Discover Big Water: Geology and Lake Powell

Big Water brings together several themes that offer different ways to choose a destination. The town borders Lake Powell; at the same time, geology at the Visitor Center, the drive to Alstrom Point, water activities, and the night sky all shape the options. If you’re looking for a hotel in Big Water, you can first decide which of these aspects matters most for your stay. The details vary: some involve a particular focus, while others involve a drive along named roads or a specific way to access the water.

Geology at the Visitor Center

The Big Water Visitor Center focuses on early geological and paleontological discoveries in this region. The center features a full-length mural depicting the landscape of the Late Cretaceous. In this way, the Visitor Center brings regional discoveries together with a large-scale portrayal of Earth’s history. Big Water was originally known as “Glen Canyon City.” This former name adds a historical layer to the town’s story alongside its geological themes.

Drive to Alstrom Point

Alstrom Point is a scenic drive. The 46-mile (74 km) drive there offers panoramic views of the ever-changing canyons of Lake Powell. The route from Big Water first follows Ethan Allen Road and then Smokey Mountain/Croton Road (Route 230). This gives you both the stated distance and the sequence of named roads for planning your trip. Unlike the geological focus at the Visitor Center, this option centers on the drive and panoramic canyon views.

Lake Powell at Lone Rock Beach

Lone Rock Beach Campground is two miles south of Big Water on U.S. Highway 89. Access to Lake Powell there is mostly via sandy roads or the beach. The campground offers swimming, motorized and non-motorized boating, and a designated ATV area. This focus differs from the drive to Alstrom Point: Lone Rock Beach is about access to the water and activities, while Alstrom Point is about the drive and panoramic views. Nearby facilities and conditions may change; check current information if these details matter for your visit.

The distance information answers different questions: 46 miles refers to the drive to Alstrom Point, while two miles refers to the campground’s location south of Big Water.

Night skies in Big Water

Local ordinances protecting the night sky help make bright stars and galaxies clearly visible in Big Water. Unlike the Visitor Center, Alstrom Point, and Lone Rock Beach, this aspect relates to Big Water itself. For travelers who want to include the sky in their plans as well as daytime destinations, this visibility is a distinct aspect of choosing the town.

Discover more destinations: Kanab, Orderville, Duck Creek Village

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