The Chains: Things to do at Lake Powell Without a Boat
Lake Powell, the largest man-made lake in North America, is widely known as one of the premier water-based destinations in the world. The activity options at Lake Powell are endless. But, unfortunately, all the cool spots are only accessible by boat, or that is what I used to think.
There are so many great spots to play in the water and cliff jump at Lake Powell if you have a boat. But what do you do and where do you go if you don't have a boat? That has always been my predicament. That is why I was so excited when I found The Chains!
When you are looking for things to do without a boat The Chains is your place! The Chains is a section of Lake Powell located just past Glen Canyon Damn, on the Page side. It is the perfect location to swim, cliff jump, and explore the red rocks without a boat......yay! It is easy to get to, great with kids and is even pet friendly. How great is that!
My first time visiting The Chains with my kiddos, we explored and hiked the red rocks for a bit, looking for the perfect spot to play in the water. It didn't take long to find a spot all our own to hang out for a few hours. My kiddos had such a great time jumping in the water and playing along the shore. We can't wait to go back again and make a whole day out of it.
LOCATION AND PARKING INFORMATION
The parking for The Chains is free and is located on the Page side of Glen Canyon Damn. The road is dirt but well kept and passable with any car. Click here for map and exact location.
DIFFICULTY
You will be hiking on red sandstone rock, and it can get very steep at times. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes or sandals like Teva's or Chaco's. Getting to the water can be tricky depending on the water level of Lake Powell.
TRAIL DETAILS - THINGS TO DO AT LAKE POWELL
The hike down to the water is not marked, and there isn't an exact destination. The area is quite large and requires a bit of exploring to get down to the water and find a spot all your own. Depending on the water level, it could be challenging to find the perfect location to spend the day or it could be very easy. It will take some exploring so just prepare for that.
Getting down to the water can be very steep in certain areas. If you have kiddos with you, it might be good to send an adult ahead to find a good spot that will be accessible with kiddos.
GOOD TO KNOW
There are pit toilettes at the parking area but no water fill stations
This hike is pet friendly.....yay!!!
LIST OF THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU
HIKING SHOES OR HIKING SANDALS - Hiking shoes or hiking sandals with good traction is a must for hiking the red rock and navigation down to the water. I reccomend Chaco's or Teva's. Click here for my favorite hiking sandals on the planet.....I'm a Teva's girl!
HIKING CLOTHES/SWIM SUITE - Wear comfortable, light and breathable clothes. That desert sun gets so HOT.
SUNSCREEN - Always take sunscreen with your wherever you go in the desert!
HAT & SUNGLASSES - The sun is intense. Having a hat and sunglasses is a must.
SNACKS, AND LOTS OF WATER - Always hike with snacks and plenty of water
HIKING DAY PACK - You will want a small backpack to carry snacks, water, camera & phone.
A GREAT PLACE TO STAY CLOSE TO THE CHAINS - BASECAMP 37
We actually found The Chains while we were staying at Basecamp 37! Basecamp37 is a spacious, secluded but totally connected hideaway with, safari-style tents, luxury beds and linens, hot showers, even hotter grills, and friendly folks. There is a shared house on the property plus a common area for all the guests. The 5 tents on the property face nothing but open land and huge vistas.
It is located 8 miles east of Kanab in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase under the magnificent Southern Utah sky.
We loved our glamping experience at Basecamp 37 and highly recommend it!
15 HIKES TO CHECK OUT + THINGS TO DO CLOSE TO PAGE, KANAB & THE CHAINS
2 - Hike Buckskin Gulch
4 - Hike Whitehouse Trail
5 - Hike Coyote Buttes North
6 - Hike The Wave
10 - Visit Horseshoe Bend
11 - Hike The Nautilus
12 - Hike Mansard Trail
13 - Hike Water Canyon
14 - Go Canyoneering
As you can see, The Chains is just one of the many things to check out when visiting Lake Powell. This fun spot is the perfect place to cool off and spend an afternoon on a hot summer day.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
