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Glen Canyon Dam: A Colossus of Concrete and Controversy

Witness the grandeur of Glen Canyon Dam, a vital water and power source amidst the stunning landscapes of Page, Arizona.

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Glen Canyon Dam, a massive concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River near Page, Arizona, impounds Lake Powell. Completed in 1966, it provides water storage and hydroelectric power to the Southwest, while sparking ongoing environmental debates.

A brief summary to Glen Canyon Dam

Local tips

  • Visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center for exhibits and panoramic views of the dam and Lake Powell.
  • Take the short Dam Overlook Trail for stunning views of the dam and the Colorado River below.
  • Bring water and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Check the National Park Service website for updates on dam tour availability.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Page, Arizona, head north on US-89. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is located on US-89, on the west side of Glen Canyon Dam, a short drive from the town center. Parking is available at the visitor center. There is no fee to park or enter the visitor center.

  • Walking

    From the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, well-paved walkways provide access to the Glen Canyon Bridge, offering views of the dam and surrounding landscape. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook Trail is accessible from a separate parking area off Scenic View Drive.

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Discover more about Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon Dam, a towering testament to engineering prowess, rises 710 feet above the Colorado River, forever altering the landscape of northern Arizona. Completed in 1966, the dam was authorized in 1956 as a key component of the Colorado River Storage Project. Its primary purpose was to harness the Colorado River, providing a reliable water supply and hydroelectric power to the burgeoning communities of the American Southwest. The dam's construction led to the creation of Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. While Lake Powell provides essential water storage, it submerged the stunning Glen Canyon, a dramatic sandstone gorge, a move that continues to fuel environmental concerns. Today, visitors can explore the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, perched 700 feet above the river, to learn about the dam's history, construction, and impact. Exhibits detail the dam's role in water management and power generation, while offering panoramic views of the dam, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River. While public tours inside the dam are currently closed, the visitor center remains open. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook Trail provides an unparalleled vantage point.

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