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Alstrom Point – Camping Above Lake Powell

You may not have heard of Alstrom Point, but chances are, you’ve seen photos of it. This scenic spot overlooks Lake Powell and is one of the coolest camping spots in Utah. If you have 4WD capabilities and want to enjoy Lake Powell without the crowds, Alstrom Point is the perfect spot for you.

Where is Alstrom Point?

Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA

Alstrom Point is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes Lake Powell on both sides of the Arizona-Utah border. Specifically, Alstrom Point overlooks Gunsight Bay in Lake Powell, which is towards the western side of Lake Powell, not far from Antelope Island, as the crow flies.

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How Do You Reach Alstrom Point?

Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA

The challenging access to Alstrom Point is what makes it so special. If it were easy to reach, it would be crowded all the time. This is not Horseshoe Bend where you can just follow the line of cars to your destination. Be sure you have 4WD, high clearance, excellent driving skills, and a working GPS.

Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA
Worth it when you get there!

From Page, Alstrom Point is a 42-mile drive, which takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to take photos. From the town of Big Water, Utah, you take NP230 east for 25 miles until you reach Alstrom Point. There are rocks, sand, and river crossings, so I can’t stress enough that this is not for rental cars or regular passenger vehicles. 

The GPS coordinates for Alstrom Point are 37.0589° N, 111.3647° W.

Alternative 4×4 Ways To Reach Alstrom Point!

Smokey Mountain Road on the way to Alstrom Point Utah USA
Smokey Mountain Road on the way to Alstrom Point.

Of course, the Misadventures family never does things the “easy” way. We want to take the path less traveled. The one with greater opportunities for breathtaking landscape photography points. So when we made our trek to Alstrom Point, we drove from White Pocket, where we had spent an evening capturing the stars through Cottonwood Canyon with more photo opportunities and then traversed part of the Grand Staircase Escalante. This is a LONG drive, over 100 miles of it on 4×4 roads, but we say “go big or go home” and if you want to be in the middle of it all without sharing it with others, this is the way to go!

If you don't camp at White Pocket, that is fine too, you can start at Page, Big Water, or Kanab and pick up Highway 89. (Or the Byrce Canyon area and pick up Highway 12.) The rest of the directions are below.

4×4 Directions with GPS coordinates

  1. From Highway 89 (direction Big Water/Page) turn left onto Cottonwood Canyon Road at: 37.10496, -111.84687
    You will stay on Cottonwood Canyon for 46 miles (all 4×4). There are PLENTY of spots for fantastic landscape photos like Yellow Rock at 37.25663, -111.90934 or Grosvenor Arch at 37.45585, -111.83176.
  2. As you pass Georgetown, stay right. Cottonwood Canyon becomes Kodachrome Way.
  3. At the small town (you are in Utah now) of Cannonville (a gas opportunity) turn right onto Highway 12 direction Escalante. By the way, this part of Highway 12 is stunning!
  4. At the town of Escalante (last chance to get gas) turn right on South 500 West. The road turns into Smokey Moutain Road which you will follow for 64
    miles (all 4×4). This will take you through the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Both this road and Cottonwood Canyon must only be done in good weather and dry conditions. Added to the excitement, Smokey Mountain Road is not for the faint of heart, there are lots of boulders to traverse which means slow going, but the views and landscape make it worth it if you are equipped correctly!
  5. Turn left on Rec Road 340 at: 37.13567, -111.48206.
  6. Turn right on Rec Road 264 at : 37.13067, -111.41448.
  7. Follow the “road” to Alstrom Point: 37.06059, -111.36583.

I “wrote” about my experience on Instagram the day we made the drive from White Pocket to Alstrom Point – this was my in the moment thoughts:

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

This is how my hubby the photographer gets us into misadventures. “Let’s go camping at White Pocket, I want to shoot the Milky Way and the stars.” He tells me this as we’ve already been twice this year and he needs a good reason to get me to go back a third time (instead of going somewhere else). Then he says, “oh but the second night we’re camping at Lake Powell.” I say Lake Powell on a holiday weekend? Are you crazy!? He says, “well actually not Lake Powell but BLM that has a view of Lake Powell.” I say okay. “Oh, and by the way, we’re going to take a 4×4 road through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to get there,” I say okay. That route happened to be 6 hours of 4x4ing 3 hours of which my insides were so stirred up I thought I was a premium shaken margarita! Then after we enter Glen Canyon National Recreation Area there is the last 5 miles to get to “the spot” of which the last 2 will liquefy your insides! And ta-dah! Or et voila! Alstrom Point a spot known to landscape photographers but not many more. It has a gorgeous view of Lake Powell. He was right and our misadventures result in another success! ⛺⛺⛺⛺ #ontheblog today I am sharing the love for #TeamTepui. Our @tepuitents has changed our life – camping and road trips are way more fun now! https://bit.ly/mwaTepui #outdoors #optoutside #havefun #getoutside #desertdweller #desert #desertlife #redrock #lifeofadventure #doyoutravel #desertliving #exploringthesouthwest #beautifulviews #southwestisbest #southwest #takemoreadventures #mwatepui

A post shared by Andi: Travel & Food Blogger (@andi_fisher) on

Are There Other Ways to Reach Alstrom Point?

Houseboat on Lake Powell viewed from Alstrom Point

If you really want to visit Alstrom Point, but do not have the proper vehicle or driving skills, you can still see this special place. There are tour operators in Page that do day trips out to Alstrom Point. There are sunrise and sunset tours so you can experience the best time of day at Alstrom Point.

If you are traveling on Lake Powell by boat, you can see Alstrom Point from below in Gunsight Bay. You won’t be able to hike up to Alstrom Point to enjoy the fantastic views, however.

The dirt road is pretty decent until the last three miles or so, so you can drive part of the way and then hike in the remainder of the way.

What Are the Best Things to Do at Alstrom Point?

Sunset from Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA
Sunset from Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell.

For us, photography is the best reason to visit Alstrom Point. Sunrise and sunset are both spectacular, so we chose to camp here to take advantage of the best light at the beginning and end of the day. The overlook faces east, so you can watch the sunrise over the lake, and sunset is equally mesmerizing.

Tepui Hard Shell Rooftop Tent at Alstrom Point
Camping at Alstrom Point with our Tepui Hard Shell Rooftop Tent.

If you plan to camp at Alstrom Point, you will need to be entirely self-sufficient. There are no designated camping sites or facilities, as this is truly backcountry camping at its finest. Be sure you have plenty of water for drinking and cooking, as you cannot just hike down to the lake for water. Additionally, securing a tent can be challenging as you are on a hard rock surface.

In addition to breathtaking landscapes and relative solitude, you’ll see some of the darkest skies you can imagine. Roughing it for a night is the best way to experience the changing light over the pink sandstone formations of Lake Powell.

Also, the drive in and out has some pretty spectacular monolithic rocks, sandstone landscapes, and bentonite formations.

Rock formations on the road to Alstrom Point Utah
Rock formations on the road to Alstrom Point.

When is the Best Time to Alstrom Point

Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA

Alstrom Point is in the Southwestern desert, so the height of the summer is not the best time to visit, although we camped there all alone 4th of July weekend – we prefer off-season even if we were a tiny bit uncomfortable sleeping. Rain will make the roads in and out unpassable, so you have to be wary of the weather in the spring, but it is a good time to visit as well as in the fall.  If you are well-equipped for cold and the winter is dry, it is beautiful and peaceful.

What to Bring for Your Visit to Alstrom Point

Sunrise from Alstrom Point Above Lake Powell Utah USA

There are absolutely zero facilities, you need to bring everything in and everything out. You need water. Lots and lots of water along with food for your meals.

You will need a GPS (we use a SkyPro), an offline map (we use Gaia), and directions. Besides these items, we recommend the following equipment for your car in case you get stuck.

Equipment You Will Need to Drive to White Pocket
  1. Container for extra gas
  2. Container for water
  3. Air Compressor
  4. Shovel
  5. Sand Bridges or Traction Mats
  6. Ax
  7. Rope

Besides the equipment, you will need if you drive, there are a few other items you should be sure to have whether for a day trip or for camping.

  1. Shade/Umbrella/Hat – there is no shade at Alstrom Point so if you are bringing your own car, bring something to create shade with a sunshade or shade shelter. Ours is from Kelty. Even if you are doing a day trip you may want to consider having something like this in your car, if you are road-tripping in the Southwest it is a nice thing to have. If you are visiting with a tour, consider an umbrella for additional shade. I always have several types of hats in the car at all times as well, including a baseball hat,  a Wallaroo hat that protects me from too much sun and UV, and a knit cap for early morning and evenings when it gets cold. 
  2. Sunscreen/UV protection – this is another must-have for any visit to the Southwest. Even if it doesn't seem sunny, the UV is fierce. After ensuring you are well hydrated, this is the most essential thing you should do for your health and safety!
  3. Layers – depending on the season, the desert can be pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, so consider layers that you can strip off as the day progresses.

Where to Stay Near Alstrom Point

If you choose not to camp at Alstrom Point, there are a few options for where you can stay nearby. The town of Big Water is closest to Alstrom Point, at about one hour away. There are a few hotels and bed-and-breakfasts here. If you are photographing sunrise or sunset, this is probably the best place to stay near Alstrom Point. Otherwise, the tourist towns of Kanab and Page are 90 minutes to two hours from Alstrom Point. They have more amenities, including hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants.

Despite the challenges of reaching Alstrom Point, the journey is well worth it. 

How about you? Have you heard of Alstrom Point? Have I piqued your interest to visit or include it as part of a Southwestern road trip? Do tell!

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Alstrom Point Utah – Camping Above Lake PowellAlstrom Point Utah – Camping Above Lake PowellAlstrom Point Utah – Camping Above Lake Powell

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36 Comments

  1. Pam Wattenbarger says:

    I’m all about finding outdoor activities away from crowds right now. Lake Powell looks like a lovely spot to hike, camp, and regroup.

  2. Wow, that is one scenic place for camping! The views are beautiful! Thanks for the info.

  3. This looks like an amazing place to visit. I would love to visit with my family.

  4. We recently moved to Utah and have heard wonderful things about lake powell. Can’t wait to visit!

  5. It looks like a beautiful place to visit! I’ll have to try and go there and see it in person!

  6. This looks like a wonderful place to visit. I am gonna put this out in my bucket list. Thanks!

  7. Jennifer Van Haitsma says:

    Wow! That looks so beautiful. I’m the least outdoorsy person, and have never been camping. But that looks unforgettable!

  8. What a beautiful place, I can only imagine the feeling of waking up to that view, I need to visit this place in the future

  9. I was out this way many years ago. What amazing views! This would be an incredible place to go camping!

  10. Amber Myers says:

    Oh wow, what a beautiful spot. I’d love to get here one day. Your photos are incredible!

  11. I haven’t heard of this area before but it looks beautiful! I will have to add it to my list of must-see places!

  12. Your pictures look amazing and the information you gave me is so helpful. This is on my list. I’m not at all into camping so I’ll skip that. Everything else you mentioned I’ll be remembering to do.

  13. Kita Bryant says:

    I have always wanted to go camping at Lake Powell. It is such a picturesque place.

  14. Wendy Polisi says:

    Now that is a camping trip! Lake Powell is an absolute beauty.

  15. Lake powell sounds like a beautiful place I would love to camp there if possible may be some day after this is over.

  16. That scenery!!! This looks like a gorgeous place to go camping.

  17. Lake Powell is now on my bucket list! What a beautiful sight to see!

  18. This looks like such an amazing place to visit!

  19. Okay WOW! These photos are stunning and I’ve never even heard of this place! Also, I need to look into getting one of those truck tent things for the truck we’re getting soon!

  20. Absolutely gorgeous photos! That one of your husband in the camper is motivating me to do more camping… that looks so relaxing. I’m rather clueless about camping, so I’m pinning & saving your blog for future camping trips.

  21. Utah is one of the states that we have not had a chance to visit yet. Those view points in your photos are IN-CRE-DI-BLE!!!!

  22. Cindy Pierre says:

    Wow! This feels so exclusive and like a hidden treasure!

  23. Wow, this post is incredible, some of those pictures are breathtaking! I often see posts like this and wonder why I haven’t traveled more within the USA. I think we’ll start seeing that a lot of people that normally travel internationally will fall more in love with the US…thanks for sharing.

  24. What an incredible experience. The camping looks awesome. I’ve been looking at those elevated tents. Do they feel stable? Easy to pitch?

  25. This is a great idea! I love your camp setup! Looks like such a fun trip!

  26. Your photos are beautiful!! And I have not heard of Alston Point, but I definitely want to go! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂

  27. Wow! I love these rock formations! Your photos are fantastic!

  28. I actually never considered ever going to Utah but now I’ve read this post and seen your photos I might have to reconsider! It does look devistatingly beautiful and I love the sense of the grandiosity of nature that it gives.

  29. This is so inspiring! Would love to visit it! I used to work at the Grand Canyon, so the views remind me of it a lot ! I also did my first ever camping trip last week and loved it. Can’t imagine waking up to the view like that!

  30. This looks like such a good spot for photography lovers! Great colours in your shots!

  31. Wow! I would love to go camping here, it looks spectacular!

  32. I have never heard of Alstrom Point, but your photos are all so beautiful! It looks like an amazing spot to camp and wake up with those views. Thanks for introducing us to this incredible spot 🙂

  33. May Durkee says:

    I’ve been dying to go to Utah, looks like such a great trip. I’m not very into camping, but I confess that your setup really made me want to try again to go on a camping adventure 🙂 Thank you for that.

  34. Jenn and Ed Coleman says:

    What a gorgeous place to camp! I have always wanted to do Lake Powell in a houseboat, but this is a fab. alternative! I also love your cartop camper 😉