Splash Into Summer 2007
by Lynn Bremner

If you are looking for places to stay cool in the desert this summer, consider a trip to one of the many recreation areas located along the Colorado River. Its 1400-mile shoreline is full of adventure, interesting geological features, breathtaking lakes and a spectacular variety of plants and animals.


Since the Colorado River is home to some of the most spectacular water recreation in the U.S., DesertUSA is in the process of revising and updating a three-part series of favorite recreation areas located along the river. We are starting in June '07 with the revised Lake Powell & The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) pages.

Our Colorado River series includes information on . . .

  • Lake Powell & Glen Canyon NRA
  • Lake Mead
  • Lake Mohave
  • Lake Havasu
  • Lake Martinez

When to go? The most popular time for Colorado River recreation begins Memorial Day weekend and continues through the summer, with record visitors on Independence Day and Labor Day weekends.

What's New? Check out our NEW videos, updated maps, related stories, links, articles, and products. Our online store sells introductory packages for both Lake Mead and Lake Powell. So don't forget to browse our vitural shelves before you head to the River!

Glen Canyon NRA & Lake Powell
Description Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon Dam, is 186 miles long with more than 1,986 miles of shoreline. The lake and more than 1 million acres of desert and canyon country offer leisure-time activities for American and international visitors. Fishing and water sports are the dominant activities. Exploring on foot can provide intimate contact with the natural and cultural features preserved here for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Location Glen Canyon National Recreation Area comprises 1,193,671 federal acres and 42,209 non-federal of Coconino County, Arizona and Kane, Garfield, Wayne, and San Juan Counties of Utah.

Glen Canyon Dam and the Wahweap Marina are located near Page, AZ on Highway 89. Northern sections of the area, Bullfrog, Halls Crossing & Hite and the Orange Cliffs, may be reached from Highways 95 and 276. Escalante is located on Utah Highway 12. Lees Ferry and the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center are located just off Highway 89A near Marble Canyon.
Activities Boating, Fishing, Driving Tours, Guided Tours, Kayaking, Mountain Biking & Hiking. Click for more information.
Places to Go Visitors Centers, Campgrounds, Lake Powell Marinas, Lees Ferry, Rainbow Bridge, Escalante, Orange Cliffs.
Links Current News & Links | Web Cams | Maps | Climate | Camping & Lodging |Nearby Attractions
Videos & QTVR's Glen Canyon Dam Video
Rainbow Bridge NM Video
Lees Ferry Video
Rainbow Bridge (QTVR)
Buy Maps & Guide Books Click here to see related products in our online bookstore.