The Great Bend of the San Juan River is about thirty miles above Lake Powell. If Lake Powell had not intervened, it is possible that the river would have eventually cut off the loop, forming a rincon.
A mining enclave, called Spencer Camp, was located on the river just above the Great Bend. It was named for the same Charles H. Spencer who later conducted mining operations at Lees Ferry.
There are no services on the San Juan Arm and boaters should take care not to run out of gas and other supplies.
