Below the Spillway: Standing on the Edge of Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam
How to see Glen Canyon beyond the dam—boats, UTVs, and a bird’s-eye view of Lake Powell.
You arrive at Glen Canyon Dam in late afternoon when the high desert is still warm but the light has softened. The walkway along the crest feels like a narrow fulcrum between two worlds: on one side the canyon drops away in a sheer ribbon of red and the placid turquoise of Lake Powell; on the other, the Colorado River squeezes through the concrete throat of the dam, a narrowed, muscular current that seems to dare you to follow it. Wind moves across the rim and lifts the heat like a hand. Far below, the dam’s gigantic concrete face looks less like engineering and more like a geological layer dropped there on purpose, a human-made step in a landscape that has been arranging its own theatrics for millions of years.
Trail Wisdom
Hydrate and shade up early
Desert sun is relentless—carry at least 1 liter of water per hour and a wide-brim hat for time on the rim or boat deck.
Book water and aerial tours in advance
Popular boat charters, helicopter flights, and float trips fill up in summer—reserve weeks ahead for peak season.
Layer for wind and dust
UTV rides and late-afternoon boat runs get breezy; bring a light windbreaker and a dust buff or bandana.
Respect tribal land rules
Many nearby attractions sit on Navajo Nation—use licensed Navajo guides where required and follow posted rules.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A narrow, lesser-known inlet on Lake Powell reachable only by private boat
- •A short, unmarked viewpoint on the Navajo sandstone slickrock that overlooks a quiet arm of the reservoir
Wildlife
desert bighorn sheep, mule deer
Conservation Note
Water-level fluctuations and invasive quagga mussels are ongoing concerns; choose licensed operators who follow boat-cleaning protocols and support tribal and park conservation efforts.
Glen Canyon Dam was completed in the mid-1960s; its creation flooded thousands of acres of canyon country to form Lake Powell, altering longstanding ecological and cultural landscapes.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower blooms along the rim, cooler water activities, UTV rides before peak heat
Challenges: variable water levels, spring winds, cooler mornings
Spring brings comfortable daytime temperatures and strong light for photography, but watch for wind and fluctuating reservoir levels.
summer
Best for: boating and swimming, jet-skiing and flyboarding, long daylight hours
Challenges: extreme heat, crowded launch ramps, need for shade and extra water
Summer is high season for Lake Powell recreation—expect hot temperatures and busy marinas, and plan early starts.
fall
Best for: photography at golden hour, balanced water temperatures, fewer crowds
Challenges: shortening days, variable booking availability post-Labor Day
Fall offers ideal light, pleasant air, and warm water—an excellent window for both scenic and active outings.
winter
Best for: quiet canyon viewpoints, lower prices and solitude, clear crisp air for wide vistas
Challenges: cooler water and limited boat operations, some services reduced, chilly nights
Winter is quiet and candid—great for solitude and rim viewpoints, but many water activities operate on reduced schedules.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sun hat and UV sunglassesEssential
Protects face and eyes from intense desert sun during rim walks and boat days.
Hydration pack (2–3L)Essential
Keeps you hands-free and hydrated for UTV tours, short hikes, and time on the dam.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Necessary for UTV boarding, scrambling on slickrock overlooks, and wet boat ramps.
Light windbreaker or buff
Blocks wind and dust on UTV rides and provides a thin layer for cooler mornings on the lake.
Common Questions
Can you tour Glen Canyon Dam's interior?
Yes — the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center offers scheduled interpretive tours when available; check the Visitor Center for seasonal times and any security procedures.
Do I need a permit to boat on Lake Powell?
You need to follow Glen Canyon National Recreation Area rules—boat permits and launch fees apply at some ramps; private charters generally handle permits and launch logistics for you.
Are jet skis and flyboards available year-round?
Operators typically run jet-ski and flyboard rentals in warmer months; availability can be limited in winter—book early and confirm seasonal hours.
Is the area on tribal land and do rules differ?
Many nearby attractions, including parts of Antelope Canyon and Tower Butte landings, are on Navajo Nation and require guided access and respect for tribal regulations.
What are typical UTV tour lengths and difficulty?
Most UTV experiences near Page are around two hours with minimal skill required for guided tours; full driving experiences are beginner-friendly while rider-only options are available.
How do water levels affect access to canyons and marinas?
Lake Powell water levels fluctuate with seasonal runoff and long-term climate; low levels can make some coves and ramps inaccessible—check conditions with the National Recreation Area or your operator before booking.
What to Pack
Wide-brim hat for sun, 2–3L hydration pack for heat, closed-toe shoes for rough terrain, sunscreen SPF 30+ for UV protection
Did You Know
Glen Canyon Dam stands approximately 710 feet high and its construction in the 1960s created Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States.
Quick Travel Tips
Book boat and helicopter tours early; check Lake Powell water levels before your trip; bring cash for small tribal fees or parking; fly into Page Municipal Airport for closest access.
Local Flavor
Page, AZ is a gateway town with Navajo-run tour operators, trading posts at Cameron for Native art and jewelry, and local diners serving frybread and Southwestern staples—support tribal-owned businesses when possible.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest town: Page, AZ • Visitor Center: Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center (hours vary) • Nearest airport: Page Municipal Airport (PGA) • Popular activities: float trips (2 hrs–full day), UTV tours (≈2 hrs), helicopter tours (≈20 min), boat charters (half/full day).
Sustainability Note
Choose operators who practice boat-cleaning to prevent invasive mussels, follow Leave No Trace on shoreline visits, and prefer Navajo-guided experiences to support local stewardship and economies.