Location: Big Water
Top Things to do in Big Water
Top Restaurants in Big Water
The 10 Best Things to Do in Big Water, United States
Big Water is a town in Kane County, Utah, United States. The population was 417 at the 2000 census, a modest increase over the 1990 figure of 326. It is located 17 miles north of Page, Arizona on US-89 near Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam. It was originally called Glen Canyon City and housed workers who built the dam in the 1950s. Big Water made news in the 1980s as a polygamous colony of the Joseph clan. It also made news in 1986, when the mayor Alex Joseph and the city council left the Republican Party to join the Libertarian Party. This made Joseph the first Libertarian mayor in the history of the U.S. Subsequently, Willy Marshall, also a Libertarian, was elected as the state's first openly gay mayor.
Restaurants in Big Water
1. The Wave at Coyote Buttes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 271 reviews
The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near Big Water, Utah on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the Colorado Plateau. It is famous among hikers and photographers for its colorful, undulating forms, and the rugged, trackless hike required to reach it.
Reviewed By slorin721 - Chicago, Illinois
This is was my second time visiting North Coyote Buttes and it was as spectacular as the last time.. actually it was event better as we had perfect weather. The first time I was here was in July with temperatures reached 100 so hiking in October with a high in the mid 70s was a game changer.
I hired Yermo from Seeking Treasure Adventures to guide us once again (see my review on his company, there is no better choice if you are looking for guide in this area) and we started at the wirepass trail head. There are washrooms at the trail head for you to use before you start your hike. The roads looked like they had been recently repaved and were in excellent condition but you should be cautious and use a 4x4 vehicle. It can be impassable during/after heavy rain.
Its a little over 3 miles (through a lot of uphill sand) to reach the Wave. Permit winners will be given a map with photos of the area to use at markers to guide you and the BLM recently installed a few (like 3) new signs to help point the way. Its still best if you are not comfortable navigating to hire a guide as the maps only point you to the Wave and that is a very very very small section of the entire Coyote North area you can explore. Don't miss out on Top Rock, The second wave, Melodys Arch, the Cove,and much much more.
A few tips:
1. The best time to be at the wave is midday when the sun is high up and not casting shadows across the area.
2. Always bring enough water as there is very little shade in the area, especially during summer months as there have been several fatalities over the years from the heat. Don't become a statistic!
3. If in doubt of your navigation skills or you want to ensure you don't miss out, hire a guide! Permits are extremely hard to come by and you don't want to get lost and not see everything!
4. Get a permit! You need to have a permit before you start this hike! Only 20 people area allowed in per day and volunteers and rangers will patrol at random risking some pretty heavy fines.
5. If you are not able to get a permit to Hike North Coyote Buttes, go for the South! Its much easier to get a permit on line since its first come first serve (vs a lottery) and I'm still debating which is actually more spectacular. The areas are so different but the South is not a consultation prize, its an amazing hike in itself with absolutely stunning views and you are likely to run into less people.
I would also mention that this is an extremely beautiful place and the number of people allowed are restricted to help maintain the area. There are some very delicate features that you should tread carefully on and please respect the wilderness. My group and guide spent quite a bit of time picking up trash and erasing chalk (and some inappropriate symbols) that were scribbled over the area. Don't ruin this amazing place for others!
2. Paria Outpost and Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By MECindylou - Westbrook, Maine
My husband and I booked an all-day excursion to South Coyote Buttes with Steve. We can’t say enough good things! We went with another couple who had requested a 6AM departure, and that worked out nicely for us, as well. First, we stopped at Paw Hole, staying about 30 minutes. We then continued to White Pocket, where we spent the rest of the day. All told, we probably hiked 6 miles or so. The landscape is varied, with incredible geological formations (and even dinosaur tracks!). We took a break for a yummy lunch – sandwich, chips, apple, cookie, and drinks – packed for us by Susan, Steve’s wife and business partner. Steve was great company, willing to answer any questions, generous with his time, always patient while we took photos, and able to take us to the very best spots. I highly recommend Paria Outpost to anyone wanting the very best experience with an outfitter in this area! Feel free to PM me with questions.
3. Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Hoodoos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
The Paria Rimrocks are an amazing collection of hoodoos, badlands, and other interesting rock formations found in the area located between the Cockscomb Fault and the southern section of Cottonwood Canyon Road just north of US 89.
Reviewed By Joseph N - Phoenix, Arizona
Stopped here while in Page, AZ. Quiet, nice hike with beautiful scenery. There isn't much shade, so bring a hat and some water, especially if hiking later in the day like we did. The toadstools are very interesting formations. Easy hike to the toadstools. A must see if in the area.
4. Skylite Boat Rentals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Jake B
Rented a powerboat and wakeboard for 3 days. The boat was well-equipped and in excellent condition. It had plenty of power. Best wakeboard I've ever used. We caused some damage to the boat and wakeboard and expected to be charged for it but Bob very generously waived any fees. Great service. Outstanding value.
5. Lone Rock Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 145 reviews
Lone Rock Beach is located on the border of Arizona and Utah - just a few minutes from Big Water, Utah. The beach can be used for kayaking, jogging, swimming, fishing or sun bathing.
Reviewed By brodt1
We stumbled across this place in search for a camping area for an RV. The larger places were all full and someone recommended Lone Rock Beach.. It was amazing. Soft sand, clear deep water, bathrooms, helpful Park Ranger, $14 per day, close to Page UT, nice people and amazing views and stars... Only warning is it is a bit of a free for all so be prepared to search for the perfect spot. Boaters and jet skiers allowed. Highly recommend if you want a beach camping spot. Bring water sport equipment - boats, floats and kayaks etc.
6. Grosvenor Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By tpstrong - Moab, Utah
Grosvenor Arch is very accessible, but please check with the Cannonville BLM visitor center first, for road conditions. By the way, you'll have a shorter drive along Cottonwood Canyon Road--unpaved, rutted, curvy, up-and-down--if you start from Cannonville/Kodachrome Basin State Park. A great scenic drive, if you make that route yours.
Take one of those GREAT BLM maps, for this and many other places in the area, available at the visitor center, and just watch for the sign on your left, as you drive south. If you are lucky, you may have the arch-area all to yourself..the earlier you start the more likely this will be the case.
Please allow yourself a hike right up to the arch, and walk all the way around the formation, to get different lighting and perspectives for your photos.
If you're a hiker, try to travel along Cottonwood Wash Narrows, close by, also on the BLM map--great views, dramatic scenery!
7. All In Boat Rentals
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
All-In Boat Rentals is a new off-shore rental company serving Lake Powell. We are located 10 miles north of the Wahweap Marina in Big Water, Utah. We offer ski boat rentals, deck boat rentals, and personal watercraft rentals. We also have water toys and tow vehicles.
Reviewed By James J
The boat we rented was a great unit and the service was great. The only caution I would give is there is not any insurance options at time of rental so you are responsible for all costs if anything should happen, anything. Take some time to check on rental insurance way ahead of arrival. Fortunately we made it back with no issue but it did make me nervous all day knowing I was on not covered should something significant happened.
8. Big Water Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Inside the Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center in Big Water, Utah, National Park Service rangers await those wanting to know more about the dinosaurs that dominated earth nearly 150 million years ago.
Reviewed By Catherine S - Bolton, United Kingdom
Mind blowing facts, displays and timelines show how dinosaurs roamed the earth, going back 80+ million years. Not just stuffy facts but amazing skeletons and stories. The rangers were also helpful in telling us to go to Antelope Canyon, even though the website said the tours for the next two days were sold out, and they were dead right, no prob,em in getting onto a tour within 15 minutes of arrival. They have a great selection of dinosaur books too, for all ages.
9. Wahweap Hoodos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By western u - Marysville, Washington
Before writing my review, I checked how someone could have rated it poor. Well I guess being shot at would certainly color your experience.
Go to Big Water and go north. Continue past the hatchery. We crossed Wahweap Creek. Today I would have crossed the creek in a two wheel drive. We had a 4 x 4.
You hike up the creek for about 4 or 4.5 miles. There are hoodoos on the left (west.) Continue a little farther and see even neater hoodos on the left (west.) There are more hoodoos around the next alcove to the north.
The pictures on tripadvisor are a good representation. Very unique location.
10. Paria Canyon Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By hike-n-xcski - Palo Alto, California
We spent a night camped here before hiking Paria Canyon. There were trees to provide shade, grass for walking and playing, a nice bathroom (large and clean), and lots of space for RVs. They also have horseback trips (we just camped). There aren't many places to camp between Kanab and Page, and this place was attractive, with helpful and attentive staff.
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