Discovering Glen Canyon: A Hidden Desert Wonderland
Glen Canyon is a stunning 1.2-million-acre desert landscape stretching from Canyonlands National Park to the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona and southern Utah. Carved by the Colorado River, it features towering red cliffs, winding slot canyons, and Lake Powell, offering unforgettable opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and exploring Native American history.
Tucked between two of America’s most iconic parks, Glen Canyon is a breathtaking stretch of red-rock country that feels like stepping into another world. Covering more than 1.2 million acres, this vast region is a paradise for outdoor lovers. With its colorful cliffs, deep canyons, and crystal-clear waters, it’s where the wild beauty of the Southwest truly comes alive.
A Landscape Carved by Time
Explorer John Wesley Powell first named Glen Canyon during his daring 1869 expedition down the Colorado River. He and his team were awestruck by the towering sandstone walls, hidden side canyons, and lush “glens” sculpted by water over millions of years.
Today, Glen Canyon lies within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a vast protected region that stretches from the bottom of Canyonlands to the tip of the Grand Canyon. Created after the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, the area is home to Lake Powell—a sparkling reservoir now famous for boating, kayaking, fishing, and photography. If you’re looking for guided Colorado River adventures, this region offers some of the best in the Southwest.
The Iconic Horseshoe Bend
Just downstream from the dam lies Horseshoe Bend, one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the world. From above, the Colorado River makes a perfect U-shaped curve around a massive sandstone mesa, glowing in shades of orange and red under the Arizona sun.
If you’re paddling the river, you can glide right through this natural wonder. The canyon walls rise hundreds of feet above you, and the calm water mirrors the sky—an experience that captures the essence of Glen Canyon’s beauty. For a unique way to experience this section of river, check out Kayak Horseshoe Bend for self-guided and shuttle-assisted trips.
Layers of History and Culture
Long before explorers arrived, Glen Canyon was home to Native American tribes who lived, traded, and traveled through this desert for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found more than 1,500 ancient and historic structures in the area, including Ancestral Puebloan ruins, hogans, and rock art panels.
Today, the area remains culturally significant to 19 tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, Paiute, Ute, and Zuni. Many of their traditions and stories are tied to these canyons. Visitors can hike to designated sites to view ancient rock art or cliff dwellings—each one a quiet reminder of those who came before.
Echoes of the Pioneer Past
Glen Canyon also tells stories of early settlers, pioneers, and dreamers who carved out a living in this wild landscape. Several landmarks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Defiance House, the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, and Lees Ferry and the Lonely Dell Ranch Historic District. Learn more about the region’s early settlers and ferrymen by reading about Lees Ferry history.
Each of these sites adds a chapter to Glen Canyon’s rich and layered history.
The Honeymoon Trail
If you paddle the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry, look closely at the canyon walls. You may spot names and dates carved into the rock—messages left by young Mormon couples more than a century ago.
These travelers followed the Honeymoon Trail, a long and rugged route between northern Arizona and the St. George Temple in Utah. Their inscriptions still whisper stories of love, faith, and courage in the heart of the desert.
Exploring Glen Canyon Today
There’s no shortage of adventure here. Whether you’re paddling, hiking, or camping, every corner of Glen Canyon offers something unforgettable.
Popular activities include:
- Kayaking or paddleboarding from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry for a peaceful float through soaring red cliffs.
- Hiking to ancient petroglyphs, hidden alcoves, or panoramic overlooks.
- Fishing for trout or bass along the Colorado River with experienced Lees Ferry fishing guides.
- Camping and stargazing, where the clear desert skies reveal a sea of brilliant stars.
Every turn brings a new discovery, and every sunrise paints the canyon walls with color.
Plan Your Visit: Stay and Dine at Cliff Dwellers
When you’re ready to explore Glen Canyon and Lees Ferry, make Cliff Dwellers Lodge your home base. Located just minutes from the river, the lodge offers cozy, comfortable lodging near Lees Ferry with easy access to the area’s best kayaking, hiking, and fishing spots. You’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and unforgettable red-rock views right outside your door.
After a day of adventure, enjoy a delicious meal at the Cliff Dwellers Restaurant. The menu features hearty American dishes with a Southwestern twist—perfect for refueling after a day on the water. Dine indoors or out, and take in the panoramic canyon views as the sunset lights up the desert sky.
Whether you’re floating the Colorado, hiking the cliffs, or simply relaxing in the desert quiet, Glen Canyon is a place that stirs the soul. End your journey with comfort and style—book your stay at Cliff Dwellers Lodge, where your next great adventure begins.