Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

About

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stretches across 1.25 million acres of canyon country along the Colorado River, centered around the striking blue waters of Lake Powell. Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, this vast recreation area combines towering red rock formations, narrow slot canyons, and desert wilderness with one of the largest reservoirs in the United States.

Visitors come here for world-class boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking on Lake Powell, which features nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline tucked into countless coves and side canyons. But you do not need a boat to enjoy Glen Canyon. The area offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and some of the most photogenic landscapes in the American Southwest.

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam near Page, Arizona, serves as the main hub for information and orientation. The dam itself is an impressive 710-foot concrete arch structure that you can view from multiple vantage points. Wahweap Marina, also near Page, is one of the primary access points for lake recreation, with boat rentals, tours, and dining available.

Other highlights include Horseshoe Bend, the famous Colorado River overlook that has become one of the most photographed spots in Arizona. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, accessible by boat or a long backcountry hike, is one of the largest natural bridges in the world and holds deep cultural significance for Native American tribes in the region.

The recreation area is open year-round, though summer is the busiest season for water activities. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Winter visits are quieter and offer a different kind of beauty, though some services and facilities operate on reduced schedules.

Page, Arizona, is the closest full-service town, with lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, and outfitters. Whether you are spending a day driving the scenic overlooks or a week exploring Lake Powell by houseboat, Glen Canyon delivers an unforgettable desert water experience.

Accessibility

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam is accessible to wheelchair users and includes accessible restrooms. The visitor center offers exhibits, a bookstore, and information services on an accessible main level. Accessible parking is available at the visitor center and at several developed areas throughout the recreation area.

Wahweap Marina and other developed marina areas have paved surfaces in many common areas, though terrain closer to the water can be uneven or sandy. Some boat tour operators may be able to accommodate wheelchair users, but arrangements should be confirmed in advance.

The Horseshoe Bend overlook trail was improved in recent years with a paved walkway for much of the route, though the final approach to the rim involves uneven terrain and is not fully accessible. An accessible viewing area is available partway along the trail.

Much of Glen Canyon is rugged backcountry terrain, and many trails and shoreline access points involve sand, slickrock, or steep grades that present significant barriers for visitors with mobility limitations. Water-based activities may require transfers and physical assistance.

The Glen Canyon headquarters phone line (928-608-6200) is staffed Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm MST, and staff can answer specific questions about current accessibility conditions at particular sites. Conditions and available accommodations can change seasonally, so contacting the recreation area before your visit is strongly recommended. Ask about accessible boat tours, campsite options, and any temporary closures that may affect your plans.

More accessible places in Arizona

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson)
• Children's Museum of Phoenix (Phoenix)
• Heard Museum (Phoenix)
• Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)
• Slide Rock State Park (Sedona)
• Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff)