01Good to know
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon; Mar‑May & Sep‑Oct offer mild weather
Open
Summer (May–Sep): Daily 08:00–18:00; Winter (Oct–Apr): Thu–Mon 09:00–16:00
Price Range
$ (visitor center & overlook free; guided tour <$10)
Time Needed
1–2 hours for the visitor center and overlook.
Parking
Free lots at Carl Hayden Visitor Center & Dam Overlook
Ideal For
Carl Hayden Visitor Center (exhibits, theater, restrooms), observation deck & photo overlooks, interpretive signage, gift shop & bookstore, drinking fountains, free Wi‑Fi in visitor center, ADA‑accessible parking and pathways, picnic tables (limited), security screening for tours
Why Visit Glen Canyon Dam
A 710‑ft concrete arch‑gravity dam that tames the Colorado River, Glen Canyon Dam creates Lake Powell and supplies power to seven states. Visitor exhibits, sweeping canyon views, and seasonal guided tours make it a must‑see stop near Page.
Highlights
Carl Hayden Visitor Center – interactive exhibits, 3‑D relief map, and panoramic windows.
Engineering Marvel – 710 ft high, 1,560 ft long, holding back 24 million acre‑ft of water.
Iconic Views – photo‑worthy vistas of Lake Powell, steel‑arch bridge, and red‑rock walls.
Description
Completed in 1966, Glen Canyon Dam is the second‑highest concrete arch‑gravity dam in the United States. Operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, it generates up to 1,320 MW of hydroelectric power and stores the Colorado River in Lake Powell, a 186‑mile‑long reservoir that supports water supply, recreation, and flood control. The adjacent Carl Hayden Visitor Center offers exhibits on regional geology, dam construction, and water management, while the overlook and bridge provide sweeping views of the canyon and river below. Seasonal guided tours take visitors 528 ft inside the dam to see the penstocks and eight massive turbines.
History
1956
Construction begins; cofferdams built.
1960
Colorado River diverted through twin tunnels.
1963
River closure; Lake Powell starts filling.
1964
First generator goes online.
1966
Dam completed and dedicated.
1968
Carl Hayden Visitor Center opens.
1980
Eighth turbine installed, completing powerhouse.
1992
Glen Canyon Environmental Studies launched.
1996
First controlled flood to restore downstream habitat.
2017
Visitor center reopens after major renovation.
2022
Emergency releases managed amid drought.
2024
Infrastructure upgrades to improve turbine efficiency.
Features
Carl Hayden Visitor Center (exhibits, theater, restrooms)
Observation deck & photo overlooks
Interpretive signage
Gift shop & bookstore
Drinking fountains
Free Wi‑Fi in visitor center
ADA‑accessible parking and pathways
Picnic tables (limited)
Security screening for tours
Getting There
Car: 2 mi/5 min north of downtown Page via US‑89. Tours/Bus: Many Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon tours include a photo stop. Air: Page Municipal Airport (PGA) 3 mi away; rental cars and taxis available. Bicycle/Walk: Paved multi‑use path from Page city limits.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
02Be prepared
Photo ID required for tours; bags larger than 12″ are prohibited.
03Local tip
Combine with Horseshoe Bend at sunrise or sunset for best lighting.
04Save time
Cell service is reliable; download the NPS Glen Canyon app for self‑guides.
05Stay connected
Summer temps exceed 100 °F
carry water and sun protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Lake Powell to fill?
Under normal inflows it takes about 17 years to reach full pool.
Is fishing allowed below the dam?
Yes, with an Arizona fishing license; access via Lees Ferry 15 mi downstream.
Can I walk across the dam?
Pedestrian access is on the adjacent Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, not on the dam crest itself.
