Changing Lake Levels

 
Sandstone butte in a field of white flowers. A few camper RVs and cars around the butte. Sandstone butte in a field of white flowers. A few camper RVs and cars around the butte.

Left image
Lone Rock surrounded by campers and vehicles parked in the sand amidst a superbloom of desert evening primrose on April 29, 2023. Lake elevation 3524.50'.
Credit: NPS

Right image
June 21, 2023. Lone Rock is once again a beach, surrounded by water and some vehicles parked on the beach to the right. Lake elevation 3579.22'.
Credit: NPS

 

Glen Canyon is home to dynamic and constantly changing landscape.

Since 2001, declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of drought have reshaped Lake Powell’s shoreline. Today we are experiencing low lake levels and their effects on boat ramp access points, on-lake facilities, and the landscape.

  • Significant changes to the shoreline will affect usability of boat launch ramps throughout the year, especially in warmer months. We ask visitors to plan ahead and prepare for longer lines, limited parking and congestion at boat ramps and docks. To relieve launch ramp congestion, please ready your boat at a nearby parking lot before driving to launch ramps. View the current status of your preferred launch destination before heading to the lake.
  • On Lake Powell, boaters should be aware that as water levels change, channels may narrow leading to increased boat congestion. Boaters should exercise caution in all areas of Lake Powell. Availability of restrooms, floating walkways, pump out, fuel and convenient stations may vary. View the current status of on-lake facilities below.


There are many new places to explore as water levels change, and the scenic shoreline is always evolving. Check current lake levels to plan ahead and prepare for your visit to Glen Canyon. Learn more about boating safety and make every trip to Lake Powell a safe and enjoyable one.

For real time lake level information, view the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado River HydroData. To learn more about the Upper Colorado River Basin and the operations of Glen Canyon Dam, including the 24-month predictions, visit the Bureau of Reclamation's website.

Lake Powell Current Water Level

 

 

Lake Level Effects to Launch Ramps and Services

Location

Availability

More Information

Houseboats

Small Motorized Vessels

Non-motorized Vessels

Wahweap Main Launch Ramp

Available

Available

Unavailable

Open to all motorized vessels. Closed to paddlecraft.

Wahweap Auxiliary Launch Ramp

Inoperable

Inoperable

Inoperable

Ramp closed to all vessels.

Wahweap Stateline Launch Ramp

Inoperable

Inoperable

Launch at own risk

Ramp closed to launch/retrieval of motorized vessels. Drive halfway down the ramp to access the Stateline Auxiliary Ramp. Open to paddlecraft only. Closed intermittently for vessel salvage equipment staging.

Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary Launch Ramp

Available

Available

Unavailable

Open to motorized vessels. Prepare all boats in the Stateline Main Ramp parking lot before accessing the auxiliary ramp.

Castle Rock Cut

Navigate at your own risk

Navigate at your own risk Navigate at your own risk Navigable for all vessels at elevation 3583' and above.

Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp

Inoperable

Inoperable

Available

Public Ramp closed to motorized vessels. Available for paddlecraft launching only. Extension not possible due to topography. Switchback in place to remedy steepness of access to the marina.

Antelope Point Business Ramp

Available

Available

Available

This ramp is open for all vessels, including houseboats. Interested customers should contact Antelope Point Valet Services to inquire about their specific vessel(s), 928 645-5900 ext. 5032.

Halls Crossing Launch Ramp

Available

Available

Available

Open to all vessels.

UDOT Ferry and Launch Ramps

Inoperable

Inoperable

Inoperable

Ramps closed. More information regarding the Lake Powell Ferry provided by UDOT.

Bullfrog North Launch Ramp

Available

Available

Available

Open to all vessels. View flow of traffic and area map. A courtesy dock is available at the ramp.

Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp

Launch at own risk Launch at own risk Launch at own risk

Open to all vessels. Prepare your boats at the Bullfrog Visitor Center parking lot and the Old Marina Store asphalt parking lot.

Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp Spur

Inoperable

Launch at own risk

Launch at own risk

Open to all vessels up to 25ft.

Stanton Creek Primitive Area

Inoperable

Inoperable

Launch at own risk

Primitive rock and sand beach. Launch area is inoperable. Launch at your own risk

Hite Ramp

Inoperable

Inoperable

Unavailable

Hite Launch Ramp out of water. Lake Powell does not reach Hite at this time. The road to Hite from Hwy 95 is closed.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Available

Available

Available

Floating docks, walkways, and restrooms have been re-anchored at the back of the canyon providing access to the Rainbow Bridge trail. Approximately 1.2-mile hike to the observation area at the bridge. Concession operated boat tours may be available. Hiking permits around Navajo Mountain from Navajo Parks & Recreation.

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Lake Powell Water Access Update from the Superintendent September 2024

Fall is in the air at Glen Canyon!  The extreme heat of July and August are now behind but many boating and fishing days are still ahead of us. With the lower temperatures we are seeing increased camping and hiking in our outlying areas once again. The cycle of the seasons repeats themselves.

This month numbers were released highlighting the economic benefits of outdoor recreation and visitor spending to the area. With substantial growth in visitation last year it makes sense that the revenue spending also skyrocketed! Visitors spent $540 million in our local area and generated 6,300 jobs to the economy. The outdoor industry is a huge contributor to our state’s economic health. I am incredibly proud of the role of the team at Glen Canyon in supporting the visitor experience and the benefits we generate, along with our commercial operators in the park.

Glen Canyon NRA experienced an increase in critical incidents this season.  Each event required quick response from our park rangers and area partners. Many of these incidents occurred simultaneously or in quick succession.  We have an excellent team of park law enforcement, fire, rescue and emergency medical personnel, without whom we would not be able to serve our over 5 million visitors spread out over 1.25 million acres. We also appreciate the support we receive from our mutual aid partners in the area. 

Our planned projects continue to advance. In August, a significant well pump failure caused disruption to many of our Wahweap customers. The quick action of our park facility staff, who worked around the clock to haul water, prevented a closure of services during peak visitation. This event highlights the need for the Legacy Restoration funded project for our critical water and wastewater system that is currently in design.

Sincerely,  
Michelle Kerns 
Superintendent

 

Lake Powell Launch Ramps

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    Recreate Safely at Lake Powell

    • person and dog waist deep in murky lake
      Lake Recreational Water Advisory

      Take care of yourself when you recreate on the beaches or in the waters of Lake Powell.

    • Man relaxes at front of motorboat on Lake Powell
      Boating

      Lake Powell is a premier location for boating opportunities, whether in a luxury houseboat or small fishing skiff.

    • large boat anchored to beach with stakes
      Houseboat Staking

      How should I properly anchor my houseboat on Lake Powell? Why can't I use stakes?

    Last updated: November 20, 2024

    Park footer

    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    PO Box 1507
    Page, AZ 86040

    Phone:

    928 608-6200
    Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.

    Contact Us