photos by David Halterman

Since its completion in 1963, controversy has swirled around Glen Canyon Dam and the subsequent lake that was formed. As with so many other things, human interference has destroyed that which cannot be brought back. With the rising of Lake Powell, canyons that once held abundant wildlife, natural bridges and thousands of Native American ruins were filled and forgotten. And now dependency upon the water and energy produced by the dam have become so great that its removal would be crippling to millions of people. It is the Catch 22 of the West. So what else is there to do with the second largest resevoir in the United States and arguably one of the most unique bodies of water in the world? Despite its origins, Lake Powell does offer endless opportunities for exploration and recreation as well as a sunny respite from a long, cold winter. And for those of you still stuck in the middle, here are eight steps for learning to enjoy the confluence of water and red Navajo Sandstone. That is, unless youre feeling a little Hayduke ... .