State Parks and National Parks

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area combines one of nature's most inspiring settings with an ambitious human project.

Impounded behind the Bureau of Reclamation's Glen Canyon Dam, the waters of the Colorado River and its tributaries are backed up almost 200 miles, forming Lake Powell. The lake and more than 1 million acres of desert and canyon country are a paradise for boaters, anglers, hikers and photographers.

Lake Powell is the second-largest reservoir in North America with 1,960 miles of shoreline.

Fishing is rewarding all year. Primary game species are largemouth and striped bass, black crappie, catfish, bluegill, trout and walleye.

Below the dam, the cold water of the Colorado River provides excellent trophy trout habitat. Anglers frequently catch very large rainbow trout upstream from Lees Ferry.

Visitors boat, canoe or kayak on Lake Powell, camp on flat sites along the lakeshore, hike in desert side-canyons, raft through Glen Canyon, mountain bike (on established roads only) and view old Anasazi dwellings and drawings.

A ferry operates between Bullfrog Marina and Halls Crossing, saving motorists hundreds of road miles.

Backcountry hiking among the buttes, mesas, canyons and cliffs requires planning and stamina, but is very rewarding.

Glen Canyon's premier geological attraction is Rainbow Bridge in Utah. Once extremely remote, the bridge is now accessible by crossing Lake Powell and hiking a short trail.

Off-road vehicles are only allowed at Lone Rock Beach.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Cecil Stoughton, courtesy of National Park Service. Photo by Betty White, courtesy of National Park Service.