How To Find Alstrom Point: The Best View Of Lake Powell

Welcome to The Wanderer's Guide, where we're committed to the complete eradication of Gatekeeper Syndrome in the outdoor community!
Many visitors to Page, AZ allow only one day for this area, thinking the only places worth seeing are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. In reality, exploring the scenic wonders around Page takes at least two weeks, and includes some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southwest. Alstom Point is a great example. It's easily the best view of Lake Powell, and it should be a must do for any serious photographer visiting the area, yet few people have ever heard of it, and fewer still could find it on a map. In this video The Wanderer's Guide will show you exactly how to get there.
Alstrom Point is 42 miles from Page, and the drive takes approximately 90 minutes. Take US 89 north toward Glen Canyon Dam, which towers 710 feet above the Colorado River, making it the second highest dam in the United States. Proceed over the bridge and continue 17 miles to the tiny settlement of Big Water, Utah. This is the last little speck of civilization, so it's a good place to double check your tire pressure and water supply.
From Big Water take Smoky Mountain Rd, aka NP 230, for 14 miles to a fork. This is a well maintained road that's passable to a regular car most of the way... when it's dry. There is a stream crossing near the beginning, and farther on there will be soft sand and rugged sandstone to contend with, so that's why you need a high clearance 4x4.
Veer right to stay on NP 230 for another 4.7 miles, then take another right on NP 264. Alstrom Point is 5.8 miles from this last turn. There aren't a lot of road signs along the way, so be sure you have a working GPS if you're driving yourself. To capture Alstrom Point in the best light, be sure to stick around for the sunset! It's one of the best boondocking sites in the entire state of Utah, so you might even want to spend a night or two. No permit or reservations required, just a high clearance vehicle 4x4, a warm sleeping bag, and plenty of water. You can rent the 4x4 in Page if you don't have one, and there are tour companies that will do the driving for you.
If the idea of hiking all the trails that locals love and visitors never see sounds good to you, be sure to visit us online at www.thewanderers.guide to see everything you've been missing.