Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Webcams. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a spectacular swathe of land encompassing over 1.25 million acres in southern Utah and Arizona, boasts a history as rich and dramatic as its sculpted sandstone cliffs.

From Ancient Dwellings to Modern Marvels

The Colorado River, carving its path through millennia, sculpted the Glen Canyon we know today. Evidence of human presence stretches back thousands of years, with the Ancestral Puebloan people leaving behind petroglyphs and cliff dwellings that whisper of their lives here. Later, the Paiute and Navajo tribes called this land home, their traditions woven into the very fabric of the place.

The Glen Canyon Dam and the Birth of Lake Powell

The 20th century brought a dramatic shift to Glen Canyon. In 1963, the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam began, forever altering the landscape. The dam’s completion in 1966 resulted in the creation of Lake Powell, the second-largest man-made lake in the United States. While the lake provided water storage and recreation, it also submerged much of the Glen Canyon beneath its turquoise waters. This flooding sparked a national conversation about environmental preservation, leading to the birth of the modern environmental movement.

Balancing Recreation and Preservation

Recognizing the area’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established in 1972. The National Park Service strives to balance the needs of visitors seeking adventure on Lake Powell with the preservation of the remaining Glen Canyon and its historical treasures.

Today, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers a glimpse into a bygone era while providing a playground for water enthusiasts, hikers, and explorers. From the iconic horseshoe bend of the Colorado River to the backcountry trails of the Escalante Canyons, Glen Canyon continues to be a land of discovery and wonder.

For more information, visit the official Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website.