One of the best reasons to book the best vacation rentals Torrey UT has to offer is to enjoy quick and easy access to Capitol Reef National Park. But while this park, and Utah’s four other stunning national parks, are certainly worth a visit, they are far from the state’s only natural attractions. Southern Utah has a variety of other hidden gems that many visitors overlook. Many of these parks offer hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and rock formations that rival the more popular — and busier — national parks that they’re located near.
One hidden gem is Lake Powell. Located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is the second largest human-made lake in the U.S. It’s also widely regarded as one of the best boating destinations in the entire world.
You’ll definitely want to plan plenty of time to explore Capitol Reef National Park during your Cougar Ridge stay. But if you’re thinking about taking a day trip or two during your visit to one of the most unique places to stay in Utah, keep reading. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Lake Powell.
Where is Lake Powell?
Lake Powell is a man-made lake that straddles the border between Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. While the lake itself covers more than 250 square miles, it’s a winding finger-lake, which means that you can’t see the lake’s expanse from any one point. Tall canyon walls rise up around the lake, creating coves and inlets perfect for fishing, swimming, and exploring.
As far as day trips go, Lake Powell is a bit of a long one from your favorite vacation rentals Torrey UT has to offer. Coming in at around 4 and a half hours, you’ll want to make sure that you leave The Grand Lodge or your private villa early in the day to give yourself a full afternoon and evening to explore all that Lake Powell has to offer.
What is There to Do at Lake Powell?
Lake Powell, as well as the rest of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, has plenty to see and do.
Off-Roading
The National Recreation Area encompasses more than 1.25 million acres, though much of it is remote wilderness that you’ll need an off-road vehicle to explore. Want to explore Glen Canyon off the beaten path? You can bring your own off-road vehicle or join an off-road tour.
Boating
As we’ve already mentioned, Lake Powell is one of the world’s premier boating destinations. The stunning blue waters, accented by the red rock cliffs that rise sharply from it, are truly a sight to see.
One great way to experience the lake is on a boat tour. You can even book a tour that not only takes you on an adventure across Lake Powell but includes side trips to Antelope Canyon and Navajo Canyon. Kayak, stand-up paddle board, jet ski, and pontoon boat rentals are also available in the area. Lake Powell is a popular destination for fishing as well.
Hiking
There are a variety of hiking trails around Lake Powell that provide great views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes.
Just a short drive away from Lake Powell is the famous Horseshoe Bend. This is one of the region’s most popular day hikes and is just 1.5 miles roundtrip. A paid parking lot at the trailhead makes it easy to get to and from this trail, making it a great addition to your day trip from Torrey.
Another easy side trip from Lake Powell is Rainbow Bridge National Monument. While it is just 160 acres, this small national monument is located in Navajo Tribal Lands, which can make it difficult to access. But if you rent a boat on Lake Powell, you can ride to the monument, and from there, hike to Rainbow Bridge, one of the largest natural bridges in the world. Just make sure to obtain a permit from the Navajo Parks if you plan to take on this hike.
Planning Your Stay at the Best Vacation Rentals Torrey UT Has to Offer
Cougar Ridge is more than just a great base camp for visiting Capitol Reef National Park. The best vacation rentals Torrey UT has to offer are also perfect for exploring Southern Utah’s many hidden gems.
A day trip to Lake Powell can be a great way to cool off on a hot summer day, take a break from hiking, or experience a new part of the region that you may have never seen before. Whether you rent a boat or hike to the iconic Horseshoe Bend, this side trip is certain to be a highlight of your trip!
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Check out our private villas today to learn more about what makes them the best vacation rentals Torrey UT has to offer!