These are the two most controversial words you can say to environmentalist and water recreation enthusiast alike. The 186 mile long reservoir with almost 2000 miles of shoreline is anything but dull. Numerous opportunities exist for hikers and boaters alike. Formed by the Corps of Engineers back in 1963 by damming Glen Canyon, one of the most scenic and vast stretches of the Colorado river. Glen Canyon has been referred to as the "other Grand Canyon" and for good reason--this amazing stretch of desert could take you weeks to explore just one time. The question isn't what to do, the question is what are you willing to trek to see on your first trip?

I have ventured past Lake Powell for years, usually on trips near Page, AZ at its southern most tip, where Glen Canyon Dam stands at over 500 feet in height up the narrow canyon walls. In 2004 the lake reached an unprecendented level of 50% full, the least amount of water the lake has seen since 1980. I had explored shorelines and access around Page several times but wanted a more complete experience of the splendor of Glen Canyon. The dropping water levels exposed features that had not been visible for over 40 years. This was the opportunity of a lifetime--I knew that I would have to hit the water to truly experience Lake Powell's hidden beauty and this was the year to do it.

It's hard to visualize exactly what 186 miles worth of lake is really like. Heck, seeing the whole thing on a map only gives you the misguided belief that you can zip up to see Defiance House and then zip right down to Rainbow Bridge--all in the same day! The sobering reality is that travel on the lake requires great planning to make sure you're not paddling for 25 miles to get back to the nearest gas station. And compounding the problems of logistics, one of the four marinas was closed this year due to dropping water levels. The others are experiencing major reconstruction to keep up with the dropping levels to continue boat launching as normal. This trip could prove to be more of an adventure than I ever imagined. With two fellow photographer friends and boat secured, we ventured out to visit this region formerly unknown to us.