Gateway Town

Big Water

Gateway Town

Remote outpost 127km north. One motel, nearly no dining. Gateway to Glen Canyon and Canyonlands.

Quick facts

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
449
Best Known For
Gateway to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands region
About This Town
Big Water is a tiny village of 449 residents near Lake Powell, originally built as a worker settlement during Glen Canyon Dam construction in the 1950s. It offers minimal tourist services but serves as a practical access point to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Coyote Buttes, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante region.

Town overview

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
449
Best Known For
Gateway to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands region
About This Town
Big Water is a tiny village of 449 residents near Lake Powell, originally built as a worker settlement during Glen Canyon Dam construction in the 1950s. It offers minimal tourist services but serves as a practical access point to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Coyote Buttes, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante region.
What Makes It Special
Originally built for Glen Canyon Dam workers in the 1950s, now a remote gateway to multiple protected areas and Lake Powell recreation.

Park access

Distance From Park
127 km (79 miles) north of Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count
1
Bnb Count
0
Lodging Variety
Extremely limited: one small motel and rare bed-and-breakfast options.
Best Area To Stay
Lodging is scarce; Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed & Breakfast (south side, 3 guest rooms, $119–149/night with breakfast) is the primary alternative to the motel.
Restaurant Count
0
Dining Price Ranges
Minimal options in town; most visitors eat in nearby Page, Arizona.

Things to do

Main Attractions
Lake Powell water recreation, access to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Coyote Buttes, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Summer Activities
Lake Powell boating and water recreation, exploration of nearby canyons and protected areas.

Planning advice

Peak Season
Summer (Lake Powell recreation season).
Booking Advance
Book lodging 4–6 months in advance for summer; rooms fill quickly given the severe shortage of options.
Late Night Intel
Big Water has virtually no late-night food service or dining options. Plan all meals during standard hours in nearby Page (17 miles south), where restaurants are more abundant. No nightlife or bars are documented in Big Water.
The Vibe
Big Water is a working outpost, not a tourist resort. Remote, car-dependent, and built around practical needs. Stay here to access Glen Canyon and Canyonlands; expect minimal services and plan ahead.
Tips Advice
  • Lodging is extremely limited—book far in advance for summer.
  • Fill your tank and buy supplies in Page, Arizona (17 miles south); Big Water has minimal fuel and retail.
  • Most dining options close early or seasonally—pack coolers or eat in Page.
  • Verify all hours before arriving; services may be seasonal.

More details

Insider Tips
  • Page, Arizona is only 27km south and has significantly more services, dining, gas, and lodging.
  • Big Water is actually closer to Glen Canyon NRA than to Grand Canyon South Rim.
  • Verify restaurant and business hours before arriving; many close seasonally or operate unpredictably.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is there anything to eat in Big Water?

Almost nothing. Pack food or drive to Page, Arizona (30 minutes south), which has diverse dining.

Where do I fill up on gas?

Fuel availability in Big Water may be limited. Fill your tank in Page before arriving.

Do I need to book lodging in advance?

Strongly yes, especially for summer. Only one motel and rare B&B options exist; they book out fast.

What's the drive time from Big Water to Grand Canyon South Rim?

About 2 hours (127 km). Big Water is actually closer to Glen Canyon NRA, making it a better base for that area.

Is Big Water a good base for a Grand Canyon visit?

Not ideal—it's remote from the canyon. It's excellent for Glen Canyon, Canyonlands, and Lake Powell recreation.

Can I rely on cell service and Wi-Fi?

Connectivity is unreliable. Verify coverage with your provider before depending on data service.

Grand Canyon Village

Historic South Rim hub with lodging, dining, and shops. Book months ahead for summer. National Historic Landmark architecture.

Page

Lake Powell hub with Antelope Canyon access. 31 hotels, 48 restaurants, airport. 118km northeast of Grand Canyon.

Tusayan

Sleep cheap, free shuttle to park. 3 km south—get there before 9:30 am or face 2-hour entrance lines.

Sources

  • YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.