Lake Powell is filled with so many incredible places to see and unlimited hidden gems to discover.
The lake stretches over 200 miles across Arizona and Utah with over 80 side canyons to explore.
If you’re looking for some of the best secret spots at Lake Powell to explore, we’re here to share 9 of our favorite locations at Lake Powell!
We always launch at Wahweap, so this guide will start at Wahweap and work towards Rainbow Bridge.
Best Lake Powell Secret Spots to Explore
*Update: Due to the fluctuating water levels, some of these spots may not always be accessible.
Table of Contents
- 1. Lone Rock Side Canyons
- 2. The Sandhill
- 3. Antelope Creek and Slot Canyon
- 4. Antelope Marina Rope Swing
- 5. Labyrinth Slot Canyon
- 6. Hole in the Roof
- 7. Padre Bay
- 7. Double Arch (aka “Toilet Bowl”)
- 8. Rope Swing at Rock Creek Bay
- 8. Rainbow Bridge
1. Lone Rock Side Canyons
Lone Rock is a substantial rock formation and iconic landmark jutting out of the water at Wahweap Bay.
This bay is one of the most popular spots on Lake Powell due to its close proximity to the marina.
There is plenty of space to cruise around and do water sports, so it doesn’t feel too crowded even during the peak of summer.
This bay is popular not only for its close proximity to State Line and Wahweap launch ramps, but it is also popular because of the expansive sandy beach.
Lone Rock Beach is the only beach that you can drive to at Lake Powell. During the summer months, the shore will be lined with tents and RVs.
It’s the perfect spot to have a picnic, let the kids dig in the sand, have an evening bonfire, or just sit and relax.
However, if you’re looking to escape the crowds that flock to Lone Rock Beach, then I’ve got a secret spot for you.
Just venture to the left behind the Lone Rock formation. Here, you’ll find narrow milky white sandstone canyons to explore away from the crowds.
There are also some great rocks perfect for cliff jumping!
Just always use caution when jumping. Check the water depth and look for submerged rocks.
2. The Sandhill
The Sandhill, also nicknamed the “Sand King Sand Dune,” is one of our kids’ favorite spots. It can only be accessed when the water level is high enough to boat to the base of the massive hill of sand.
It can be found in a discreet inlet to the left of Castle Rock and Mermaid Rock, across from the Stateline boat launch ramp.
You can climb to the top of the sandhill for a beautiful view of the bay and rock formations.
For some extra fun, bring some sleds and boogie boards to race down the hill!
3. Antelope Creek and Slot Canyon
From Wahweap Marina, head towards the Glen Canyon Dam. You’ll want to make a pit stop to admire the impressive structure from the water. The open water here is also a good spot for watersports.
Once you’re done checking out the dam, follow the channel around Antelope Island until you reach the confluence of Antelope Creek and the Colorado River.
It will be the first side canyon on the right. Here, you will find a narrow snaking creek surrounded by sheer towering cliffs.
There are also plenty of crags and crevices to climb and explore, and lots of cliff ledges to jump from.
This is also a popular place for kayaking and swimming so keep in mind that this is a no-wake zone. Kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent at Antelope Point Marina if you are interested.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon away from the crowds as you peacefully float through the canyon.
If you follow the creek to the end, you’ll discover dry ground leading into a pastel-colored slot canyon that you can explore on foot.
Most people don’t realize that this is actually the same slot canyon that eventually leads to the popular Antelope Canyon, which can only be accessed via a guided tour. Click the link for tips about taking this tour.
4. Antelope Marina Rope Swing
*Update: On our last visit we noticed that the rope swing had been cut, but keep checking back in case another one has been installed.
After coming out of Antelope Creek, stop by Antelope Point Marina to gas up, get some ice cream, or grab a bite to eat.
After fueling up, head past Antelope Point Marina and you’ll soon find a rope swing hung within an alcove on the face of the cliff.
You’ll need to scale up the rock using the small cracks and ledges for hand and footholds.
The handle of the swing is a bit high and hard to reach. I would recommend tying your own tow rope and handle onto the existing handle for easier access.
It’s definitely an adrenaline rush to swing out and plunge into the lake below! (*Update: the rope swing was no longer there on our most recent trip, but check back to see if another one has been hung)
*Related post: for another one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, check out our guide to visiting Utah’s Pink Lake!
5. Labyrinth Slot Canyon
Labyrinth Slot Canyon is one of the best Lake Powell secret spots!
Make your way around Antelope Island and you’ll find Labyrinth Bay lying directly across from Gunsight Bay. Gunsight Bay is recognizable from its prominent butte resembling the front and rear sight of a rifle.
Note that if you are coming from Wahweap, it is quicker to go through the Castle Rock Cut if it is open.
As you enter Labyrinth Bay, drink up the views as you gently glide through the narrow pink-brushed sandstone canyon while winding your way to the end.
The water level will determine how far you can boat In before you’ll need to get out and swim to the dry ground.
You’ll be able to get closer to the mouth of the canyon in a kayak or paddleboard, but we have managed it in a boat as well.
When we went, the water level was low enough that we only had to walk through chest-deep water. Just be prepared with life jackets in case it is deeper.
You’ll wade through sludge and stagnant water before reaching the dry sandy ground.
Once you reach dry ground, you can explore about a mile up the canyon where you’ll discover swirling ribbons of pink sandstone.
It is very similar to the ever-popular Antelope Canyon but without the cost and hoards of tourists.
For more information about getting to the Labyrinth slot canyon, see our First Time Guide to Lake Powell.
6. Hole in the Roof
The Hole in the Roof can be found just past Gunsight Bay, around to the left as you enter Padre Bay.
The Hole in the Roof is a cool rock pool that can only be accessed when the water level is high.
If the water level is high enough, you can easily jump from the sides of the basin and swim in the pool.
If the water level is too low, don’t attempt to jump in because it is impossible to climb back out.
When the water level is high enough, it is even possible to get jet skis in the pool and ride in circles creating a “toilet bowl“.
7. Padre Bay
Padre Bay isn’t necessarily a secret, but many people don’t realize what a gem it is.
As you approach the bay, you’ll notice that the white rocks that are found by Wahweap are replaced with towering red sandstone cliffs.
This is the beginning of the most scenic parts of Lake Powell, and it just keeps getting better the further up the lake you go.
Padre Bay is 9 miles long and 7 miles wide making it the largest bay on Lake Powell.
The bay is protected by the surrounding rocks, so the water is calm and perfect for water sports.
You’ll also discover soft sandy beaches and coves that are perfect for setting up a base camp and spending the afternoon playing in the water and soaking up the sun.
Kane Wash is the second small bay behind Cookie Jar Butte and is our favorite place to go.
It is tucked into a cove without a lot of boating traffic and is shaded in the heat of the late afternoon.
The size of the beach depends on the level of the water and how high it comes up on the shore.
The nice thing about this beach is that it can only be reached by boat, so it’s not nearly as crowded as Lone Rock Beach.
The warm shallow water is great for kids to splash and play. They’ll also find plenty of rocks to climb and places to explore on land.
If you are planning to beach your boat, just make sure that the water is deep enough in the back so that the prop doesn’t get stuck in the sand. We learned that the hard way and had to have help pushing our boat off the sand bar when it got stuck!
The scenery here is spectacular with dramatic fiery red sandstone mesas and imposing buttes.
It is here that you’ll find the iconic Cookie Jar Butte. You’ll also have views of Tower Butte and Boundary Butte which straddle the Arizona/Utah border.
Padre Bay is pure magic and is our favorite hidden gem at Lake Powell!
7. Double Arch (aka “Toilet Bowl”)
*Update: I’m sad to report that in August 2024 the arch at the Toilet Bowl collapsed so it no longer exists.
Rock Creek Bay is a good 2-hour boat ride from Wahweap if the cut isn’t open, so you’re going to want to make sure you gas up at Antelope Point Marina before you go.
You also might want to check if Dangling Rope Marina is open as well.
But it is worth the long haul to get here as Rock Creek Bay is home to Double Arch, also known as the Toilet Bowl.
For directions to Double Arch, or the Toilet Bowl, head to Rock Creek Bay. As you enter the bay, there will be a cove on the right. As you turn into the cove, you can see the Toilet Bowl on your right.
The exact coordinates are 37.13640 N, 111.17063 W. If you pull up Rock Creek Bay on satellite images, you can also see right where it is.
This cave is large enough that you can drive your boat into it. Once you go inside, you’ll find a massive hole in the roof.
You can actually climb up to the top of the hole from the outside and jump right into the center of the Toilet Bowl.
It can be a little tricky climbing up the steep rock, especially since the surface is hot.
We climbed up from the right, but we also saw others climbing up to the left of the hole and it was about the same difficulty.
If the water level is particularly low it may be too dangerous to jump that high, so use caution and common sense.
If the water level is too high then you may not be able to drive your boat in, but I’m not aware of that ever being the case.
We recently came across a video of this large cave that you can boat into. It is supposedly located at Rock Creek Bay, but I’m not sure of the exact location.
That is the fun part of exploring Lake Powell, you never know what secret spots you’re going to find!
8. Rope Swing at Rock Creek Bay
If you head directly across the bay from Double Arch, you’ll see another massive cave. As you get closer, you’ll see a rope anchored to the top of the cliff above the cave.
This is probably the most epic rope swing we’ve ever seen!
To reach the rope swing, you are going to have to scale up the steep rock face to stand on a ledge then use another rope to pull the swing up.
It is pretty sketchy, so attempt it at your own risk.
If you prefer the safer route, you can also just drive your boat under the swing and swing off from the top of the tower as the boat drives away.
It isn’t quite the same adrenaline rush, but it’s a fun and safe alternative!
8. Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge National Monument isn’t exactly a secret, it is a national monument after all!
However, many people don’t realize that this is the largest natural bridge in the world.
Rainbow Ridge can be accessed by a 16-mile rugged trail by land, or by boat and a short 1.25-mile trail from the dock at Forbidding Canyon. I would highly recommend the latter option!
The boat ride to Rainbow Bridge is a good 2 1/2 hr boat ride from Wahweap if the cut isn’t open. Be sure to gas up at Antelope Point Marina and check to see if Dangling Rope Marina is open as well.
Also, be sure to take the time to stop and explore cool hidden gems along the way. You can find some cool arches, coves, and rock formations to explore.
I hope this guide will help you discover these cool secret spots at Lake Powell and inspire you to find more hidden gems!
And while you’re in Page, see our guide 12 Things You Absolutely Must Do in Page Arizona!
Are these pictures all from 2020? I’m planning a trip and trying to figure out what is still accessible.
Hi Whitney! The majority are from June 2020, but the ones from Rainbow Bridge and inside the Labyrinth slot canyon are from previous years. However, most everything can be accessed at any time, but the Sandhill and Hole in the Roof can only be accessed when the water level is high.
Reflection Canyon is not in the Escalante River Arm. Reflection is just south of the San Juan River Arm, on the left side if traveling north. I believe its around mile marker 57. The Escalante River Arm is mile marker 68.
Thanks for the clarification, I’ll update it!