Best Lake Powell Beaches

Lake Powell has close to 2,000 miles of shoreline, and the best beaches on it are the ones you can only reach by water. A few are an easy drive from Page, Arizona, too. Here are our favorite places to swim, play and spend a day on the sand.

Beaches You Can Drive To

Lone Rock Beach

The most famous beach on the lake sits on the Utah side, just past the state line off U.S. Highway 89, about 15 minutes from Page. You can drive right onto the sand and camp for the night. Expect an entrance fee for the park plus a nightly camping fee per vehicle. The sand is soft and deep in places, so four-wheel drive helps, and every year plenty of cars get stuck. At low water the rock stands on dry sand and the water’s edge is a long walk out. Lone Rock is also the only area in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area where off-road vehicles that are not street legal may ride. More about Lone Rock Beach.

The Chains

Just east of Glen Canyon Dam, a short road off Highway 89 leads to The Chains, a day-use area named for the buoy chain that keeps boats away from the dam. It is smooth sandstone ledges rather than sand, with clear water for swimming and great views of the dam. The road is open sunrise to sunset, and how easily you can reach the water depends on the lake level.

Wahweap Swim Area

The Park Service marks a swim area with buoys just west of the Wahweap Main Ramp, with parking near the top of the ramp. There are no lifeguards anywhere on Lake Powell.

Beaches You Reach by Jet Ski or Boat

• Warm Creek Bay: a huge bay full of sandy coves on the Utah side. At low water, reach it around Antelope Island through the main channel, since Castle Rock Cut is closed.
• Padre Bay: the largest open bay on the lake, with beaches tucked around Gunsight Butte and Dominguez Butte and room for every water toy.
• Face Canyon and Labyrinth Canyon: quieter side canyons near Padre Bay with sandy landings and narrow slots to explore.
• Last Chance Bay and Rock Creek: farther up-lake, around buoys 28 and 36, with many side coves for a beach of your own.
• Navajo Canyon: long and deep, close to Antelope Point. The land above the water is Navajo Nation land closed to hiking and camping, so enjoy it from the water.

Beach Day Tips

• Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket on Lake Powell, including in the water at the beach.
• Bring shade. Most beaches have none, and the sand gets very hot by midday in summer.
• Beach a jet ski gently on sand, never on rocks, and tie it off. Wakes from passing boats can pull it loose.
• Camping overnight on the shore? You need a portable toilet that does not use plastic bags. See our jet ski camping guide.
• Pack out all trash, including food scraps.
• Water is warmest from late June through September. See the best time to visit.

Bring the Fun With You

A jet ski or a MasterCraft boat turns any cove into your own private beach. Add water toys like tubes and paddle boards, and you have the perfect Lake Powell beach day. See our jet ski rentals and boat rentals.