Alstrom Point is a vast, open overlook at the edge of Lake Powell, and offers amazing views of Gunsight Bay, Navajo Mountain, and tall red buttes. It’s considered one of the best views in Southern Utah, and requires an SUV or larger to reach the end of the road at the overlook.
About
Most people drive to the very end, however, if you have a car without 4WD you can hike the last 2 miles, which are the roughest section of the road. A small car could make it to the last signed turn off (5 miles before Alstrom Point), however, I recommend at least an SUV or bigger. On this particular trip we had a rental van, which only has 2WD. We were able to drive to a spot where most people without 4WD stop, about 2 miles before the end, and then we hiked the rest of the way.
The goal was to see Alstrom Point at sunrise, so we camped the night before nearby, then woke up early to walk the rest of the road to the overlook. If you don’t want to drive at all, there are tour companies available that will take you out in their Jeeps or ATVs.
This area is great for showing family and other tourists a prime Utah spot without the hassle or work of hiking (again, if you have high clearance). Dogs are allowed off leash, but be aware of sheer drop offs. If you hike at sunrise or sunset, be mindful of others enjoying their peaceful (and quiet) trip.
Directions
From Big Water, UT head north on Ethan Allen Dr., then turn right at the brown sign for Glen Canyon. Reset your odometer and drive 23 miles to a large pull out on the left. While it is only 23 miles, it WILL take you around 1 hour 20 minutes one way. 4×4 isn’t needed however you should use an SUV or larger to reach the main parking area for non-4×4 cars. If you have high clearance, you can drive to the very end, 25 miles total. Here is a driving map.
Trail Info
Distance: 4 miles RT (for non-4WD cars)
Elevation gain: 157 ft
Time: 2-3 hours
Dog friendly? Yes off leash
Kid friendly? Yes, all ages
Fees/Permits? None
The last sign for turning to Alstrom Point. Past this sign is where the road gets sandy, but it’s not horrible. Small cars will want to stop here, and hop in a friends SUV, as they wouldn’t make it through the sand.
I had zero cell service (AT&T) the entire drive out, and Amanda had spotty service (Verizon), so be sure to have a satellite communicator like a ZOLEO in case of emergency and to check in with friends and family. You wouldn’t want to get stuck out there without help!
I also brought along my Goal Zero solar panel since I didn’t want to turn the van generator on just to charge stuff.
Wow, ok, that was worth waking up early for! Highly recommend a sunrise hike here.
It was quite windy at the point, so I kept my 3 layers on, plus a headband on to keep hair from flying in my face. My warm lap dog was much appreciated. Thanks, Charlie!
Sunrise was perfect with Amanda and the dogs! Photo by @a.lillie.photo
The sunrise just kept getting better! It was just so cool to see Lake Powell down there with all the tall buttes, and Navajo Mountain in the distance. I kept thinking, “Rainbow Bridge National Monument is right over there!” After I checked my Gaia GPS, I found that as the bird flies it is only 22 miles!
Really cool spot, can’t wait to come back!
Check out my video of our entire trip!
Trail Map
My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here.
Recommended Gear
Nearby Hike
Hiking to Wiregrass Canyon Arch, Lake Powell
Save me on Pinterest!
