Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area provides a dramatic example of one of nature's most inspiring settings combined with a hugely Promethean human project. Impounded behind the Glen Canyon Dam, waters of the Colorado River and tributaries are backed up almost 200 miles to form Lake Powell, the recreational focus of the park. But don't overlook the more than 1.2 million acres of desert-and-canyon country that surrounds the lake. While the lake may be humming with motorboats and personal watercraft, the backcountry is mostly deserted and quiet. Read More »
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Highlights
- To really put Glen Canyon into context, drive the 66-mile Burr Trail Drive that starts in Boulder, Utah, and ends near the Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell near Ticaboo. The drive passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Lake Powell Shoreline primitive camping is allowed anywhere along the shore outside the developed areas. Campers must pack out all trash and must have a portable toilet or toilet facilities on their vessel. Water levels of the lake determine which areas are available for camping, but on average there are about 150 miles of shoreline camping usually available. There are no fees.
- When the Glen Canyon Dam was completed, the Colorado River transformed from a murky river full of silt to a clear icy river ideal for trout fishing. The section of river recommended for reeling in the big numbers encompasses the 15 miles from the dam to Lees Ferry where the Paria flows into the Colorado,.
- One-day raft trips are offered out of Page starting at the dam, floating though the Marble Canyon Gorge and finishing at Lees Ferry's dock. This section of the Colorado River has no whitewater, so it is ideal for fishing and is safe for families.
- Touring kayaks, also called sea kayaks, do best for traveling long distances on flat water. They allow you more "bang" for each paddle stroke "buck" as well as provide room to carry gear. Sea kayaks also do better in wind and waves than do canoes.
- The Colorado River curves nearly 180 degrees at Horseshoe Bend, deep in Glen Canyon. The spectacular view is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike from the parking area just north of Milepost 545, two and a half miles south of Page's Gateway Plaza.
- Back roads in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offer great adventures for well-prepared mountain bikers. Note that off-road travel is strictly prohibited, including riding down to Lake Powell or along its shore.
- Some kayakers contend that September to May is the best time of year to paddle. Although this season can be cold, it's great for photography, day hikes, and fishing. Also, most of the vacationing power boaters will have returned home.
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Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Travel Q&A
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What You Can Do in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
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Parks Near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Antelope Canyon, AZ
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument, UT
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, UT (57 mi.)
GEARZILLA: The Gorp Gear Blog
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