The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) was established in 1972 and covers more than one million acres of dramatic desert and canyon country around the 185-mile- (298 km) long Lake Powell. The lake was created by damming the Colorado River. The recreation area is "Y"-shaped, following the San Juan River east almost to the town of Mexican hat and heading northeast toward Canyonlands National Park. Today, the lake is busy with watersports enthusiasts, although a prolonged drought has lowered the lake level recently so you should call ahead for boat launch information. Glen Canyon is also one of the most popular hiking, biking and 4WD destinations in the US.
• Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rising 309ft (94 m) above Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge is the largest natural bridge in North America. It is only accessible by boat from Waheap or Bullfrog marinas.
• General View of Lake Powell
The blue water of the man-made Lake Powell are encircled by colorful sandstone coves - once Glen Canyon's side canyons and dramatic buttes and mesas.
• Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963 and rises 710 ft (213 m) above the bedrock of the Colorado River.
• Antelope Canyon
Bands of sand stone curve sinuously together, sometimes just a few feet apart, in this famously deep "slot" canyon.
• Lees Ferry was a Mormon settlement in the 19t1 century. Today, this outpost offers tourist facilities, including a ranger station and campground.
• Wahweap Marina is one of the best ways of touring the area is by boat; Wahweap Marina offers tours and boat hire.
• Boating on Lake Powell (in summer weekends. the lake is a busy place as powerboats, water-skiers, houseboat parties, jet skis, and catamarans explore myriad sandstone side canyons. The Colorado river float trips, available below Glen Canyon dam, are a special attraction.
• Hails crossing has a marina and is the starting point for the regular ferry service to Bullfrog Buy.
• Canyon Controversy
The completion of Glen Canyon dam in 1963 flooded the area described by explorer John Wesley Powell as "a curious ensemble of wonderful features." Controversial from the start, the project spurred the environmentalist Sierra Club to campaign against the original plans. Today, they continue to argue for the restoration of Glen Canyon, believing that ancient ecosystems are being ruined. Pro-dam advocates point out the value of the dam's ability to store water, generate power, and provide recreation.
Visitors' Checklist
Phone: (928) 608-6404.
Official Timings: 8am-5pm daily.7
