When we think of a particular unit within the National Park System, we may have a preconceived notion of the park based upon a single outstanding feature about which we’ve read, heard, or seen. Take Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, located in portions of Arizona and Utah. The first thing that may come to mind is Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River winding between red rock formations and canyons. Created by the flooding of Glen Canyon by the Glen Canyon Dam, this lake is a major destination for boaters. But that’s not all there is to this park.
In addition to boating the lake, there are trails to hike into the side canyons and over slickrock where you can explore isolated hanging gardens, slot canyons, and iconic geologic features such as Horseshoe Bend. You can walk a short distance of 940 feet (286 meters) for a good stretch of the legs, spend an entire day hiking a trail with roundtrip distances ranging from 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) up to 14 miles (22.5 kilometers), or even embark on a multi-day backpacking adventure into the backcountry. From short to long, these hiking trails come with stunning landscape vistas.
If you are an ORV (off road vehicle) or ATV (all-terrain vehicle) enthusiast, there are 388 miles (624.4 kilometers) of designated roads, 304 miles (489.2 kilometers) of which are unpaved. The park provides ORV maps to different areas. Note: Some of the ORV areas may be temporarily closed, so even if you've already got a destination in mind, it’s a good idea to check the map for road status.
Speaking of roads, there are several scenic drives offering stunning red rock vistas as well as opportunities for a multi-day adventure combining driving, hiking, and even photography. These roads are unpaved and, in some cases, 4-wheel drive is recommended.
This national recreation area encompasses a little history too. Drive across the Navajo Bridge on Highway 89A between Bitter Springs and Jacob Lake, Arizona and take the Lees Ferry Road to Lees Ferry, where in 1870, Mormon pioneer and leader John D. Lee was sent to establish a ferry crossing. A practicing polygamist, Lee also built a ranch with homes for two of his families, as well as established an orchard and irrigation system. He named this property Lonely Dell Ranch because of its remote location and you can hike an easy 1-mile (1.6 kilometers) trail to see this historic site.
Speaking of history and hiking, you can also hike to remnants of Lees Ferry Fort. This military outpost was constructed in 1874 to protect 19th-century Utah settlements.
Ok, let’s return to boating and water sports in this park, since it is, hands down, the most popular activity here. You can bring your own boat (this includes kayaks), rent a vessel, or take a guided commercial boat tour, waterski/wakeboard/scuba instruction course, paddlecraft (kayak, canoe, or paddleboard) tour, or guided fishing service either along the Colorado River or Lake Powell.
There are four marinas and six public launch ramps on Lake Powell. Some of these ramps can launch both houseboats in addition to smaller motorized craft and paddlecraft. However, because of current water levels, some of these ramps are closed to one or more types of watercraft. To keep apprised of water levels and ramp status, the park provides a changing lake levels page to help you plan your visit. It pays to be prepared.
Boating is not the only way to have fun on Lake Powell waters. Two other very popular water-based activities are fishing and swimming. Anglers can test their skills not only along the Colorado River in this national recreation area, but in Lake Powell. After the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, bluegill, crappie, walleye, catfish, and bass were introduced to the now much clearer waters.
During the summertime, water temperatures can exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius). This makes Lake Powell a great place for swimming, since it is open everywhere to all swimmers, except at the marinas and launch areas and within the boundaries of Rainbow Bridge National Monument. There are five different swimming areas you can reach via vehicle, and many more reachable by boat.
If you’d like to check out a worthy side trip near Glen Canyon, how about visiting Rainbow Bridge National Monument, home to one of the world's largest known natural bridges. There are no roads to Rainbow Bridge. You’ll get there by boat (personal, rental, or tour boats) and then hiking, or you can backpack there (a permit from the Navajo Nation is required). If you choose to make the effort, it’s an amazing sight.
So, after a full day of fun, where do you lay your head for the night? If you are looking for in-park lodging, you are in luck! Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas operated by Aramark offers hotel rooms in Wahweap and at Defiance House in Bullfrog, as well as Standalone Family Units (three-bedroom single-wide trailers) available at Halls Crossing and Bullfrog. You can even rent a houseboat to explore the lake and sleep on the water while bringing all (well, almost all) the comforts of home with you.
If lodging inside the park is full, Page, Arizona, provides a multitude of hotel/motel/vacation rental choices. Visit the Page-Lake Powell Hub for more information.
Lake Powell Resorts & Marina, Antelope Point Marina, and the city of Page also offer many dining choices to fit your budget, from sit-down restaurants, to fast foods, to groceries and snacks.
If you’d rather pitch a tent or park your RV directly beneath the stars, you can camp at six NPS-managed campgrounds, all of which are first-come, first-served. There are also four campground and RV parks offered by outside concessioners. Primitive camping is available along the Lake Powell shoreline as well as along the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. And, if you really feel like getting away from it all, you can hike and camp in the backcountry.
Where ever you choose to overnight, remember to stay up past your bedtime at least once during your visit to view the night sky and its gazillion sparkling stars.
Need to fuel your vehicle or boat while visiting Glen Canyon National Recreation Area? There are gas stations at the marinas at Antelope Point, Wahweap, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing for boat fuel. For vehicle fuel, there is gas available on the outskirts of the area at Ticaboo, Utah, and in the nearby towns of Page, Arizona, and Hanksville, Utah.
Piloting an electric vehicle (EV)? You can recharge in the gateway communities of Page and Bluff, Arizona, and Ticaboo, Utah.
Traveler’s Choice For: Boating and paddling, photography, geology
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
