Scientific expeditions brought John Wesley Powell down the Colorado River in 1869. Impressed with the lush glens along the riverside, Powell named the area Glen Canyon. Lake Powell was created when the Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1964. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is now one of the most popular vacations spots in the Southwest.
Powell (1.3mb QT)

The 186 mile-long lake is the second largest man-made reservoir in the world. The bright turquoise to deep blue water of the lake is surrounded by the colorful surrealistic landscape of buttes, peaks and canyons, making the area a favorite for Hollywood filmmakers. Its sandstone shoreline is longer than the entire West Coast of the United States. You can explore the endless side canyons, inlets and coves, or hike from the shoreline to Anasazi ruins like the Defiance House. Fishing is popular and anglers often catch record-size bass. Trout, walleye, crappie and catfish are also found in the lake.

The area is open all year. From late spring to early fall, swimming, water skiing and other water sports are popular. Boating is a year round activity and is the best way to experience the scenery of Lake Powell. Boat rentals and tours are available at several marinas, but make your reservation early if you want to rent a houseboat.

You won't want to visit Lake Powell without taking a tour to Rainbow Bridge National Monument which the Navajo call "rainbow of stone". Daily boat tours from Bullfrog and Wahweap marinas will take you to the 290 foot-high pink sandstone bridge that is sacred to the Navajo Indians. A permit from the Navajo Nation is required if you want to hike the 14 miles into Rainbow Bridge.

Stop at any of the visitor centers for maps and area information. Visitor centers at Wahweap and Bullfrog are open year round. Full services are available and most are handicapped accessible.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
PO Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040
National Park Service 801-826-4315
Carl Hayden Visitor Center 520-608-6405
Bullfrog Visitor Center 801-684-2243
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area