Several short hikes lead to panoramic vistas of Lake Powell. For a view of the lake, Wahweap Bay, the Colorado River channel, and the sandstone cliffs of Antelope Island, drive half a mile east from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, cross a bridge, and turn left onto an unmarked gravel road; follow it for about a mile to its end and a parking lot in an area locally known as The Chains (day-use area only). Heading north from the parking lot, follow the unmarked but obvious trail across sand, up slickrock, and across a level gravel section to an overlook that provides a magnificent view of the lake. This is usually a 10-minute walk (one-way). To extend the hike, you can find a way down to the water's edge, but beware: The steep sandstone can be slick.
Several hikes originate in the Lees Ferry area, including a moderate 2-mile round-trip hike through narrow Cathedral Canyon to the Colorado River. The trail head is at the second turnout from U.S. 89A along Lees Ferry Road. This hike isn't along a marked trail, but rather down a wash, past intriguing rock formations. In wet weather, be alert for flash floods and deep pools. Allow 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the round-trip hike.
Another relatively easy hike, the River Trail, starts just upriver from the Lees Ferry fort and follows an old wagon road to a ferry-crossing site, passing the historic submerged steamboat, the Charles H. Spencer. Allow about an hour for this 2-mile round-trip walk. A self-guiding booklet is available at Lees Ferry.
A heavy-duty 34-mile hike through the Paria Canyon Primitive Area, which departs from Lonely Dell Ranch at Lees Ferry, takes you through beautiful but narrow canyons. Beware: Flash flooding can be hazardous. This hike requires a permit from the Bureau of Land Management office in Kanab (tel. 435/644-4600; www.ut.blm.gov/kanab_fo).
Although most visitors take an easy half- or full-day boat trip to see beautiful Rainbow Bridge National Monument, it is possible to hike to it, although the 14-mile one-way trail is difficult and not maintained. It crosses the Navajo Reservation and requires a permit. Contact the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department, P.O. Box 2520, Window Rock, AZ 86515 (tel. 928/871-6647; www.navajonationparks.org).
Serious backcountry hikers should obtain current maps of the area and discuss their plans with rangers before setting out. Hikers should carry at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
