Directions: The driving time from Phoenix to Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, is around four and half hours. Drive two hours on I-17N from Phoenix to Flagstaff. In Flagstaff, take exit 340A to merge onto I-40 E towards Albuquerque. Travel about 126 miles, then take exit 201 onto US 89. You will drive approximately 2 more hours into Page, AZ.
Fun Facts: Risking sounding like an encyclopedia, I did want to share some fun facts about Lake Powell:
Arizona and Utah share the second-largest man-made reservoir in the United States.
The creation of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River flooded Glen Canyon, creating Lake Powell.
Lake Powell was named after John Wesley Powell, a civil war veteran. In 1869 he explored the river in three wooden boats.
Today, the preferred way to explore Lake Powell is by Houseboat, evident by this picture of docked houseboats.
My Lake Powell excursion was via Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour. The tour leaves from the Wahweap Marina at Lake Powell Resort. I awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the lake. It would be best if you waked early for breakfast to ensure you did not miss your boat ride to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
I enjoyed all the views as we cruised 50 miles along the shoreline to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the largest known natural bridges in the world.
You enter this beautiful alcove towards Rainbow Bridge once you cross over from Arizona into Utah.
The smoothness of the emerald green water was mesmerizing. The bow of the boat cut seamlessly through the passageway towards the dock. Each twist and turn revealed incredible stratified rock formations.
At sunset, Mother Nature swept my breath away with all the pinks and oranges bursting in the sky and reflecting on the rock formations surrounding the lake.
You can read more about Rainbow Bridge National Monument at the link below: https://www.southwesternusahiking.com/post/rainbow-bridge-national-monument-page-azttps://www.southwesternusahiking.com/post/rainbow-bridge-national-monument-page-az