Laws & Policies

 
Rangers point at vandalism on petroglyph panel
It is unlawful to remove or deface cultural resources like artifacts and rock art.

NPS/Stephanie Metzler

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was created by Congress in 1972 to "provide for public outdoor recreation use and enjoyment of Lake Powell and lands adjacent thereto in the states of Arizona and Utah and to preserve scenic, scientific, and historic features contributing to public enjoyment of the area."

National Park Service Regulations

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is managed much like any other national park site. For the most part, the same management policies, regulations, and laws apply at Glen Canyon as all other national park areas.


Laws Specific to Glen Canyon and Rainbow Bridge

The park's Superintendent's Compendium contains local rules and regulations that apply to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The reasons we have these laws can be found at Compendium Appendix A. You should know these rules before your visit to Glen Canyon NRA.


 
Red circle with slash through drone icon

FAA graphic

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. Authorization would require a Special Use Permit.

TITLE 36 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.5 Closures and public use limits
(a)(1) Visiting hours, public use limits, closures

Unmanned Aircraft defined: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Read more about unmanned aircraft in the national parks.

 

Firearm Regulations

As of February 22, 2010, federal law allows people who can legally posess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally posess firearms in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and all other National Park Service units.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. If you plan on being in Utah, please visit Utah.gov. If you plan on being in Arizona, please visit AZ.gov.

Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park (such as the Carl Hayden Visitor Center); those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.


 

All Boaters must follow federal and state regulations

All boaters must follow federal and state regulations and carry all required equipment on their vessels

Wakeless speed: An operating speed at which the vessel does not create or make a wake or white water trailing from the vessel. This speed is not in excess of 5 miles per hour.
Wakeless speed is enforceable for all instances including,
Operating a vessel in excess of flat wake speed within 100 feet of:
-A designated area
-A downed skier, tuber
-Wading, fishing in water, floating, swimming (person in the water)
-Another vessel (propelled, anchored or drifting vessel)
-Designated launch site
-Diving flag marker

 
Logo for the Powell Watch Program with illustration of eye

Powell Watch

Are you tired of seeing your fellow boaters dump their trash and human waste on beaches? Did you find graffiti carved on canyon walls or other damage to the landscape? Help us out on Lake Powell by being part of our neighborhood watch program.

If you see any resource damage or illegal activites, send an email to our Dispatch Center, who can process accordingly and notify law enforcement. If you can, include coordinates and/or photos with your report. Send to GLCA_Dispatch_Center@nps.gov.

This is an information only platform. In an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.

Last updated: July 14, 2023

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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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