Lake Powell Navajo Canyon Boat Tour: Glen Canyon Dam Views

Cruise past the second-largest concrete arch dam and into canyon walls that tower 600 feet above the water

A 3.5-hour guided boat tour on Lake Powell departing from Wahweap Boat Tours, navigating Navajo Canyon with views of Glen Canyon Dam and towering red sandstone formations. You'll see the 50/50 Wall, desert varnish patterns on the canyon walls, and have time to photograph the landscape from the water. Water, coffee and lemonade are provided, and the boat has an onboard restroom.

Step-by-step itinerary

Navajo Canyon Boat Tour Experience

• Depart from Lake Powell Resort
• Board the tour boat
• See Glen Canyon Dam
• Admire Navajo Sandstone formations
• View 600-foot-high canyon walls
• Observe desert varnish on walls
• See the 50/50 Wall
• Take photos of Lake Powell views
• Enjoy water, coffee, and lemonade
• Return to marina

The experience

The tour departs from Lake Powell Resort and heads out onto the water with a live English-speaking guide. Glen Canyon Dam appears first (the second-largest concrete arch dam in the United States) before the boat turns into Navajo Canyon proper. The canyon walls rise 600 feet above the water, and as you cruise deeper in, you'll see the "desert varnish" (also called Navajo Tapestry) that stains the red and burnt orange sandstone in dark, organic patterns. The 50/50 Wall is one of the signature stops: it extends as far below the water's surface as it does above it, a visual anchor point in the narrow channel.

The boat carries water, coffee and lemonade for the journey, and there's a restroom onboard. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the transportation to and from the marina accommodates wheelchairs as well. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. The pace is built for all fitness levels. You're on the boat the whole time, so the physical demand is minimal.

What’s included

• Water, coffee and lemonade.
• onboard restroom.
• live guide commentary in English.

Information

Lasts 3h 30m, runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30, from US$ 118.54 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:30Another day? ›

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas Boat Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary without translation. The boat accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, and the tour suits all fitness levels since you're seated the entire time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far above the water do the walls of Navajo Canyon rise?

Navajo Canyon's walls reach 600 feet above the water, creating a dramatic narrow passage as the boat navigates through.

What is the desert varnish I'll see on the canyon walls?

Desert varnish, also called Navajo Tapestry, is a dark staining that decorates the red and burnt orange sandstone walls, created naturally over time on the rock surface.

Will I see Glen Canyon Dam on this tour?

Yes. Glen Canyon Dam is the second-largest concrete arch dam in the United States, and you'll see it early in the tour before entering Navajo Canyon.

What's the 50/50 Wall?

The 50/50 Wall is a striking rock formation in Navajo Canyon that extends as far below the water's surface as it does above, making it a notable landmark on the route.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the boat has a restroom onboard for the 3.5-hour journey.