Glen Canyon, Sandstone canyon between Lake Powell and Orange Cliffs in Utah and Arizona, United States.
Glen Canyon is a large sandstone canyon that stretches between Lake Powell and the Orange Cliffs, spanning across Utah and Arizona. The high red rock walls were carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, creating an expansive desert landscape.
The region underwent a major transformation about 60 years ago when the Glen Canyon Dam was built, creating Lake Powell. Before this, it was a flowing river valley inhabited by indigenous cultures for over ten thousand years.
Indigenous peoples lived in this region for thousands of years, leaving behind rock art and artifacts scattered across the canyon walls. Visitors can still encounter these marks today, which reveal the deep connection between the communities and the land.
Multiple access points allow different ways to explore the region, and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center offers maps and information. The best time to visit is spring or fall, when temperatures are more comfortable.
A natural rock formation above Lake Powell partially collapsed in recent years, changing the geology of the area. This shift shows how dynamic this landscape remains.
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