Glen Canyon Dam - Image 1
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Glen Canyon Dam

4.6
·2k reviews·Page, United States

A monumental concrete arch dam creating the vast Lake Powell, offering insights into engineering and water management.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Glen Canyon Dam - Image 1

Glen Canyon Dam

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A monumental concrete arch dam creating the vast Lake Powell, offering insights into engineering and water management.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"An impressive structure and a gateway to the natural beauty of Lake Powell."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking & Access

Ample free parking at the Visitor Center. Easy access to overlooks and tour starting points.

📸 Photo Opportunities

The overlook behind the Visitor Center is prime for capturing the dam and canyon.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Carl Hayden Visitor Center

Carl Hayden Visitor Center

Explore interactive exhibits detailing the dam's construction and impact. Great for all ages!

Dam Overlook

Dam Overlook

Behind the Visitor Center

Panoramic views of the dam, Colorado River, and surrounding canyons. Perfect for photos!

Lake Powell Formation

Lake Powell Formation

Witness the vastness of Lake Powell, created by the dam, a stunning blue expanse against red rock.

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Visitor Center & Tours

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center offers a wealth of information about the dam's history and function. Daily guided tours provide a deeper understanding of this engineering marvel. Arrive early to secure a spot, as tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Reddit

Best Views & Nearby Attractions

While the dam itself is impressive, don't miss the stunning overlooks. The observation deck behind the Visitor Center offers fantastic photo opportunities. Glen Canyon Dam is also a gateway to other iconic sites like Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, making it a crucial stop for exploring the Glen Canyon Recreational Area. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Visitor center tours available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

‼️Follow for part 3‼️ #lakepowell #glencanyon #glencanyondam #coloradoriver #powellheadz
@powellheadz
106.1K likes • 3.5M views

🚗 Parking & Access

Ample free parking at the Visitor Center. Easy access to overlooks and tour starting points. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The overlook behind the Visitor Center is prime for capturing the dam and canyon. Reddit

Flying by the Glen Canyon Dam today. Glen Canyon Dam, located on the Colorado River in northern Arizona, was completed in 1966 and created Lake Powell—one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. While it provides hydroelectric power and water storage for millions, the dam has also been the center of environmental and geological debates, especially regarding its impact on the natur...
@nateloper
26.2K likes • 1.3M views
Glen Canyon Dam in Page, Arizona #glencanyon #dam #coloradoriver #pageaz #arizona #travel #river #infrastructure #visitarizona
jimrobski
46 likes • 367 views

💧 Hydration is Key

Arizona sun is intense! Bring plenty of water, especially if exploring beyond the immediate dam area. Reddit

💡 Visitor Center Insights

Don't skip the Visitor Center; its exhibits explain the dam's significance and engineering. Reddit

¡Misión cumplida! Desde el corazón de Glen Canyon Dam, ¡Guatemala estuvo presente! 💪🏽🇬🇹 Llevé mi bandera hasta este gigante de concreto que parece sacado de una película de ciencia ficción… pero no, ¡es real y está en Arizona! 😮🧱💧 No fui solo a ver la represa, fui a representar mi tierra con orgullo. Una chapina viajera, explorando el mundo, aprendiendo, soñando en grande 🌍✨ Dato increíble: Glen...
lia_atenea_
0 likes • 15.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking & Access

Ample free parking at the Visitor Center. Easy access to overlooks and tour starting points. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The overlook behind the Visitor Center is prime for capturing the dam and canyon. Reddit

💧 Hydration is Key

Arizona sun is intense! Bring plenty of water, especially if exploring beyond the immediate dam area. Reddit

💡 Visitor Center Insights

Don't skip the Visitor Center; its exhibits explain the dam's significance and engineering. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Glen Canyon Dam as an impressive feat of engineering and a crucial stop for understanding the region's water management. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is a highlight for its informative exhibits, and the overlooks offer stunning views of the dam, Colorado River, and Lake Powell. While some find the dam itself less visually striking than other natural wonders, its significance and the surrounding scenery make it a worthwhile visit, especially for families and those interested in engineering.

"wonderful place, from the list of "must see attraction". Pretty big parking place and very informative Visitors Center with interesting exposition explaining history of Canyon Glen Dam and that place in general. Comfortable restroom and amazing points of view to make great pictures"

Boris Starovoitov

"Glen Canyon dam is an arch dam across the Colorado River. Lake Powell has been formed because of this dam. The dam, the 'rainbow bridge' parallel to it offer a great experience while visiting/planning activities around Lake Powell.
There is hydro electric power house attached to the dam. Iconic Horseshoe Bend is a few miles downstream of this dam."

Sunny M A

"When you are in Page, AZ, make it another stop. The visitors center offers a variety of interactive tools to explain how dams work. The dam itself is a technological marvel that needs to be seen and understood. Great for kids to learn about how electricity gets generated. Then, the natural beauty of the surrounding area adds another level of marvel."

Artur Ciegotura

What People Like

Impressive engineering feat
Informative Visitor Center
Stunning canyon views

What People Dislike

Dam less visually striking than natural wonders

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Glen Canyon Dam is located near Page, Arizona. It's accessible by car via Highway 89. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center has ample parking. If you're coming from other parts of the Glen Canyon Recreational Area, follow signs for the dam. Reddit

Yes, Glen Canyon Dam is very close to Antelope Canyon. Both are major attractions in the Page, Arizona area, making it convenient to visit them on the same trip. Reddit

While you can drive on the bridge parallel to the dam, direct vehicle access across the dam itself is generally restricted. The primary access for visitors is to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and its overlooks. Reddit

The best way to see Glen Canyon Dam is by visiting the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. From there, you can access excellent overlooks and join guided tours to learn about its history and function. Reddit

No, Glen Canyon Dam is not part of the Grand Canyon. It's located upstream on the Colorado River, and it created Lake Powell. The Grand Canyon is further downstream. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to visit the Glen Canyon Dam overlook or the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. However, tours may have associated fees, and access to Lake Powell activities requires separate permits or fees. Reddit

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current operating hours before your visit. Reddit

Yes, daily guided tours of Glen Canyon Dam are usually available. These tours offer in-depth information about the dam's construction and operation. Check the Visitor Center for tour schedules and availability. Reddit

There is no specific entrance fee for Glen Canyon Dam itself or its visitor center. However, if you plan to enter the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area for activities on Lake Powell, a recreation pass may be required. Reddit

While some tours might allow advance booking, it's often recommended to check with the Visitor Center upon arrival for same-day tour availability, especially during busy periods. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can see the impressive concrete arch dam, the Colorado River below, and the vast expanse of Lake Powell. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center offers exhibits, and there are several overlooks for great views and photos. Reddit

Yes, Glen Canyon Dam is great for families. The Visitor Center has interactive exhibits that are educational for kids, and the overlooks provide stunning scenery. It's a good stop on a road trip. Reddit

The observation deck behind the Carl Hayden Visitor Center offers the most iconic views of the dam and the surrounding landscape. You can capture both the engineering marvel and the natural beauty. Reddit

A visit to Glen Canyon Dam can range from 1-3 hours, depending on whether you take a guided tour and how much time you spend at the Visitor Center and overlooks. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, which is a convenient amenity for visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly at Glen Canyon Dam. However, the nearby town of Page, Arizona, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at designated picnic areas or while taking in the views from the overlooks. Remember to pack out all trash. Reddit

The closest town with numerous dining options is Page, Arizona, just a short drive from the dam. You'll find everything from fast food to local eateries there. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The overlook behind the Visitor Center is ideal for capturing the dam and canyon. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the dam and the expansive canyon views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant features. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blue of the sky and water. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in National Park Service areas, including Glen Canyon Dam and its surroundings, for safety and environmental reasons. Always check current regulations before flying. Reddit

The main overlook behind the Visitor Center provides a classic view. For a different perspective, consider viewpoints along the road leading to the dam or from the bridge. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Glen Canyon Dam is a fantastic stop for families. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is a highlight, with interactive exhibits that make learning about dams and electricity engaging for children. The overlooks offer impressive views that can spark curiosity about engineering and nature. Reddit

Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited on-site. The relatively short visit time and accessible viewpoints make it manageable for younger children. It's also a great opportunity to discuss the importance of water conservation and the role of dams in managing resources. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

Glen Canyon Dam is an ideal stop for road trippers exploring the Southwest. It's conveniently located near other major attractions like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, making it easy to incorporate into a day trip from Page, Arizona. Reddit

Allocate at least 1-2 hours to visit the Visitor Center and take in the views from the overlooks. If time permits, consider a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. The dam's accessibility and its role as a gateway to Lake Powell make it a worthwhile detour. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The overlooks at Glen Canyon Dam offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The contrast between the massive concrete structure, the blue waters of Lake Powell, and the red rock canyons provides a dramatic landscape. Reddit

Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the dam and the surrounding vistas. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sky and water. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center itself also presents interesting architectural lines for creative shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon Dam is a monumental concrete arch dam, standing 710 feet tall and spanning 1,560 feet across the Colorado River. Completed in 1963, it was a significant feat of engineering in the mid-20th century. Its construction created the vast Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the United States by volume. The dam's primary purposes include hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and crucial water allocation for the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basins. Reddit

The dam's design as an arch dam was essential due to the narrow canyon walls, allowing it to efficiently transfer the immense water pressure to the bedrock. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center provides detailed exhibits on the dam's construction, including historical photos and explanations of its complex systems. Visitors can learn about the challenges faced during its building and its ongoing role in managing the Colorado River's water resources. Reddit

While celebrated for its engineering prowess and water management capabilities, the creation of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell also brought significant environmental changes to the region, altering the natural flow of the Colorado River and impacting downstream ecosystems. Discussions about these environmental impacts are often part of understanding the dam's full story. Reddit

Exploring the Glen Canyon Recreational Area

Glen Canyon Dam serves as the gateway to the expansive Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The most prominent feature is Lake Powell, a stunning reservoir known for its vibrant blue waters set against the dramatic red rock canyons. Millions of visitors flock here annually for boating, swimming, fishing, and houseboating adventures. Reddit

Beyond the lake, the recreational area offers opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring the unique geological formations. Horseshoe Bend, a world-famous meander of the Colorado River, is located just downstream from the dam and is a must-see attraction. Lee's Ferry, a historic site and the traditional launch point for river trips through the Grand Canyon, is also within the area. Reddit

For those seeking adventure, consider a half-day river trip to Horseshoe Bend or exploring the Navajo Bridge for unique perspectives. The Glen Canyon Scenic Drive provides access to various viewpoints and trailheads, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the desert Southwest. Reddit

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