One Of Arizona's Most Underrated Gems Is A Remote Lakeside Overlook In Red Rock Country

If you're in northern Arizona and don't have time for an extended visit to Lake Powell, you must at the very least, stop and have a look. The Wahweap Overlook — even though it is a bit remote — is one of the best places to do that. Lake Powell is a huge human-made reservoir, formed back in 1963 when the enormous Glen Canyon Dam was erected on the Colorado River. With long blue fingers extending in every direction at the Arizona—Utah border, the lake is not only visually striking, but also a haven for photographers, boaters, and swimmers and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Arizona. 

Among the Lake Powell overlooks, the Wahweap Overlook offers some distinct advantages like panoramic views, shade, benches, and an interpretive sign. At an elevation of 4,200 feet, it provides an exceptional vantage point of the sparkling water and some of the surrounding rock formations such as Navajo Mountain, Tower Butte, and Sentinel Rock. Travelers who have sought out the Wahweap Overlook are really glad they did, like Tripadvisor reviewer Aslan's Traveler, who said, "If you are in Page, take time to get up to this overlook where you'll have a 360-degree view of the whole area, including Lake Powell and the nearby cliffs and mesas. Stay past the [actual] sunset as the sky turns great colors and the mesas mirror the sky." If you're looking for the best sunset-viewing spots across the U.S., add the Wahweap Overlook to your list. 

Some people have reported difficulty finding the correct location for the Wahweap Overlook, which is located 6 miles northwest of the town of Page, right off Highway 89. On Google Maps, the Wahweap Overlook should not be confused with the Wahweap Viewpoint, which is farther east toward the lake. To reach the Wahweap Overlook, pass the intersection of Highway 89 with Lakeshore Drive (the road that takes you to the Wahweap Viewpoint) and keep driving on the highway. The road to the overlook is less than a mile past the intersection with Ferry Swale Road. Turn right on this road and drive up the hill to the parking lot and overlook — a fabulous place to "ooh and ahh" over the wondrous views, play endlessly with your camera, and maybe even enjoy a little picnic lunch. 

We wouldn't be surprised if the overlook whets your appetite and leaves you wanting more. In that case, pitch a tent or rent a houseboat and stick around for a while. There are countless things to do on and around the lake if you enjoy outdoor recreation. But above all else, one must-do is to explore one of the area's fascinating slot canyons, such as the world-famous Antelope Canyon just east of Page. This narrow canyon with its undulating walls is a truly spectacular place but tends to be crowded no matter what time of year you visit. For more serene alternatives, check out Labyrinth Canyon, a lesser-known slot canyon that is often compared to Arizona's Antelope Canyon, which is also near Lake Powell.