The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is a quick and easy spot to check out amazing views of the Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River.
Directions to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
The overlook is in Page, Arizona, behind Denny’s Restaurant and Windgate Hotel. Because of its location, the Glen Canyon Dam overlook is referred to by locals as “the Denny’s Overlook” because the Dennys used to be the only building in the area. The trail begins at the parking lot.
The Hike
The hike to the overlook is a simple down-and-back trail to a viewing area, but the view is amazing! The hike does require walking up and down some uneven rock stairs, but a handrail is provided. The total distance is less than a half mile.
The Views
This Glen Canyon Dam Overlook has great views. Looking upstream, you get a unique perspective of the Glen Canyon Dam, one of the largest dams in the US. Looking downstream, you see the beautiful Colorado River bending and twisting in between the high walls of the canyon.
Because the hike to the overlook is not as popular as the hike to Horseshoe Bend, you can get a good view of the river without the large crowds.
The overlook is a great place to catch a sunset and a great place to visit after a rainstorm. When it rains in Page, the excess water runs into the river, creating giant waterfalls. These falls are quite impressive and a rare treat!
Other Nearby Overlooks
There are many great hikes and overlooks in the area. In addition to the Glen Canyon Dam overlook, you should consider checking out the Wahweap Overlook, Navajo Bridge, and Horseshoe Bend!
Cool Things to Know About the Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Colorado River in northern Arizona, USA. Here are some interesting information about the Glen Canyon Dam:
- Location:
- Glen Canyon Dam is located near Page, Arizona, and it impounds Lake Powell, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States.
- Construction:
- The dam was completed in 1966 as part of the Colorado River Storage Project. It is a crucial component of the project’s infrastructure, providing water storage, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
- Purpose:
- Glen Canyon Dam serves multiple purposes, including water storage for downstream users, hydroelectric power generation, and the regulation of flows along the Colorado River.
- Hydroelectric Power:
- The dam has a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity. The power plant has a capacity of over 1,300 megawatts, making it a significant source of electrical power in the region.
- Lake Powell:
- The dam forms Lake Powell, which stretches for about 186 miles through the canyons of Utah and Arizona. Lake Powell is a popular recreational area, attracting visitors for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
- Environmental Impact:
- The construction of Glen Canyon Dam led to the creation of Lake Powell and had significant impacts on the ecology of the Colorado River and the Glen Canyon area. Over the years, the dam’s presence has been a topic of debate, with concerns about its environmental effects and the alteration of natural ecosystems.
- Visitor Center:
- Check out the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center if you’re interested in learning more about the dam’s construction, operation, and surrounding area. The center also provides educational exhibits.
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area:
- The dam is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which encompasses a vast and scenic area along the Colorado River. The recreation area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and boating.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Always do your part to keep the area beautiful by packing out everything you pack in and not changing the landscape. Respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!