There’s an absolutely stunning lake that stretches for miles across much of Utah. Though the lake originates in Arizona, most of it lies within Utah’s borders, and we certainly get to enjoy it on both sides of the Utah state line. Lake Powell is a must-visit if you enjoy playing in the water. Though it sees millions of visitors annually, there are so many little side canyons that you can find solitude in if you’re willing to look for them. Check out this dreamy vacation spot.

Glen Canyon Dam, near Page, Arizona, was completed in 1966, creating Lake Powell. The lake didn’t fill to capacity until June, 1980.

Moyan Brenn/flickr The highly controversial, $135 million dam generates hydroelectric power and controls water flow from the Upper Colorado River Basin. Environmentalists have concerns about the ecological impact on the Grand Canyon and the additional silt and higher water temperature of the Colorado River below the dam.

Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the country. It reaches depths of 583 feet in some places, stretches 186 miles and has 1,900 miles of shoreline.

Wilson Bilkovich/flickr The lake receives around two million visitors every year.

This photo, from the International Space Station, shows most of the lake.

Astronaut photo, International Space Station Program/Wikimedia The photo was taken in 2016. The bottom of the photo is north - the top shows the portion closer to and inside the Arizona border.

Horseshoe Bend is within the Arizona border and is a popular spot for photographs. You can see why.

Mike E./TripAdvisor

You could spend weeks exploring this lake and still not see all of it.

Julie Edgley/flickr

One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in this beautiful place is by renting a houseboat.

crissycraft1/TripAdvisor The number of marinas on the lake is limited by the fact that much of it is bordered by steep cliff walls. You can rent your houseboat from Wahweap and Antelope Point Marinas in Arizona, or Bullfrog Marina in Utah.

There are so many cool places to explore along this lake. Take a look at this water cave.

Mike E./TripAdvisor

Reflection Canyon is well within Utah’s border and is another popular spot for photography.

Mike E./TripAdvisor

Spend the day searching for the perfect spot. Whether you’re looking for peaceful, scenic beauty or a spot to play, you’ll find it here.

Kyle T./TripAdvisor

Spend some quiet time paddle boarding…

PaperPlaneGal/TripAdvisor

…or find some serenity kayaking.

N o m a d i/flickr

If you’re more in the mood for an adrenaline rush, try waterskiing or wakeboarding.

Philms/flickr

Cliff dive (or jump) from the shoreline.

Philms/flickr

Spend some time exploring the beach…

Philms/flickr

…and build a sand castle.

Philms/flickr

As the sun starts to set, find your own little spot to drop anchor and enjoy the vast, colorful sky.

Robert Shea/flickr

Sit with friends around a campfire.

Robert Shea/flickr

Before you turn in for the night, spend an hour or two stargazing. The skies are so dark here that you’ll get some great views of the Milky Way.

Mike E./TripAdvisor

What’s your favorite thing about Lake Powell?

Moyan Brenn/flickr

The highly controversial, $135 million dam generates hydroelectric power and controls water flow from the Upper Colorado River Basin. Environmentalists have concerns about the ecological impact on the Grand Canyon and the additional silt and higher water temperature of the Colorado River below the dam.

Wilson Bilkovich/flickr

The lake receives around two million visitors every year.

Astronaut photo, International Space Station Program/Wikimedia

The photo was taken in 2016. The bottom of the photo is north - the top shows the portion closer to and inside the Arizona border.

Mike E./TripAdvisor

Julie Edgley/flickr

crissycraft1/TripAdvisor

The number of marinas on the lake is limited by the fact that much of it is bordered by steep cliff walls. You can rent your houseboat from Wahweap and Antelope Point Marinas in Arizona, or Bullfrog Marina in Utah.

Kyle T./TripAdvisor

PaperPlaneGal/TripAdvisor

N o m a d i/flickr

Philms/flickr

Robert Shea/flickr

Are you ready to explore more of Utah? Take these 15 trips in Utah.

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