News Release

Recreating Responsibly at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Boating on Lake Powell

NPS

News Release Date: July 2, 2020

Contact: Mary Plumb, 928-640-3478

As national parks make more areas available to the public, the National Park Service (NPS) encourages you to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and follow Leave No Trace principles when you visit. At Glen Canyon and Rainbow Bridge, many land- and water-based activities are available however operations are being phased in and services are limited. A safe and enjoyable park visit starts at home. Plan your visit by checking a park’s website and social media platforms for updates about current conditions and important safety guidelines. We encourage visitors to recreate responsibly and pack essential items like water, face coverings and hand sanitizer.

To enjoy a safe and enjoyable visit to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area during the July 4th Holiday weekend and the remainder of the summer season, visitors are encouraged to be responsible for their own desert and boating safety. Desert heat kills and should be taken seriously. For more information: Heat Illness. The monsoon season requires being alert to changing weather conditions and seeking safe shelter before high winds, thunderstorms, lightning and flash floods strike. For more information visit the National Weather Service’s monsoon website.

Life jackets save lives and anyone recreating on the water is advised to wear them, including users of kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. Utah Law requires all boats to have at least one wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. All boat passengers who are 12 years old and younger must wear a properly-sized Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever a boat is in operation. For more information: Ten Things You Need To Know Before You Boat

Due to increased visitation expected for the July 4th holiday weekend, visitors to any Lake Powell beaches are advised to take standard precautions for possible water quality issues. For more information: Lake Powell Recreational Water Advisory

The NPS conducts thousands of search and rescues servicewide each year, many of which could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. During the ongoing health crisis, it’s critical that we make wise choices to keep our national park rangers and first responders out of harm’s way. Please follow these Recreate Responsibly tips to safely spend time outside:

• Know before you go. Visit park websites for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.                
• Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System.  
• Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others. 
• Know your limits. Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.  
• Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles. 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and social media channels.