News Release

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Announces Additional Changes to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 28, 2020
Contact: Mary Plumb, 928-608-6202

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Navajo Nation, States of Arizona and Utah, and county and community health departments, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Working in coordination with Kane County, Utah and Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover, the park is temporarily closing the Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area to camping and day use, effective March 27. This closure will be reassessed in two weeks. This temporary closure will address potential health hazards related to congregating in groups with limited ability to practice social distancing, as well as potential resource impacts due to use while restroom servicing and trash removal have been suspended. The Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area is located in the Wahweap District of the park between Greenehaven, Arizona and Big Water, Utah.

As a reminder to visitors, the following services and operations also are temporarily suspended: the park will not issue special use permits, conduct on-site public or educational programs or collect trash. All public restrooms, some overlooks, and day use areas at Wahweap Overlook and the Chains area near Page, Arizona are closed. Visitor Centers are closed, and visitor information and services are being provided on the park website and social media. Campgrounds operated by concessioners in Wahweap, Bullfrog and Halls Crossing are closed, as well as the campground operated by Glen Canyon at Lees Ferry. The Stateline public boat ramp located in the Wahweap District near Page, Arizona is closed. All park administrative office buildings are closed until further notice and staff is conducting business via mandatory telework.

The following services and operations remain open at this time: public boat ramps at the Wahweap Marina, Antelope Point Marina, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing. We will continue our partnership with the states of Arizona and Utah in prevention of quagga mussels. Inspection stations will be open. Boat pump outs, fuel docks, and fish cleaning stations are open. Lees Ferry is open to day-use only. With the exception of Lone Rock, primitive campgrounds are open. The park has shifted to essential services only, as defined by the Department of Interior. Pay-at-the-pump gasoline is available at the Sinclair Gas Station in Wahweap and at Hite. Information about other services being offered by concessioners is available by visiting their websites: Aramark or Antelope Point.   

Outdoor spaces at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance, in addition to entry fees being waived for visitors. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.  

In addition to following standard safety guidelines when recreating outdoors, the NPS urges people who choose to visit Glen Canyon during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups; wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, stay home if you feel sick.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor COVID-19. The park is looking forward to full resumption of operations as soon as feasible and will provide updates on our website Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and social media.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.