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Public Health Update

Updated Monday, August 16, 2021 - 8:05 am MST

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is gradually increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

COVID-19 Mask Requirement

Consistent with CDC guidance regarding areas of substantial or high transmission, visitors to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all buildings and in crowded outdoot spaces.

 

Protecting Visitors, Employees, Partners, and Others during a Pandemic

   The following precautions are being taken due to the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Mask Requirement 

All individuals over the age of two regardless of vaccination status must wear masks when physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained except when actively eating or drinking, in the following locations:

• lodges, gift shops and restaurants
• outdoor areas adjacent to visitor centers

• parking lots and common areas in campgrounds

• crowded trails, viewpoints, and other areas of interest

• covered structures that attract crowds such a memorials and open-air pavilions

• marinas, boat docks and courtesy ramps

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement. Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals must comply with all orders regarding masks issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC prevention measures continue to apply to all travelers on public transit, regardless of vaccination status. Masks remain required on all forms of public transit that operate within parks, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in transportation hubs. Park staff should not ask visitors whether or not they have been vaccinated. Absent evidence to the contrary, park staff should operate as though non-masked visitors are fully vaccinated.

   Partners, Concessioners, State and Local Jurisdictions

Our partners Glen Canyon Conservancy are operating their Page AZ flagship location, Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center, Bullfrog Visitor Center, Escalante Interagency Visitor Center, and online information.

Check with Lake Powell Resorts, Antelope Point Marina, and Hite Outpost for more detailed updates on their lodging, boating, and other recreation opportunities.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is located in a large area across Arizona and Utah, and shares a border with the Navajo Nation. The park fully supports all state, tribal, and county ordinances issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Navajo Nation

• State of Arizona

• State of Utah

 

Park facilities and concession services operate at different hours throughout the season. Low lake levels have also affected the availability of some facilities. Visit our Seasonal Hours page to learn which specific facilities are seasonally open/closed.

When contemplating a visit to a national park, the NPS asks people to adhere to CDC guidance and Leave No Trace principles. The NPS encourages visitors to pack out everything you bring into a park; plan a visit at times other than busiest of the day; maintain social distance from other visitors; park only in designated areas; and reconsider parking at a crowded trailhead or overlook.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area visitors can be assured that the facilities in the park, including lodges, continue to monitor conditions and maintain high standards related to the health and wellness of staff and visitors. Park and concession staff are working to maintain clean and healthy facilities in accordance with CDC guidance.

Check full news releases associated with COVID-19 Precautions.

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Before you hit the lake, know this!

NPS

Quick Links

How will Lake Powell's changing water levels affect your visit?

View the park webcams, most positioned at launch ramps and marinas, to see park conditions district by district.

Check the Seasonal Hours to see what times the places you want to visit are open.

Check the regularly updated Road Conditions report from nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Roads that lead into or near Glen Canyon are highlighted.

News Releases cover breaking news about Glen Canyon and your visit here. Are you looking for more in-depth or ongoing information about Glen Canyon? Check our Advisories page for important issues.

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Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

FIRE RESTRICTION ORDER
ORDER No. UT-040-02/2
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Effective date: June 30, 2021 @ 12:01 a.m.
Pursuant to regulations of the Department of Interior, Title 54 USC section 100101 (a) and 36 Code of Federal Regulations, subsections 1.5 Closure and public use limits (a) (1), 2.13 Fires (a) (5) (c), 2.21 Smoking (a), and 2.38 Explosives (b) (c), the following acts are prohibited on the area, roads, and trails described below until rescinded by the Superintendent of Glen Canyon NRA and Rainbow Bridge NM.

• Setting, building, maintaining, attending or using open fire of any kind. Devices fueled by petroleum or LPG products are allowed in all locations.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle.
• Discharge or use any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices. They are prohibited at all times on all federal public lands.

The following persons are exempt from the order:

• Those persons with a permit authorizing the otherwise prohibited act, or in those areas authorized by written posted notice in the area of operation. Permits may be obtained from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
• Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Area Description:

• All lands within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Violation of the above, prohibited acts is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both (43 CFR 9212.4).

Signed Superintendent Willam Shott. 6/28/2021. Copy available on request.

 

Recreate Responsibly

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 tribal, 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.

 

Be sure to check weather forecasts before your day on the water.

NPS

On the Water

The lake level is changing every day: keep alert!

Navigation hazards change daily, boaters should use caution and be very watchful of unexpected underwater/freshly-out-of-the-water hazards as well as other boaters and kayaks. Hazard buoys do not mark every hazard on the water. Be aware of pieces of branches that could be as large as full trees floating in the lake. Water levels are significantly different than past seasons, so commonly known boating paths and saved GPS routes may not be safe with current lake levels.

We only mark the main channel with navigational and hazard buoys so if people go into side canyons be sure to go slow, watch for other boaters, kayaks, and rocks, remember to stay 150' away from other boats when going faster than wakeless speed. There are a lot of blind corners in narrow side canyons so always expect another vessel to be going the opposite direction and be ready to react if necessary.

As always, watch your children around water. If they are 12 years or younger they must wear life jackets.

Due to increased visitation, visitors to any Lake Powell beaches are advised to take standard precautions for possible water quality issues. This includes properly disposing of human and pet waste, practicing safe sanitation, washing their hands often and showering after swimming. Never swim in waters that have algal scum floating on the water which may indicate that a Harmful Algal Bloom is occurring. Always wash your hands before eating, shower with soap after playing in the water, and never go in the water if you have open sores or cuts. For more information: Lake Powell Recreational Water Advisory

Cliff jumping or jumping off anything man made or natural 15' or higher is illegal. There have been several fatalities due to cliff jumping over the years.

Do not swim around boats that have engines or generators running due to the danger of prop cuts and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Boating at night is always extremely dangerous and should be avoided if possible.

Check the National Weather Service Marine webpage for 3-day forecasts and specific information on wind, storm, and heat conditions at Lake Powell.

Visit the Bureau of Reclamation Water Operations webpage for data on lake levels, inflow, and release.

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A viewing platform at Horseshoe Bend creates a safe space along the rim.

NPS

Horseshoe Bend

The iconic Horseshoe Bend is a busy place. Improvements at Horseshoe Bend Overlook are currently underway, including a new accessible trail, shade structures, and a larger parking lot.

The City of Page requires Horseshoe Bend visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead.
Private vehicles: $10 per car • $5 per motorcycle
Commercial van/bus: $35 up to 14 passengers • $70 up to 35 passengers • $140 over 35 passengers.

National Park Service passes do not apply for the parking lot. Contact the City of Page for questions about the parking at Horseshoe Bend.

 

Check the forecast and be ready for temperatures and winds changing throughout the day.

NPS

Weather Conditions

Be ready for the summer heat. Plan your day with the weather in mind. Despite the giant lake all around you, this is always a desert. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and eat salty snacks to help relpace the electrlytes you lose through sweat. Wear sun protection, hats, light loose clothing, sunscreen. Know the signs of heat and cold illnesses. NEVER leave children or pets in parked, unattended vehicles.

Expect wind! Northern Arizona is known for unpredictable winds. Afternoon storms can bring flash floods, even when the skies are blue above you. Check the forecast, especially before boating. A good place to start is the National Weather Service forecast for Page, AZ or our Weather page.

 

Check the UDOT webpage for updates.

NPS

Charles Hall Ferry Current Operations

The ferry is not operable due to low water.
This ferry runs between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing. Utah travelers should know that without the ferry, State Route 276 does not connect and they must use Hwy 95 to drive north and south around Lake Powell. Find more information by calling the Utah Department of Transportation at 435-893-4747, or on on the ferry page of the UDOT website.

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