Big Water, UT

Big Water is a quiet desert town in southern Utah, perched right along Highway 89 about twenty minutes northwest of Page, Arizona. It started out in the 1950s as a worker camp during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, and it has stayed a peaceful home base for desert lovers ever since. Surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and wide-open canyon country, the area appeals to anyone looking for dramatic scenery, starry night skies, and plenty of elbow room.

ATTRMcGhiever / CC BY-SA 4.0

Daily life here revolves around the outdoors, with Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante practically in the backyard. The town itself is small and rural, mostly made up of quiet residential neighborhoods, local outfitters, and boat storage for lake visitors. While Big Water has a few local spots and a visitor center, residents head just down the road into Page for bigger grocery runs, medical care, restaurants, and schools. It is a great fit for retirees, remote workers, or outdoor enthusiasts who want a low-key lifestyle within easy reach of everyday conveniences across the state line.