Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Travel | Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
While visiting Page, Arizona, I decided to spend an afternoon exploring the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Glen Canyon encompasses an unbelievable area of 1.2 million acres. There is plenty to see and do on and around Lake Powell, hugging the Arizona and Utah border.
Recommended Hikes
Hanging Garden - this one mile, round trip hike takes you to a Hanging Garden on the mesa top above the Colorado River and Lake Powell.
Antelope Point - lacking in trails, this area offers the opportunity for open exploration through slick rock formations.
Bucktank Draw and Birthday Arch - again, this route is relatively open for exploration with a trail to the arch, and scrambling/trekking beyond. The arch is approximately 1.5 miles from the road, with a slot canyon visible from the arch.
Cottonwood Road - various hiking opportunities are available in this area, including Hackberry Canyon, Yellow Mountain, Cottonwood Canyon Narrows, the Cockscomb, and Grosvenor Arch. Established trails and hiking guides are available and recommended.
Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Trail - a 1.5 mile round trip hike leading through hoodoos and balanced rocks. Pick up a map at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Big Water.
Recommended Scenic Drives
Burr Trail - the road that connects the painted rock country of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The drive through Utah has amazing views, rock formations, canyons and desert goodness.
Hole-in-the-Rock Road -this road travels from Escalante to the Hole-in-the-Rock on the western shore of Lake Powell. The drive is 62 miles, one way, with only the last five miles technically located in Glen Canyon.
Lone Rock Beach - deemed a popular camping and swimming area, Lone Rock Beach offers a close view of Lone Rock.