LAKE POWELL TOURIST INDUSTRY MAY TAKE A HIT WITH LAKE’S DECLINE
As lake Powell declines there have been a lot of changes to the tourist industry in the area. There used to be fifteen points of access or boat ramps around the lake, but with recent declines in the water level, that has changed markedly.
Now there is only one usable boat ramp and as the water levels continue to decline, new concrete moorings have to be poured on a regular basis to keep up. See here for latest ramp status
TOURIST INDUSTRIES
The Lake Powell area, which includes the Arizona city of Page, is home to a variety of tourist industries. Fishing in the lake has been popular for a long time, with bass walleye, bluegill, and catfish being the most common catches. Now there is a fear that this bass fishing may be declining with the changes in the lake.
There are several river rafting companies in Page, which generally take visitors down the river below the dam for half and full day excursions. Visitors can experience the high cliffs above the river and view ancient pictographs on the sandstone walls. With the declining releases below the dam, these excursions may be a thing of the past.
On the lake itself visitors at one time were able to travel to Rainbow Bridge, a national monument. You can’t access the dock area for Rainbow Bridge due to the low water level. Antelope canyon is another popular tourist destination accessible by boat, however this too may be limited in the future.
HORSESHOE BEND
Just down the road from Page is the area known as Horseshoe Bend, a Huge bend in the Colorado River just below the dam. Lots of tourists arrive from all over the U.S. just to catch a glimpse of it and to photograph it. The city of Page recently even added a new parking lot and a place to charge tourists for the privilege of such a visit. Again, with the declining level in the river, Horsehoe Bend may become a less favorable place to photograph.
In 2020 visitors to the Page and Lake Powell spent $253million. They supported about 3,000 jobs. Some of those may be in danger soon.
Page itself may soon have to figure out how to get water for its city supply since at least some of it is supplied by Lake Powell. If you want to see how page’s electricity may be affected by the lake level, click here
