Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Glen Canyon Dam

On By nationalparkswithtIn Arizona

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Having taken a morning raft tour of the Colorado River, we chose to explore the Glen Canyon Dam after lunch.
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First, we stopped at the Dam Overlook on the east side of the river. If heading from Page to the Carl Hayden Visitors center, the overlook is before you cross the river, tucked behind the Glen Canyon NPS Headquarters. We walked down the short, steep path and stairs to amazing views of the Dam and the Colorado River.
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Then we crossed the River and signed up for the next Dam tour. We had to pass through security screening and pay a nominal fee. As a federal power plant facility, security measures are in place. While no bags, purses, knives, weapons (duh!) or food are allowed on the tour, wallets, cameras, and clear water bottles are welcome.

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On the tour, we got to walk out on top of the dam with a knowledgeable guide. There are some artifacts on display.

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The tour took us from the top of the dam, and down into it to see the workings of the power plant.

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The Dam was completed in 1966 and forms Lake Powell. Though touted as a vital source of renewable energy and regulated water flow, environmental groups criticized its impact on the Grand Canyon’s ecosystem. Because of the controversy, it was one of the last dams of its size to be built in the USA.

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To see my other Glen Canyon National Recreation Area posts, please click on the links:

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Location: Hwy 89, Page, AZ

Designation: National Recreation Area

Date designation declared: 10/27/1972

Date of my visit: 8/18/2014

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The water level was pretty low when we visited. Our guide said this was the result of over a decade of severe drought.

13 thoughts on “Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Glen Canyon Dam”

  3. Pingback: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Glen Canyon Dam — National Parks USA | ravenhawks' magazine

  4. Steve

    Hydro is terribly efficient but there just is no free lunch is there? The wind farms are killing birds like the Whooping Crane. Everything we do, however well intentioned, touches or displaces something. Great pictures as always!

    Reply

    1. Thanks! Maybe solar doesn’t hurt anything? Though I guess efficiency isn’t great unless you’re someplace like Arizona with constant sun. The solar people wouldn’t even come talk to us because we are too shaded.

      Reply
      1. Steve

        I suppose it depends on where you put it? Your roof? No big. Cover a field or the desert with panels? Different story. But we are trying to get better either way. 🙂

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