Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a vast national recreation area in Utah's Canyon Country. It encompasses the colorful canyon country surrounding Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made lakes in North America. The crystal blue lake is strikingly out of place against the deep red slickrock desert, creating a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. The lake was formed by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, completed in 1963.

Lake Powell stretches for nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline and offers exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The desert surrounding the lake is mostly uninhabited except for grazing longhorn steer, jackrabbits, and lizards. The area is popular with houseboat owners who sail around the lake's many side canyons and secluded beaches.

The recreation area has a severe desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F (38°C). Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Flash floods are a sporadic but ever-present danger, particularly in slot canyons and washes. Always check weather conditions before entering any canyon.

By Plane

Page, Arizona is the nearest town with services, located at the south end of Lake Powell. The closest commercial airport is Page Municipal Airport (PGA) with limited service. The nearest major airports are Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about 4.5 hours drive, and Las Vegas (LAS), about 4.5 hours drive.

By Car / Road

Glen Canyon NRA is accessed from multiple directions. From the west, take US-89 from Kanab. From the east, take US-89 from Flagstaff. The Lake Powell entrance is near Page, Arizona. The dam and visitor center are accessible from US-89. Bullfrog Marina is accessed via UT-274 from UT-95. Halls Crossing is on UT-25.

Getting into Lake Powell pretty much requires a boat launched from a local marina, as the lake is surrounded by steep sandstone cliffs. A number of companies provide guided tours and boat rentals. The Wahweap Marina, Antelope Point Marina, Bullfrog Marina, and Halls Crossing Marina all offer rental boats, jet skis, and houseboats.

• Rainbow Bridge National Monument — The world's largest known natural bridge, located about 50 miles uplake from the Glen Canyon Dam. Accessible by boat from Lake Powell.

• Glen Canyon Dam — A massive concrete arch dam that created Lake Powell. Guided tours are available.

• Reflection Canyon — A stunning horseshoe-shaped canyon visible from the lake and accessible by foot from the northeast via a 12km path.

• Golden Cathedral — A spectacular natural amphitheater accessible via a 6km trail through Fence Canyon.

• Music Temple — A geological feature consisting of a grotto with high, vaulting walls and a deep central pool of water.

• Houseboating — Rent a houseboat and explore the lake at your own pace, camping on secluded beaches.

• Powerboating — Rent a powerboat or waverunner from one of the marinas for a day on the water.

• Fishing — Lake Powell offers excellent fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish.

• Swimming and beach camping — The lake has countless secluded beaches perfect for swimming and camping.

• Kayaking — Paddle through narrow side canyons and explore areas inaccessible by larger boats.

• Hiking — Several trails provide access to scenic overlooks and remote areas of the recreation area.

• Rainbow Room — Lake Powell Resort, 100 Lakeshore Drive, Page. With a stunning 180 degree view of Wahweap Bay, this fine dining establishment is open March 15 - October 31 for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• The Grill at Offshore Marina — Mile Marker 30, Highway 276, 7 miles prior to Bullfrog Marina. Fresh food off the grill, deli sandwiches and salad bar.

Glen Canyon is definitely BYOB territory. Bring gallons of water for your trip. The Lake Powell Resort and marinas have limited beverage options. Always carry more water than you think you'll need in the desert heat.

• Budget: Bullfrog Marina Campground, near Bullfrog Marina. Developed campground with basic amenities.
• Mid-range: Defiance House Lodge, Bullfrog, UT. 50 rooms, Anasazi Restaurant and Lounge. Family units and small boat rentals.
• Upscale / heritage: Wahweap Campground and RV Park, Lakeshore Drive, Page. One of the nicest campgrounds in the National Park System with stunning views of Wahweap Bay.

The marinas at Lake Powell have gift shops and general stores with limited supplies. The town of Page, Arizona has full services including grocery stores, gas stations, and outdoor gear shops. Bring all necessary supplies before entering the recreation area.

• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — Northwest. A vast wilderness area with slot canyons and scenic drives.
• Capitol Reef National Park — North. Spectacular canyons, domes, and the historic Fruita district.
• Canyonlands National Park — Northeast. Dramatic canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
• Page, Arizona — Adjacent. Full services, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.
• Monument Valley — South on Navajo Nation. Iconic sandstone buttes of the American West.
• Grand Canyon — South. The most famous natural wonder in the United States.