Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

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Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
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IUCN category	V
Location	[[Arizona, Utah, United States]]
Nearest city	[[Page, Arizona]]
Area	1,254,429 acres (5,076 km²)
Established	October 27, 1972
Visitors
Governing body	[[National Park Service]]
Website	[ Glen Canyon National Recreation Area]
This protected area related article is a stub.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a United States National Recreation Area that encompasses the area around Lake Powell and lower Cataract Canyon in Utah and Arizona. It is managed by the National Park Service and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.

History

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established on October 27, 1972, following the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1966. The dam created Lake Powell, which is the second-largest man-made reservoir in the United States. The area was named after the Glen Canyon, which was flooded by the creation of the reservoir.

Geography

The recreation area covers 1,254,429 acres (5,076 km²) of mostly desert landscape. It includes the lower portion of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyons, mesas, and buttes. The area is characterized by its dramatic red rock formations and the vast expanse of Lake Powell.

Ecology

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. The desert environment supports species such as the coyote, bobcat, and desert bighorn sheep. The waters of Lake Powell are inhabited by fish species such as the striped bass, walleye, and catfish.

Recreational Activities

Visitors to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area can engage in a variety of activities:

• Boating and Water Sports: Lake Powell is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and water skiing.
• Fishing: The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for striped bass and walleye.
• Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area, offering views of the unique geological formations and the lake.
• Camping: The recreation area offers both developed campgrounds and backcountry camping opportunities.

Cultural Significance

The area is rich in cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The Ancestral Puebloans and other Native American tribes have left behind numerous archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Conservation and Management

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is managed by the National Park Service, which aims to balance recreational use with the preservation of the area's natural and cultural resources. Ongoing efforts include monitoring water quality, managing visitor impact, and protecting archaeological sites.

Also see

• Lake Powell
• Glen Canyon Dam
• Cataract Canyon
• Colorado River
• National Park Service