Antelope Canyon
This slot canyon is a Southwest icon, its undulating sandstone walls the stuff of screensavers and magazine covers. You can access quieter parts of the canyon by boat and a short hike from Lake Powell. To see the highly photogenic upper canyon (aka the Corkscrew), drive to the entry near Page, Arizona. Because the canyon is on Navajo Nation land, you must be accompanied on your walk by an authorized guide. Make reservations in advance for the Corkscrew.
Rainbow Bridge
Getting to this 235-foot-long stone arch — the largest natural bridge on earth and a sacred site to several Native American nations — used to require a rough, multi-day hike. The formation of Lake Powell made it possible to cruise right over to it. You can take your own boat or a tour to the docking location, which fluctuates with the water levels, and walk one to two miles along an easy trail to reach the bridge.
Water Sports on Lake Powell
The most leisurely way to explore and soak in the lake, houseboats are easy to pilot, even for beginners. At Bullfrog Marina, Antelope Point Marina, and Wahweap Marina, you can also rent kayaks, jet skis, paddleboards, or water toys like flyboarding gear (which propels you up to 45 feet above the water). The large, open channels of the lake are popular for water sports, but it’s worth venturing into the side passages, which are often better protected from the wind; just be aware that they can narrow dramatically.