Established in 1972, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) covers more than 1,560 sq miles (4,040 sq km) of dramatic desert and canyon country around the 185-mile- (298-km-) long Lake Powell. On summer weekends, the lake is a busy place as powerboats, waterskiers, houseboat parties, jet skis, and catamarans explore its myriad sandstone side canyons.
t Kayaking on Lake Powell is a popular activity. Kayaks can be rented from the Waheap and Bullfrog marinas.
Experience Southern Utah
t The blue waters of Lake Powell surrounding the cliffs and boulders of the flooded canyon
The second-largest man-made lake in the country after Lake Mead, Lake Powell was created by damming the Colorado River. The recreation area is Y-shaped, running from Lee’s Ferry in Arizona, following the San Juan River east almost to the town of Mexican Hat in Utah, and heading northeast to the Orange Cliffs west of Canyonlands National Park.
The lake is a mecca for watersports enthusiasts. The recreation area has several marinas, where you can rent motorboats, jet skis, or kayaks to explore the lake’s clear blue waters and 96 side canyons. Houseboat rentals are especially popular, with residents cruising the salmon-pink cliffs and coves by day, and partying on the beaches at night. Glen Canyon is also one of the most popular hiking, biking, and 4WD destinations in the US.
Picture Perfect
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
For a great shot of the Colorado River flowing out from beneath the massive face of the dam, climb the short trail south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook.
Exploring Lake Powell and Glen Canyon NRA
The Glen Canyon Dam is located just south of the Utah border at Page, Arizona. You can sign up for 45-minute tours of this impressive facility at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. If you’re staying in or near Page, drop in at the John Wesley Powell Museum. The lake was named for this intrepid explorer who led the first expeditions down the Green and Colorado rivers through the Grand Canyon. The museum is also Page’s visitor center, where you can book rafting trips, boat tours, and other activities. There are day hikes of varying lengths and difficulty in different sections of the Glen Canyon NRA.
t Glen Canyon Dam and Bridge, achievements of engineering
Experience Southern Utah
n Double-tap image to read the labels
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.” The project was contro-versial right from the start as environmen-talists deplored the drowning of the pris-tine canyon, and many continue to campaign for the restoration of Glen Canyon, believing that ancient eco-systems are being ruined. Pro-dam advocates point out the value of the dam’s ability to store water, generate power, and provide recreation.
Hidden Gem
Hanging Garden
Near the Glen Canyon Dam, an easy 1-mile (0.6-km) trail leads to the Hanging Garden, where water seeping through the rocks has created a green oasis of lush plants growing in the alcoves of the colorful, striated cliffs.