Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers stunning vistas, extensive water-based recreation, and historical sites around Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam.

1,254,429
Acres Protected
Over 80
Miles of Trails
2.5 million
Annual Visitors
1972
Year Established

About Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
 

Spanning over 1.2 million acres across northern Arizona and southern Utah, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. The main feature, Lake Powell, is the second largest man-made reservoir in the U.S., encompassing over 180 miles of Colorado River canyons. Its waters provide ample opportunities for houseboating, kayaking, and fishing, while the surrounding red rock landscapes offer trails and ecological explorations. Historical sites like the ancestral Puebloan and Navajo dwellings offer cultural insights, adding to the area's richness. The Glen Canyon Dam, a marvel of engineering completed in the 1960s, enabled the creation of Lake Powell and continues to provide hydroelectric power to the region. Despite its popularity, much of Glen Canyon’s terrains remain rugged and remote, offering visitors solitude and adventure alike.

Highlights

Highlight

Horseshoe Bend - a dramatic meander of the Colorado River

Highlight

Rainbow Bridge National Monument - one of the world's largest natural bridges

Highlight

Lake Powell - a premier destination for water-based recreation

Highlight

Antelope Canyon - known for its stunning slot canyon formations

Notable Natural Features

Lake Powell

A vast reservoir with intricate winding canyons ideal for boating.

Glen Canyon Dam

A key engineering structure responsible for the creation of Lake Powell.

Rainbow Bridge

An awe-inspiring natural stone arch accessible by boat and hiking.