Happy Friday everyone! To end National Parks week we’re celebrating one of my favorite places, Lake Powell.
[nzs_heading heading=”5″] did you know [/nzs_heading]
Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir, by maximum water capacity, in the United States behind Lake Mead, storing 24,322,000 acre feet of water when full. The lake was created by the flooding of Glen Canyon by the Glen Canyon Dam. The reservoir is named for explorer John Wesley Powell, a one-armed American Civil War veteran who explored the river via three wooden boats in 1869. Very cool.
[nzs_heading heading=”5″] The Lake Powell Half Marathon [/nzs_heading]
I cannot wait for our second annual Lake Powell Half! It’s one of our most beautiful courses, and it is currently the only one where runners actually get to end their run in the park. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our promo video. And if you want a reason to spend time at the lake this year, you can register for the race here.
Lake Powell Half Marathon Promo from Vacation Races on Vimeo.
[nzs_heading heading=”5″] Glen Canyon Dam [/nzs_heading]
When the Glen Canyon Bridge was finished in 1957, it was a marvel of engineering. At 1,271 feet long and rising 700 feet above the river, it was the highest bridge of its kind in the United States and one of the highest in the world. By 1959, the bridge itself was a major tourist attraction and it was said that “motorists [were] driving miles out of their way just to be thrilled by its dizzying height.” In my experience, not much has changed. I remember taking a major detour on a family trip from Kansas City to St. George just so we could take a picture on the dam.
[nzs_heading heading=”5″] Bucket List Sights [/nzs_heading]
Some of the most amazing natural features can be found at Lake Powell- these are sights that should be on your bucket list if they’re not already.
Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge is one of the world’s largest known natural bridges. The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time–from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 85,000 people from around the world who visit it each year.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is one of the most-visited and most interesting places in the United States and the world. The famous slot canyon was created by erosion of the Navajo sandstone, mostly by flash flooding.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a breathtaking overlook at the Colorado River flowing from Lake Powell towards the Grand Canyon. It is a short drive outside of Page (just over 4 miles south) and just a 3/4 mile hike to the overlook! It is such a great thing to see.