Alstrom Point provides one of the most scenic and photographed views of Lake Powell, Utah, USA.
You can see from this amazing Alstrom Point view the Gunsight Butte, Padre Bay and the immense Lake Powell..
Alstrom Point is about 90 minutes from Page and heave a 3 on a scale of 1-10 for difficulty. This means a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is preferred but any high clearance vehicle should be able to handle it. For the last two miles the road travels over slickrock and can be difficult to follow as there are many branches to other viewpoints. If this is your first trip to Alstrom Point allow at least two hours to get to the point from Page, (Ask The Visit Center for more information about the conditions dirty road getting to Alstrom Point).
The extra time will be needed if you have difficulty following the road. There are occasional cairns (small rock piles) to mark the way for the last two miles or so.
Alstrom Point is best shot at sunset or just after it. If you are driving out at sunset you should leave Alstrom Point early enough to ensure you do not get lost. Do not stay past sunset (the Blue Hour) unless you are sure you can follow the route back for the first two miles. Sunrise at Alstrom Point can produce good images as well, especially of the layers across the lake to the south. At sunrise Gunsight Butte will be in shadow though. Consider camping at Alstrom Point overnight and driving out the next morning. Alstrom Point is at relatively low elevation (4,600 feet) and is often be snow free when the rest of southern Utah is snow covered. Alstrom Point is a good winter location although Gunsight Butte will be front lit in this season. On the plus side there will be far fewer boats on the lake in the winter.
Alstrom Point is a good location from which to photograph the full moon. You can photograph it over Gunsight Butte (with a wide to normal lens) in the Spring and Fall, or over the other side of Lake Powell with a telephoto lens. The best views at Alstrom Point are to the south and east, so the full moon should be shot at moonrise (sunset). The sunset full moon is best shot 1-2 days before the moon is full.
Route:
Coming from Page take US 89 west 14.4 miles (measured from the Glen Canyon Visitor Center) to Ethan Allen Way in Big Water. Take Ethan Allen Way 0.3 miles and make a right onto Glen Canyon National Park Road. In another 0.5 miles you will reach Wahweap Creek which normally has a little water in it. It should be easy to cross. Follow this good gravel road 13.1 miles from the creek crossing to the intersection with Smoky Mountain Road and bear right onto Recreation Road 230. Take Recreation Road 230 4.2 miles to the intersection with Recreation Road 264 and turn right. After about 4.5 miles Recreation Road 264 officially ends. It becomes an unnamed road and travels over slickrock for about 2 miles to Alstrom Point. The road is cairned but can be hard to follow. Enjoy your trip to this amazing view.
Techniek: ISO 100, 70 mm f.22 , 0.3 sec., Canon 5D MK III, Lens: 100 mm f2.8 II L IS USM, Statief: Manfrotto 055CXPRO3.
