Description
Lake Powell is well known for boating, skiing, fishing, and other recreation. But there are a few things you might not know about the lake. We offer you three lesser-known activities for your next Lake Powell trip.
Bald Eagle watching. This threatened species has made a hearty recovery in the last couple decades. As many as 18 to 20 of these birds winter among the sandstone cliffs of Lake Powell. And if you don’t catch a glimpse of these rare creatures, you may want to keep an eye out for a few of the other avian species that call the area home. There are Peregrine falcons, spotted owls, terns, grebes, and gulls, to name a few.
Indian Ruins. The Anasazi inhabited parts of the Glen Canyon area more than 800 years ago, and there are a handful of ruins in the area. One example is Defiance House (named for an on site pictograph drawing of warriors), found up the middle fork of Forgotten Canyon. When archeologists discovered the site in 1959, most of the roofs were intact and two bowls still had food in them, despite the dwelling having been abandoned around 1285 AD. If you visit any ruins in the Glen Canyon area, be careful not to climb on structures, carve on, or deface the rock art.
Slot Canyons. There are some canyons on Lake Powell far too narrow for motorboats, but ideal for kayaks and smaller craft. These serene canyons can help you escape the noise of speeding boats and put you in a unique and stunning proximity with sheer sandstone cliffs. One excellent option for this kind of adventure is Wetherill Canyon. Before the canyon narrows too much, there are places to anchor boats and some coves that accommodate houseboats. The narrow, kayak navigable slot canyon extends two miles beyond this point, and in some places is only 3 to 4 feet wide. Be sure to bring along some kayaks on your next Lake Powell boating trip.
