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Glen Canyon · UT · US

Alstrom Point, Utah

The most jaw-dropping view of Lake Powell — and one of the toughest roads in the country to get there.

Alstrom Point overlooks Padre Bay and Gunsight Butte 1,200 feet below, framed by twisted slickrock. It's a 26-mile one-way drive on rough dirt, soft sand, and rock ledges that beats up trucks and breaks unprepared visitors. For those who make it, the reward is one of the great American camp views.

Why it's special

Standing on the edge at sunset with Lake Powell sprawling below you is a moment that doesn't show up in any national park brochure — partly because it's so hard to reach.

Best time to go

April–May and October. Avoid after any rain — the clay sections become impassable for days.

Getting there

Big Water, UT. Turn off US-89 onto Ethan Allen Road, then follow signs through BLM 230 and 264.

Know before you go
  • High-clearance 4WD strongly recommended; small trailers can make it with care.
  • No services, no cell, no water for 26 miles each way.
  • Bring real recovery gear: traction boards, shovel, tire deflator, compressor.
  • The road is technically open, but conditions change weekly. Ask at the BLM office in Kanab.
Pro tips from boondockers
  • Drive in the morning, set up by mid-afternoon. The road is slow.
  • Sunset light hits Gunsight Butte directly — west-facing sites win.
  • Page, AZ (30 min) is the only real town for resupply.
  • Leave room between rigs; sound carries forever out here and quiet is part of the magic.
Combine with

Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, White Pocket.