Planning a trip to Lake Powell — or shopping for someone who loves it — and wondering what to get? You're in the right place. Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a "thinking of you" gift, Lake Powell gifts hit differently when they actually capture what makes the lake so special.
We've put together the best Lake Powell gift ideas for boaters, hikers, campers, and anyone who's ever watched a sunset over the red canyon walls and thought, I need to come back here.
1. Lake Powell Map Beach Towel — The Standout Gift
If there's one Lake Powell gift that stops people in their tracks, it's the Lake Powell Map Beach Towel by Powell Towels. It's a high-resolution map of the entire lake — all 186 miles of it — printed on a quick-dry microfiber beach towel.
What makes it special:
- 200+ labeled landmarks — canyons, marinas, coves, beaches, and back-channel routes most people never find
- Anchor Loop™ — built-in loop so it hangs at your campsite or boat dock
- Quick-dry microfiber suede — soft, sand-resistant, packs down small
- Conversation starter — every Powell regular will spend 10 minutes pointing out their favorite spots
It works as a beach towel, a wall map, a campsite decoration, or just a reminder of one of the most stunning places on earth. Best Lake Powell gift, full stop.
2. Dry Bag or Waterproof Backpack
Lake Powell is a water destination — gear gets wet. A quality dry bag (10L–30L) is something every Powell boater uses but rarely thinks to buy for themselves. Brands like YETI, SealLine, and Earth Pak make solid options. Great for day trips into slot canyons where you're wading through water.
3. Lake Powell Guidebook or Navigation Charts
For the explorer type, a detailed Lake Powell guidebook covering canyons, hikes, and anchorages is gold. Combine it with the Powell Towels map and you've got a complete exploration kit. Some boaters still swear by paper navigation charts for areas with spotty cell service.
4. Polarized Sunglasses
The combination of high-desert sun and reflective water at Lake Powell is brutal on your eyes. Polarized lenses are a must — they cut the glare off the water surface so you can actually see the stunning blues and teals. Costa del Mar and Maui Jim are the go-to brands for water use.
5. Marine-Grade Cooler
A good cooler keeps ice for 3–5 days at Lake Powell in the summer heat. YETI, Pelican, and RTIC all make excellent options. If your gift recipient is a houseboat regular, a larger 45–65 qt cooler is the move. For day-trippers, a 20 qt is perfect.
6. Lake Powell Photo Book or Canvas Print
For the sentimental Powell lover, a custom photo book or canvas print of their favorite trip is a deeply personal gift. Services like Shutterfly and Artifact Uprising make it easy to turn those golden-hour canyon photos into something displayable.
7. Water Shoes or Sandals
Hiking into slot canyons, scrambling over slickrock, and swimming off the boat — Lake Powell demands footwear that can do it all. Chacos and Keens are the classics. Look for closed-toe options if your recipient does a lot of canyon hiking.
8. Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Waterproof)
A sunset at Lone Rock Beach without music? Unacceptable. Waterproof Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Flip or UE Wonderboom are perfect Powell companions. They float, they're loud enough for a beach campsite, and they're tough enough to handle accidental drops off the boat.
9. Sun Hoodies / UPF Shirts
Spending days on the water with sun reflecting off the canyon walls means sun protection is non-negotiable. UPF 50+ sun hoodies from Columbia, Patagonia, or KAVU are practical gifts that every Powell regular actually uses — and wears out.
10. Lake Powell Ornament or Souvenir Map
For the collector or the person who has everything, a laser-cut wooden Lake Powell ornament or a framed vintage-style map of the Glen Canyon area makes a great wall piece. Several Etsy sellers make beautiful custom Lake Powell art.
The Best Lake Powell Gift Is One They'll Use on the Water
The best gifts for Lake Powell lovers are the ones that go with them to the lake. Practical, durable, and specific to what makes Powell unique — that's the winning formula.
The Lake Powell Map Beach Towel checks every box: it's functional on the beach, beautiful as a map, and specific enough to Powell that it tells the recipient I know exactly what you love. It's our most-gifted item for a reason.
Shop the towel → powelltowels.com/products/lake-powell-map-beach-towel