Kayaking the Colorado River Below Glen Canyon Dam
The stretch of river from below the dam to Lees Ferry provides a unique change of pace from the still waters of Lake Powell.
There is no put-in at the dam, so you'll have to launch at the Lees Ferry ramp, then get a tow upstream. You can ask a friend with a motorboat to tow you, or contact the commercial float trip provider, Wilderness River Adventures, to give you this tow. After that, the water flows at a varied rate, depending on the water flow from the Glen Canyon Dam. Check with the Bureau of Reclamation for the day's outflow at (928) 645-3978. You may have an idyllic float down the canyon or a healthy run back to Lees Ferry. There are also six camping areas available along the banks of the river, with grill pits and restrooms for your convenience. These campsites are on a first-come, first served basis.
NOTE: Beaches and campsites on the river do not have trash receptacles. Please do not burn trash. Whatever you bring with you, goes all the way down the river with you. "Pack it in, Pack it out!" Keep the river and beaches clean.
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Lake Powell was formed by the Glen Canyon Dam.
Did You Know ?
Construction on Glen Canyon Dam began with a demolition blast keyed by the push of a button by President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his desk in the Oval Office on October 1, 1956.
Over 5 million cubic yards (4,000,000 m³) of concrete make up Glen Canyon Dam.
The Dam is 710 feet (216 m) high, with the surface elevation of the water at full pool being approximately 3700 feet (1100 m).
Construction of the Dam cost $155 million, and 18 lives were lost in the process.
From 1963 to 1966, turbines and generators were installed for hydroelectricity.
On September 22, 1966, Glen Canyon Dam was dedicated by Lady Bird Johnson.
Upon completion of Glen Canyon Dam on September 13, 1963, the Colorado River began to back up, no longer being diverted through the tunnels. The newly flooded Glen Canyon formed Lake Powell.
It took 17 years for the lake to rise to the high water mark, on June 22, 1980. Since then the lake level has fluctuated considerably depending on the seasonal snow runoff from the mountains.
"Even a pebble cast in the middle of a lake creates ripples that eventually reaches the shore."
~ Jeffrey G. Duarte
