Guide To Southern Utah And Lake Powell

Plunging canyons, deep green forests, golden cottonwoods and pink sandstone cliffs dripping with wildflowers make Zion National Park a masterclass in natural drama.

The gateway town of Springdale, just below the southern entrance, is the best base for exploring. From March to November, free shuttle buses run the length of Zion Canyon, stopping at trailheads and landmarks along the way. Outside those months, you can drive your own vehicle.

Zion Canyon offers trails for every level, from short scenic walks to full-day treks. Don’t miss the easy Riverside Walk along the Virgin River, the lush lower Emerald Pools trail beneath twin waterfalls, or the steep Weeping Rock path, where streams feed hanging gardens of moss and fern.

If you’re driving, follow the switchbacks of Highway 9 to the Canyon Overlook Trail for one of Zion’s most spectacular views.

For details on hiking, camping and park activities, visit the Zion National Park website. Springdale is about a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, and you’ll lose an hour when you cross into Utah.

If you’ve got time, head along Highway 89 to the Lake Powell region. This striking route passes the Vermillion Cliffs of Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a vast expanse of layered cliffs and canyons. After about two hours, you’ll reach Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s.

Stretching 186 miles with 1,800 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell sits mostly in Utah, though most visitors base themselves near Wahweap Marina and the town of Page, Arizona.

Sunsets here are pure magic, with the lake shifting from sapphire to rose gold against the red rock backdrop. Despite being man-made, its mix of desert stone and water feels almost otherworldly. Explore by houseboat for ease, by powerboat or jet ski for thrills, or by kayak to slip into hidden canyons.

For a stress-free experience, join a guided boat tour.

Antelope Canyon is one THE reason for a trip to Page. Located at Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park on the Navajo Reservation, this much-photographed geological wonder is divided into Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, with the former being accessible at ground level and the latter requiring some climbing along metal stairways and ladders.

The beams of sunlight that pierce the canyon’s floor are more common in the Upper Canyon, but only visible between early spring and late summer when the sun is high in the sky. Photographing inside the canyon requires real skill and there are special photography tours if you’re serious about getting good shots.

As the canyon is part of the Navajo Nation, all tours must be accompanied by an authorised guide. Led by Chief Tsosie and his guides, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours offer trips at different times of day, to take advantage of the changing colours and light.

The other highlight of a trip to Page is the half-mile hike to the overlook above Horseshoe Bend, a u-shaped curve in the Colorado River about five miles south of the Glen Canyon Dam. Drive out of town on Highway 89 for about four miles, and you’ll see a sign and car park on your right. The route is short, but the terrain is very sandy and rocky so wear decent walking shoes. There’s also no railing or fencing of any description and it’s a long way down – 1,000 feet to be precise. You’ll need to get fairly close to the edge if you want to capture the full curve of the river in your photos (you’ll also need a wide-angle lens) but bear in mind that this is sandstone, and therefore extremely fragile. Avoid any overhanging rocks and consider lying on your stomach for an extra sense of security! We suggest a selfie stick to avoid the wobbles.