By Blake Guthrie
Created by the Colorado river which runs through it, much of Glen Canyon has been under water since the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960's. The body of water created by the dam is Lake Powell. There was controversy surrounding the construction of the dam, as opponents argued that the natural treasure of Glen Canyon would be lost. Most of the canyon was flooded and the result is a lake where recreational opportunities abound, as well as being a major reservoir for the arid southwestern
United States.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area consists of Lake Powell and surrounding areas, except for the lands to the south of the lake, which are part of the Navajo Indian Reservation. The best place to begin your visit is at one of the two visitors centers--the Bullfrog Visitor Center and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam. The Bullfrog center, on the more remote north end of the lake, is only open from May through Oct. (take Utah State Hwy 276 south until you reach the lake). The Carl Hayden center--on the west side of the Glen Canyon dam on U.S. Hwy 89--is open year round.
Lake Powell Activities
Houseboating is the most popular activity on Lake Powell. Many visitors rent their own house boats. Visit the Lake Powell resorts and Marinas website at lakepowell.com to find out about current rates. Water skiing and bass fishing are also popular on the lake. The lake is so big, and contains so many miles of shoreline with isolated coves, that boaters can feel like they have their own temporary private paradise on this public property.
Rainbow Bridge
If you don't have time for an overnight trip to Lake Powell, consider a day trip to the majestic Rainbow Bridge National Monument from Wahweap Marina. Rainbow Bridge is a large natural sandstone bridge--resembling a rainbow and revered in Native American culture--in a remote section near the shore of Lake Powell. It is not accessible by car. The quickest way to do it in a day is from the Wahweap Marina, located about six miles north of the Carl Hayden visitor center off of U.S. 89 on Lakeshore Dr.
Wahweap Marina
100 Lakeshore Drive
Page, AZ 86040
Phone: (928) 645-2433
About the Author:
Blake Guthrie has been a professional journalist since 1996. His articles have been featured in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "Creative Loafing" and on Travels.com. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Auburn University.
