few people come to mind to put something in a bag, "forgetting" to scan, and if such a thought creeps in, then a much smaller number of people than it would be in Russia, so if there is a small loss, then it is compensated by savings on cashiers.