Changing Lake Levels

 

Glen Canyon is home to dynamic and constantly changing landscape.

Since 2001, declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of drought have reshaped Lake Powell’s shoreline. Today we are experiencing low lake levels and their effects on boat ramp access points, on-lake facilities, and the landscape.

  • Significant changes to the shoreline will affect usability of boat launch ramps throughout the year, especially in warmer months. We ask visitors to plan ahead and prepare for longer lines, limited parking and congestion at boat ramps and docks. To relieve launch ramp congestion, please ready your boat at a nearby parking lot before driving to launch ramps. View the current status of your preferred launch destination before heading to the lake.
  • On Lake Powell, boaters should be aware that as water levels change, channels may narrow leading to increased boat congestion. Boaters should exercise caution in all areas of Lake Powell. Availability of restrooms, floating walkways, pump out, fuel and convenient stations may vary. View the current status of on-lake facilities below.


There are many new places to explore as water levels change, and the scenic shoreline is always evolving. Check current lake levels to plan ahead and prepare for your visit to Glen Canyon. Learn more about boating safety and make every trip to Lake Powell a safe and enjoyable one.

For real time lake level information, view the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado River HydroData. To learn more about the Upper Colorado River Basin and the operations of Glen Canyon Dam, including the 24-month predictions, visit the Bureau of Reclamation's website.

Lake Powell Current Water Level

 

 

Lake Level Effects to Launch Ramps and Services

Location

Availability

Minimum Safe Elevation

More Information

Houseboats

Small Motorized Vessels

Non-motorized Vessels
Wahweap Main Launch Ramp Closed Closed Launch at your own risk 3550 ft Ramp closed to launch/retrieval of motorized vessels. Open to paddlecraft only.
Wahweap Stateline Launch Ramp Closed Closed Launch at your own risk 3564 ft Ramp closed to launch/retrieval of motorized vessels. Drive halfway down the ramp to access the Stateline Auxiliary Ramp. Open to paddlecraft only.
Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary Launch Ramp Available Available Closed 3502 ft Open to motorized vessels. Prepare all boats in the Stateline Main Ramp parking lot before accessing the auxiliary ramp.
Castle Rock Cut Closed Closed Closed 3583 ft Navigation buoys are placed at 3590ft.
Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp Closed Closed Launch at your own risk 3588ft Public Ramp closed to motorized vessels. Available for paddlecraft launching only.
Antelope Point Business Ramp Available Available Available 3540 ft This ramp is open for all vessels, including houseboats. Interested customers should contact Antelope Point Valet Services to inquire about their specific vessel(s), 928 645-5900 ext. 5032. This ramp is not managed by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Halls Crossing Launch Ramp Closed Closed Closed 3556 ft Closed to all vessels.
UDOT Ferry Closed Closed Closed 3575 ft Ramps closed to private launching. The ferry is not anticipated to operate in 2025 due to low water levels. The ferry does not operate if lake levels drop below 3575ft. More information regarding the Lake Powell Ferry provided by UDOT.
UDOT Launch Ramps Closed Closed Closed 3575 ft Ramps closed to private launching.
Bullfrog North Launch Ramp Available Available Available 3529 ft Open to all vessels when lake level is over 3529'. View flow of traffic and area map. A courtesy dock is available at the ramp.
Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp Closed Closed Launch at your own risk 3578 ft Open to all vessels when lake level is over 3578'. Prepare your boats at the Bullfrog Visitor Center parking lot and the Old Marina Store asphalt parking lot.
Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp Spur Closed Launch at your own risk Launch at your own risk 3549 ft Open to all vessels up to 25ft.
Stanton Creek Primitive Area Closed Closed Launch at your own risk Primitive rock and sand beach. Launch area is inoperable. Launch at your own risk
Hite Launch Ramp Closed Closed Closed 3650 ft Hite Launch Ramp out of water. Lake Powell does not reach Hite at this time. The road to Hite from Hwy 95 is closed.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument Available Available Available 3550 ft At 3550ft docks are disconnected from land and relocated to deeper water. Bathrooms remain open to boaters. Small boats can beach to access trail. Caution is advised to avoid quicksand and unstable soils.
 

 
Sandstone butte in a field of white flowers. A few camper RVs and cars around the butte. Sandstone butte in a field of white flowers. A few camper RVs and cars around the butte.

Left image
Lone Rock surrounded by campers and vehicles parked in the sand amidst a superbloom of desert evening primrose on April 29, 2023. Lake elevation 3524.50'.
Credit: NPS

Right image
June 21, 2023. Lone Rock is once again a beach, surrounded by water and some vehicles parked on the beach to the right. Lake elevation 3579.22'.
Credit: NPS

 
 

Recreate Safely at Lake Powell

  • person and dog waist deep in murky lake
    Lake Recreational Water Advisory

    Take care of yourself when you recreate on the beaches or in the waters of Lake Powell.

  • Man relaxes at front of motorboat on Lake Powell
    Boating

    Lake Powell is a premier location for boating opportunities, whether in a luxury houseboat or small fishing skiff.

  • large boat anchored to beach with stakes
    Pin Anchoring

    How should I properly anchor my houseboat on Lake Powell? Why can't I use stakes?

Last updated: August 27, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040

Phone:

928 608-6200
Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected