A wet desert might be a rather oxymoronic way of describing Lake Powell but that’s exactly what it is. A baffling mix of contradictions is what Lake Powell is. To start off, it isn’t even a lake but a manmade reservoir where the original canyon was flooded with redirected water. The result was a winding pool of glittering turquoise and aquamarine under the summer sun, shaped like a splotch rather than a neat oval. Anomaly two is what the lake is famous for. Despite being surrounded by thick, tall walls of sandstone and dry plains, the Lake is known for its beaches. With a shoreline of 1960mi, Lake Powell has more stretches of beach than the entire west coast of continental America. One need not even hike between the 96 canyons but simply rent a boat and hop from one to the other. Look out for Rainbow Bridge Monument, an arch of solid sandstone extending over the water to create a gateway. So extensive is the amount of water that you can easily waterski beneath rocks the color of desert orange and burnt reds for a jarring juxtaposition.

The final factor is observed only during the winter months. Under the cold blue light, the flaming reds are muted beneath sheets of white snow, the colors and shapes reflected off the stagnant waters. All other activities might be suspended but the unique views are a delight for avid photographers and nature hunters alike. In this way, Lake Powell is truly an attraction of oddities and unexpected surprises.