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Glen Canyon Dam: A Monument of Engineering and Controversy

Explore the Glen Canyon Dam: An engineering marvel shaping the Southwest's water and power, offering history and stunning views.

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Glen Canyon Dam, a towering concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River near Page, Arizona, is a marvel of engineering that tamed the river and created Lake Powell. It offers tours, exhibits, and stunning views, but also sparks debate about its environmental impact.

A brief summary to Glen Canyon Dam

Local tips

  • Visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center for exhibits and information about the dam, though tours inside the dam are currently unavailable.
  • Take the short Dam Overlook Trail for panoramic views of the dam and Colorado River.
  • Walk across the Glen Canyon Bridge for stunning views of the dam and surrounding landscape.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during summer, as temperatures can exceed 100°F.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Page, Arizona, head north on US-89. The Glen Canyon Dam is located directly on US-89, approximately 5 miles north of Page. Follow the signs for the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, where parking is available. There is no fee to park at the visitor center. A Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is required for other areas within the recreation area.

  • Walking

    From hotels or other locations in Page, Arizona, that are close to US-89, it is possible to walk to the Glen Canyon Dam. However, be aware that US-89 is a major highway, and pedestrian access may be limited in certain areas. Use caution and follow all traffic regulations. The walk from the South end of Page to the Dam is approximately 4 miles.

Unlock the Best of Glen Canyon Dam

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Discover more about Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon Dam, located on the Colorado River in northern Arizona, close to the city of Page, stands as a testament to human engineering and a focal point of environmental discussion. Completed in 1966 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the 710-foot-high dam impounds Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The dam's construction, authorized in 1956, aimed to control the Colorado River's flow, store water for beneficial use, reclaim arid lands, prevent floods, and generate hydroelectric power. While it has facilitated water storage and power generation for the Southwest, the dam's creation submerged Glen Canyon, a place of remarkable natural beauty, sparking controversy among conservationists. Visitors can explore the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, perched 700 feet above the river, to discover exhibits about the dam's construction, hydroelectric power, and the Colorado River system. Though public tours inside the dam are currently closed, the visitor center offers a film, museum, and gift shop. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook Trail provides panoramic views of the dam and the Colorado River below. Walking across the Glen Canyon Bridge offers equally stunning perspectives. Glen Canyon Dam continues to generate hydroelectric power, meeting the electrical needs of the West, and helps manage water distribution among the Colorado River Basin states. It stands as a symbol of the complex balance between human needs and environmental stewardship.

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