Lake Powell, Grand Canyon Tours
Lake Powell stretches for over 185 miles in an area once known as Lee’s Ferry, situated north of the Grand Canyon in Arizona and west of Bryce National Park in Utah.
This man made reservoir on the Colorado River borders Arizona and Utah and is named after John Wesley Powell, a one armed American Civil War veteran who explored the Colorado River in a posse of three wooden boats.
Today, Lake Powell is the Reservoir on the Colorado River that acts as a water basin to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California. Enjoy a Lake Powell boat tour as part of Caravan’s Grand Canyon tour.
Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam helps to form the second largest man made reservoir in the United States.
Back in 1963 the building of the dam and flooding of the Glen Canyon was highly controversial. The reservoir was originally planned for what is now Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado. However, activists lobbied to protect the area and the plans were moved over to Lee’s Ferry which was situated between Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon.
The waters now flood Glen Canyon which was reported to once be rich in extraordinary attributes such as 80 foot plus canyon walls, sandstone streams and numerous Native American heritage sites. Natural landscapes such as arches and natural bridges were also compromised in the flooding.
On September 13, 1963 the Glen Canyon Dam project was officially completed. It took an additional 17 full years for Lake Powell to reach its high water mark. Water levels fluctuate to this day with seasonal changes.
Lake Powell Boat Cruise
A scenic cruise or boat ride along Lake Powell will open a visitor’s eyes to the above mentioned natural landscapes that are still visible despite the flooding.
The waters that fill the canyon create nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline thanks to the intricate rock formations. This is longer than the entire west coast of the continental US! These shorelines allow visitors to access 96 major canyons that are only accessible via water craft.
As many would imagine, the vantage point from the boat on a Lake Powell cruise provides countless photo opportunities of a skyline undisturbed by modern civilization.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
One of the most popular landmarks to behold in the Powell Lake area is Rainbow Bridge, labeled the world’s highest natural bridge.
This rock formation was originally recorded in 1974 to be 275 feet; later in 2007 a more accurate laser measurement recorded the formation at 234 feet. The peak of the bridge is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide.
Rainbow Bridge is easily accessed by a two hour Powel Lake boat ride and a short mile long hike from the wharf up the canyon. For more active vacationers Rainbow Bridge can also be accessed by foot. This several-hour hike from the trail head requires a special permit from the Navajo Nation but is well worth it.
The sacred and religious meaning of Rainbow Bridge is held dear to many local Native American groups. They express concern about visitors walking underneath the bridge and National Park Services request that all tourists be respectful of the people who have historically visited the monument. However, it is not illegal to walk under the bridge or approach the bridge, and there is a well worn path under the bridge that gives proof of thousands of visitors exploring the natural wonder.
Antelope Canyon Lake Powell National Park
The well visited Antelope Canyon along Lake Powell got its Navajo name from the herds of pronghorn antelope who roamed the area.
Navajos pictured the canyon as a very spiritual place such as a cathedral. Traditionally, Navajos would take a short pause before entering the region in order to prepare the people for protection and to gather a deep attitude of respect. Trekking through the area was viewed as a very spiritual experience that would connect them with what Mother Nature had to offer and to promote living in harmony.
Today, Antelope Canyon is divided into two sections:
Upper Antelope Canyon features water running through rocks (which is the meaning of the Navajo name for the area). The upper area is situated about 4,000 feet above sea level and the canyon walls rise up about 120 feet above the streambed.
Lower Antelope Canyon features famous spiral rock arches.
Visitors require a guide for visiting both the Upper and Lower regions of Antelope Canyon.
Grand Canyon Vacations – Includes Powell Lake Cruise
Powell Lake and many of these famous Arizona landmarks are included as part of Caravan’s all inclusive Grand Canyon Vacations.
These 8-day, fully escorted vacations are all inclusive and affordably priced at just $1,095. Other famous locations included in Caravan’s Grand Canyon Tour include Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Oak Creek Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Visit Caravan’s Grand Canyon Vacation Reviews page to read what other vacationers have to say about these all inclusive Grand Canyon vacations, which include Bryce Canyon and Zion Park.
You must log in to post a comment.