Whether you’re planning a long weekend escape or a midweek recharge, Lake Powell offers an unforgettable mix of outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping scenery, and starry night skies. Tucked within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this vast playground straddles the Arizona-Utah border and boasts sapphire waters, slot canyons, red-rock mesas, and nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline. From hiking and boating to beach lounging and glamping, Lake Powell is where nature lovers come to play.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How many days should I spend in Lake Powell?” the sweet spot is three days (minimum). With 72 hours, you can hit the highlights, soak in the scenery, and still find time to unwind. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, here’s your ideal itinerary for exploring Lake Powell.
Day One: Horseshoe Bend & Starry Desert Skies
Morning: Hike to Horseshoe Bend
Ease into your Lake Powell weekend with one of the most iconic views in the American Southwest: Horseshoe Bend. Best visited in the early morning (before the crowds and heat roll in), this natural horseshoe-shaped curve in the Colorado River is framed by towering cliffs and glowing sandstone.
Getting to Horseshoe Bend: Drive to Mile Marker 545 on US89, just 5 miles south of Page, Arizona. A designated parking area leads to a mostly flat, partially paved 0.7-mile trail with benches along the way. Bring water, a camera, and a wide lens to capture the breathtaking panoramic view.
Afternoon: Check in at Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase and Adventure of Your Choice
Settle into your safari-style accommodations at Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase, just 14 miles from Lake Powell’s Wahweap Marina. Perched on its own canyon rim, this glamping retreat blends upscale comfort with immersion in nature. Don’t miss Elephant Canyon, the property’s on-site slot canyon—just one of many wonders to explore throughout your stay.
If you’re feeling energized, add an adventure to your stay—whether it’s a thrilling UTV ride, a guided hike, canyoneering through sculpted slot canyons, or a scenic horseback ride. Prefer something more laid-back? Unwind in a shaded lounge area and soak in the serene beauty of the outdoors, or join in on daily camp programming like painting, photography sessions, nature walks, and outdoor games.
Evening: Stargazing at the World’s First Dark Sky Resort
As night falls, the show begins. Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase is the world’s first Dark Sky-certified resort, and the stargazing here is second to none. With minimal light pollution, constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way are visible to the naked eye. Sleep under the stars in our Stargazer Tent with a viewing window above the king-size bed, enjoy celestial-themed sips and eats, and peer through telescopes for a closer look. Cap off the evening with complimentary s’mores as you take in the magic of the night sky like never before.
Day Two: Lake Day, Your Way
Morning: Breakfast with a View
Start your day with café-style al fresco dining. Sip premium coffee or tea, nosh on seasonal and healthy options, and take in sweeping canyon-rim views. Mornings here are calm and golden, making it the perfect time to fuel up and map out your Lake Powell adventures.
Afternoon: Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, or Rafting
Spend the day on the water, your way. Whether you need speed or prefer a peaceful paddle, there are countless ways to enjoy Lake Powell’s waterscape. Rent a boat, jet ski, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from nearby Wahweap Marina, one of the best launch points for exploring the lake. You can also book guided tours and adventures so someone else handles the logistics, allowing you to fully soak in the experience.
Consider a private Lake Powell boat tour, where you’ll enjoy a tailor-made day on the water. With access to over 2,000 miles of shoreline, you’ll find plenty of spots to swim, explore cliffside coves, go tubing, or simply lounge and sightsee. Choose from two, four, six, or eight-hour outings for up to six people—the two-hour sunset tour offers a magical golden-hour experience.
Pro tip: Ask your captain to take you to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges. Viewable by boat or via a permitted short hike on Navajo Nation land, this sacred site is a must-see.
Evening: Sunset Toasts and Campfire S’mores
After a day on the water, return to Under Canvas for another unforgettable evening. Dine fireside with locally inspired fare, and toast the night with a craft cocktail, mocktail, or local brew, accompanied by live acoustic music. As the sun sets and the stars begin to shine, gather for stories under the night sky, savor a nightcap s’more, and drift off in your upscale safari tent to the soothing sounds of the desert.
Day Three: Beach Time and Lake Powell Views
Morning: Breakfast and Checkout
Ease into your final morning with breakfast beneath the open sky. If you’re up for it, join a guided yoga session on the deck and bask in the soft glow of the desert. Take your time savoring the views, snapping a few last photos, and enjoying a peaceful stroll around camp before packing up and checking out.
Afternoon: Lone Rock Beach
Head to Lone Rock Beach, just a 10-minute drive from Under Canvas. Known for its massive freestanding rock and sandy shoreline, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beach games, or simply soaking in the views. It’s a relaxed, sun-kissed sendoff that will leave you dreaming of your return.
Where to Stay Near Lake Powell
Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase is the perfect basecamp for discovering the splendor of the American Southwest. Perched on a canyon rim plateau, this extraordinary glamping retreat offers sweeping views right outside your private safari-style tent. From hiking towering mesas and unwinding in a red-rock oasis, to chasing sunsets at Horseshoe Bend and walking with dinosaurs at Grand Staircase–Escalante, your days are full of adventure—and your nights, filled with stars. It’s where comfort meets nature for a memorable three days in Lake Powell.