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Tag: lake powell

  • 14 must-do Arizona experiences: from red rocks to hidden ruins

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    Arizona is a land of extremes—towering canyons, cactus-studded deserts, and red rock trails that feel almost otherworldly. Whether you’re chasing national park views or exploring hidden corners with rich history and vibrant culture, the state offers more than most travelers expect. Here are 14 unforgettable experiences to add to your Arizona bucket list.

    Desert Botanical Garden

    Located in Phoenix, this garden showcases the beauty and resilience of desert life. Wander among towering cacti, blooming wildflowers, and interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the butterfly pavilion or seasonal events such as luminous night walks.

    Grand Canyon National Park: Bigger Than You Imagine

    We knew it would be grand—but standing on the rim, it felt almost unreal. The scale, the silence, the shifting light—it’s a place that defies description. Whether you hike below the rim, ride the rails to the South Rim, or simply soak in the views, the Grand Canyon delivers awe in every direction.

    Explore our Grand Canyon guide for tips, trails, and accessibility notes.

    Canyon de Chelly National Monument

    Spider Rock rises 800 feet from the canyon floor—a sacred spire in the heart of Navajo land.

    On Navajo land in northeastern Arizona, this canyon blends natural beauty with deep cultural history. Spider Rock rises dramatically from the canyon floor, and guided tours offer insight into ancient cliff dwellings and Indigenous traditions.

    Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Lake Powell steals the spotlight, but Glen Canyon’s hiking trails and scenic overlooks are just as compelling. Whether you’re boating, camping, or photographing the surreal rock formations, this area offers endless ways to explore.

    Saguaro National Park: A Forest of Giants

    Saguaro National Park, Arizona - December 13, 2023. Watching the sunset at Saguaro National Park West is magical! The park is located just outside of Tucson, Arizona's second largest city. Split into two sections, east and west, Saguaro National Park West is located in the mountains on the west side. It is marked by saguaro cacti which only grow in the Sonoran desert of Arizona and can live 200 years and grow 3 stories tall.

    Sunset paints the desert gold as saguaros stand tall in silhouette—Arizona’s quiet giants at dusk.

    We didn’t expect to feel so moved by a cactus. But walking among towering saguaros—some over 200 years old—was surprisingly humbling. The desert here is alive with color, texture, and wildlife. We hiked early to beat the heat and caught golden light filtering through the spines.

    Check out our Saguaro guide for trail tips and seasonal advice.

    Visit Flagstaff

    Cooler temps, mountain air, and a college-town vibe make Flagstaff a refreshing escape. We love the easy access to hiking, stargazing at Lowell Observatory, and the laid-back downtown scene.

    Petrified Forest National Park: Colorful, Quiet, and Underrated

    Stunning landscape of the unique blue-hued badlands in Petrified Forest National Park, Blue Mesa, AZ

    Red skies ignite the layered hills of Blue Mesa—where ancient clay meets the fire of sunset.

    This park surprised us the most. The painted hills, fossilized logs, and wide-open silence felt otherworldly. We spent a full day exploring scenic overlooks, short hikes, and historic sites—and barely scratched the surface.

    Read our Petrified Forest guide for a one-day itinerary and what to expect.

    Antelope Canyon

    These twisting slot canyons near Page are a photographer’s dream. Light beams, sculpted sandstone, and narrow passageways create a surreal experience. Tours are required—and worth it.

    London Bridge, Lake Havasu

    Yes, it’s the real London Bridge—relocated and rebuilt in Arizona. It’s quirky, historic, and surprisingly scenic. The surrounding lake offers boating, beaches, and desert views.

    Sedona: As Beautiful as Any National Park

    Sedona isn’t a national park—but it sure feels like one. The red rock trails here rival anything we’ve hiked, and the views are endlessly rewarding. From Cathedral Rock to Boynton Canyon, every trail offers something special. Add in art galleries, cozy cafés, and a laid-back vibe, and you’ve got a destination that blends adventure with soul.

    Explore our Sedona tips for hikes, scenic drives, and great places to eat.

    Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

    In southern Arizona, this lesser-known park protects a rare cactus ecosystem. It’s remote, wild, and full of life—from bighorn sheep to blooming desert flora. Ideal for solitude seekers and plant lovers.

    Tumacácori National Historical Park

    History meets nature at this Spanish mission site near the Mexican border. Walk through centuries-old ruins, learn about Indigenous and colonial history, and enjoy peaceful desert trails.

    Phoenix Art Museum

    With over 20,000 works and rotating exhibits, this museum is a cultural anchor in the Southwest. From contemporary installations to classic pieces, it’s a great way to spend a few hours indoors.

    Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    Scenic view of Colorado River seen from Hoover Dam near Mike O'Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Nevada Arizona, USA. Blue turquoise water from Lake Mead surrounded by River mountain range

    Lake Mead stretches into the desert beyond Hoover Dam—a vast reservoir framed by engineering and silence.

    Created by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead offers boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. It’s a popular spot for weekend getaways, with plenty of coves and beaches to explore.

    From Canyons to Cactus: Your Turn to Explore

    Arizona is more than just sunshine and saguaros—it’s a state of contrasts, colors, and quiet surprises. Whether you’re chasing canyon views or wandering art galleries, there’s always something new to discover. We’ve shared our favorites and tapped fellow travelers for the rest—now it’s your turn to explore.

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  • Not only is Lake Powell’s water level plummeting because of drought, its total capacity is shrinking, too | CNN

    Not only is Lake Powell’s water level plummeting because of drought, its total capacity is shrinking, too | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Lake Powell, the second-largest human-made reservoir in the US, has lost nearly 7% of its potential storage capacity since 1963, when Glen Canyon Dam was built, a new report shows.

    In addition to water loss due to an intense multiyear drought, the US Geological Survey and the Bureau of Reclamation report found, Lake Powell faced an average annual loss in storage capacity of about 33,270 acre-feet, or 11 billion gallons, per year between 1963 and 2018.

    That’s enough water to fill the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall about 1,600 times.

    The capacity of the reservoir is shrinking because of sediments flowing in from the Colorado and San Juan rivers, according to the report. Those sediments settle at the bottom of the reservoir and decrease the total amount of water the reservoir can hold.

    As of Monday, Lake Powell was around 25% full, according to data from the Bureau of Reclamation.

    It’s bad news for a region already facing water shortages and extreme wildfires due to the drought. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration drought experts said last week these conditions are expected to at least continue – if not worsen – in the coming months.

    Lake Powell is an important reservoir in the Colorado River Basin. Both Lake Powell and nearby Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, have drained at an alarming rate. In August, the federal government declared a water shortage on the Colorado River for the first time after Lake Mead’s water level plunged to unprecedented lows, triggering mandatory water consumption cuts for states in the Southwest that began in January.

    And last week, Lake Powell dipped below the critical threshold of 3,525 feet above sea level, sparking additional concerns about water supply and hydropower generation millions of people in the West rely on for electricity.

    The significance of the dwindling water supply along the Colorado cannot be overstated.

    The system supplies water for more than 40 million people living across seven Western states and Mexico. Lakes Powell and Mead provide a critical supply of drinking water and irrigation for many across the region, including rural farms, ranches and native communities.

    “It is vitally important we have the best-available scientific information like this report to provide a clear understanding of water availability in Lake Powell as we plan for the future,” Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary for water and science with the US Department of Interior, said in a statement. “The Colorado River system faces multiple challenges, including the effects of a 22-year-long drought and the increased impacts of climate change.”

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