NPS - National Park Service

05/20/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/20/2022 09:10

Memorial Day Holiday Adventures at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

News Release Date:
May 20, 2022

Contact:Mary Plumb

Adventurers are making plans for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend and beyond and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area looks forward to welcoming visitors with a wide diversity of recreational opportunities. Many land- and water-based activities are available for adventurers of all skill levels. Those seeking easy thrills will enjoy unmatched front country scenery at the iconic Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Backcountry explorers can enjoy boundless opportunities for wilderness escapades. Lake Powell is a world-class water sports destination, with fluctuating water levels offering a new experience on every trip.

According to Superintendent William Shott, "Millions of visitors travel to enjoy our iconic natural, cultural and historic landscapes and love the service they receive while recreating here. I want to recognize our National Park Service employees; all are dedicated public servants who care for these public lands and the people that visit them. I also want to express my gratitude to our many partners, concessioners, commercial use operators, and local communities who welcome visitors and make this a special place to live and explore. We could not do it without them."  

Have questions about Glen Canyon's visitor centers, camping, boating, guided services, etc.? Find the information here to plan your visit.

Those looking for specific services and amenities in all areas of the park will find the answers to their questions on our Seasonal Hours page.

Lake Powell's water levels change throughout the year and are determined by a wide range of factors. Information is available 24/7 about water levels, marina operations, and water-based visitor services. Please expect congestion and exercise caution due to a higher concentration of boaters in all visitor use areas. Approach the shore with caution and watch for shallows and submerged debris. Always wear a life jacket. Life threatening dangers to avoid include swimming at marinas, flash floods, cliff jumping, and carbon monoxide emitted by generators or engines that are running.

Invasive, exotic quagga mussels have been confirmed both above and below the Glen Canyon Dam. All watercraft operators are required by law to clean, drain, and dry their vessels (including paddlecraft) and all equipment prior to launching in any other body of water. More information is available on our Mussel Update page.

Prior to visiting, visitors are encouraged to be aware of current park alerts available here. More safety information is available here. For boating safety visit Utah State Park's Boating safety page.

Plan like a park ranger by following these useful tips before your adventure begins. Use the NPS App, where visitors can plan a trip, find things to do and places to visit with interactive maps, tours, accessibility information, and more! Download the NPS App in the iOS App Store  and Google Play Store . To learn more about having every park at your fingertips, visit the NPS App page.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area's 1.25-million-acres stretch from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, proposed wilderness areas, and a vast panorama of human history. The park wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable visit.