Learn About the Park

So we have a curious ensemble of wonderful features - carved walls, royal arches, glens, alcove gulches, mounds, and monuments. From which of these features shall we select a name? We decide to call it Glen Canyon.

—John Wesley Powell, 1869 Colorado River Exploration
 

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established on October 27, 1972 in order to provide opportunities to explore and enjoy Lake Powell and surrounding lands stretching from Northern Arizona through Southern Utah. Tucked among the red rocks canyon and mesas on the Colorado Plateau, Glen Canyon’s unique desert region is characterized by expansive areas of exposed and uplifted rocks. Their beauty carved out by the Colorado River, its several tributaries, powerful wind, and time. The park preserves a record of more than 10,000 years of human presence, adaptation, and exploration. A story that highlights the connections of people with the landscape. A story that continues today.

 
  • Woman interviews superintendent in uniform and hard hat
    News

    Catch up on the latest news coming from Glen Canyon.

  • Aerial view showing Lake Powell water levels
    Advisories

    Crucial Information on regulations and dangers in the park

  • Photographer peers into camera mounted on tripod
    Photos & Mutlimedia

    Webcams, photos, and other cool stuff to look at

  • Old wagon parked in Lonely Dell Ranch
    History & Culture

    Learn about the different peoples who have occupied Glen Canyon throughout the years.

  • Placid Colorado River lined by shoreline vegetation and towering sandstone canyon walls
    Nature

    Glen Canyon is a natural wonder! Find out more about the critters, plants and rocks that make up this great park.

  • Researchers wearing headlamps handle a bat among notes and papers
    Science & Research

    Parks are living laboratories

  • A narrow sandstone canyon overlooking a desert lake
    Wilderness

    Connect to the wilderness in Glen Canyon.

  • Children on boat look where ranger is pointing
    Education

    Bring students to the park or the park to your students.

  • Little girls paint a giant papier mache triceratops
    Kids & Youth

    Hey kids! Want to be a Junior Ranger?

  • Park headquarters adobe-inspired office building
    Management

    How does this park work? Get into the nitty gritty of operations.

  • Interior of Glen Canyon Conservancy store selling books, souveniers, and other goods
    Bookstore

    Want in-depth information on the area that you can hold in your hand? Visit the Glen Canyon Conservancy bookstore.

  • 50th anniversary logo with illustrated red canyons, winding blue water, purple mesas and mountain
    50th Anniversary

    Join in the birthday celebrations!

 

Just the Facts: Find out more about Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in its Foundation Document Overview (PDF 8MB).

Last updated: May 12, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040

Phone:

928 608-6200
Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.

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