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.

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

Inoperable Inoperable Launch at own risk

Open to all vessels when lake level is over 3578'. 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 December 2024

As we close out another year at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Glen Canyon) and begin our planning for the New Year to come, I want to pause and thank each of you for your dedication to this park. We enjoy the benefit of having so many partners to work with throughout the year. Operating a unit of the National Park Service in these times truly does take a village.  

Many of you invest your valuable time to volunteer in a multitude of ways, ranging from trash clean ups to orchard monitoring, campground hosts and graffiti removal. Your contributions extend our efforts ten-fold.  

Soon, volunteers will gather to collect data for the annual Christmas Bird counts. This is just another example of how the community contributes to the work we do in protecting this resource. 

Our team at Glen Canyon has been nationally recognized for the work that they have contributed to the recent Hurricane events on the east coast. We could not be prouder of their contributions to our agency and their support to severely impacted communities. 

While there may be changes ahead for the leadership in our agency, the work on the ground at Glen Canyon continues. In 2025, our team will be focused on the many projects and initiatives we have well underway. We will continue sharing with you through this newsletter. 

I want to extend my warmest holiday wishes from the team at Glen Canyon to you our loyal stewards.   

Sincerely, 
Michelle 

 

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: December 12, 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