Glen Canyon Dam and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center

The Glen Canyon Dam, completed in 1964, gave rise to Lake Powell and is located in Page, Arizona, just a few miles south of the Utah border. Built for multiple purposes, the dam generates power, stores water for the southwestern United States, provides recreation opportunities, and facilitates transportation.

Constructed primarily of concrete, the dam required an impressive 4,901,000 cubic yards of material to complete. Construction began in 1956 and took eight years to finish.

It took 17 years for Lake Powell to reach its full capacity, or “full pool.” The lake boasts a storage capacity of 27,000,000 acre-feet, making it the second-largest man-made reservoir in the United States.

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center

The visitor center offers stunning panoramic views of the Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River. It’s also an ideal spot to park and take a walk across the Glen Canyon Bridge for more breathtaking perspectives.

Inside the visitor center, you’ll find museum-style exhibits and films that provide fascinating historical insights into the dam and the surrounding area. There’s also a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Location and Hours

Dam Tours

Dam tours were once a popular attraction, but they were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is no confirmed date for their return, I hope they resume soon, as touring the inside of the dam is a fascinating experience!

For the latest updates and information, be sure to check the National Park Service (NPS) website.

Facts About the Glen Canyon Dam

• Location:
  • The Glen Canyon Dam is situated on the Colorado River in northern Arizona, near the town of Page.
• Construction:
  • Construction of the dam began in 1956 and was completed in 1966. It is a concrete arch dam, standing at a height of 710 feet (216 meters).
• Purpose:
  • The dam was built as part of the Colorado River Storage Project to store water, generate hydroelectric power, and control floods.
• Lake Powell:
  • The dam impounds Lake Powell, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States.
• Hydroelectric Power:
  • The dam has a hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of over 1,300 megawatts, making it a significant source of electrical power in the region.
• Environmental Impact:
  • The construction of the dam created Lake Powell and had substantial impacts on the ecology of the Colorado River and the Glen Canyon area. Therefore, the dam’s environmental effects have been the subject of debate and study.
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area:
  • The dam is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which encompasses a vast area along the Colorado River. The recreation area is popular for outdoor activities.
• Bridge:
  • The Glen Canyon Bridge spans the Colorado River just downstream from the dam. It is a steel arch bridge that was the highest bridge in the world when it was completed in 1959.
• Water Storage:
  • The dam helps regulate water flow in the Colorado River, providing water for agricultural, industrial, and municipal uses downstream.
• Impact on Ecosystem:
  • The dam’s presence has led to changes in sediment transport, water temperature, and the ecology of the Colorado River downstream, affecting fish habitats and other aquatic life. Because of these changes, the dam is closely monitored to try to minimize impact.
    

Take a Hike and See the Glen Canyon Dam from Another Angle

Go Check It Out

In summary, the Glen Canyon Dam and its surrounding areas offer a remarkable blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. From learning about the dam’s construction and purpose at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center to exploring breathtaking viewpoints like The Chains and the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, there is truly something for everyone.