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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Glen Canyon Dam
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental concrete arch dam creating the vast Lake Powell, offering insights into engineering and water management.
"An impressive structure and a gateway to the natural beauty of Lake Powell."
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Carl Hayden Visitor Center
Explore interactive exhibits detailing the dam's construction and impact. Great for all ages!
Dam Overlook
Behind the Visitor Center
Panoramic views of the dam, Colorado River, and surrounding canyons. Perfect for photos!
Lake Powell Formation
Witness the vastness of Lake Powell, created by the dam, a stunning blue expanse against red rock.
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Planning Your Visit
Visitor Center & Tours
Best Views & Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
💧 Hydration is Key
Arizona sun is intense! Bring plenty of water, especially if exploring beyond the immediate dam area.
💡 Visitor Center Insights
Don't skip the Visitor Center; its exhibits explain the dam's significance and engineering.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
💧 Hydration is Key
Arizona sun is intense! Bring plenty of water, especially if exploring beyond the immediate dam area.
💡 Visitor Center Insights
Don't skip the Visitor Center; its exhibits explain the dam's significance and engineering.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Glen Canyon Dam
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.
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.
Exploring the Glen Canyon Recreational Area
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.
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.
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