Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a large protected area spanning Arizona and Utah, featuring red rock formations, the Colorado River, and Lake Powell. The area offers many opportunities for water activities and exploring desert landscapes.

The area was established as a National Recreation Area in 1972, following the completion of Glen Canyon Dam in 1966, which created Lake Powell. This dam transformed the landscape and continues to shape the region today.

The area holds traces of thousands of years of human settlement, with archaeological sites that show where Native Americans once lived. You can see these places in the landscape today, and they tell stories of the people who came before.

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center near the dam provides information about activities, required permits, and current water levels. Stopping there first helps visitors plan their time and understand what they can do in the area.

Lake Powell has an extensive shoreline with several marinas where you can rent houseboats and motorboats. This makes it a popular spot for multi-day water explorations and adventures on the water.

Location: Kane County

Location: Garfield County

Location: Wayne County

Location: San Juan County

Location: Coconino County

Inception: October 27, 1972

Operator: National Park Service

Address: Utah, USA

Phone: +19286086200

Website: https://nps.gov/glca

GPS coordinates: 36.99361,-111.48694

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:16