Best Hiking Trails in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

34 reviews

Seasonal Popularity

Overview

Home to the second largest human-made lake in the United States, you won't soon forget the lunar landscape and vistas of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell.

Getting Started

There are a couple great resources for you to start planning your Glen Canyon trip, including the National Park Service and the Visit Utah websites. Find out where to camp, here.

Don't miss admiring the view from Alstrom Point, or the challenging and steep Spencer Trail up the canyon wall nearly 1,700 feet. Take an easier jaunt up to Horseshoe Bend Viewpoint, or the long hike in to see the famous Rainbow Bridge, one of the world's largest known arches.

Looking for a cheesy but informative video on the area? Here you go.

When to Go

Hikers are advised to visit in the spring and fall, which are the most popular times for a visit to Glen Canyon. That said, plenty of visitors risk the summer heat for the water and boating activities, which some say are world class.

Permits

Find entrance fees, here, and hiking permits, here.

Dog Info

Dogs are welcome in many areas (but not all) while on leash. Get more information, here.

Resources

wikipedia

Hiking Trails (85)
Reviews (34)

charvegas 4 months ago

Track (7/1/19, 9:25:36AM)

Beautiful hike. Descend into canyon through Fence Canyon approach then back cross country. Very strenuous hike on the way back cross country. Steep incline in sand and slick rock. Bring lots of water.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

taavi 5 months, 1 week ago

Very short slot canyons, prone to being filled with deep cold water. Long hike to get there relative to their length, made me feel like it wasn’t worth it. Some of the hike is pretty, but I’d recommend spending your time exploring other more interesting slots.

★ ★

Dave J 6 months ago

Beautiful hike with 3 knee deep river crossings and some very challenging navigation at the end to actually get up the butte to reach the arch. The "trail" on GAIA is only a generic route, it will not direct you to the only way up the butte. My track shows how we searched and finally found the one way to ascend the butte.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Xpedition America 9 months, 1 week ago

We competed this trip OCT 2018 with a group of 9 4x4 rigs... we took the route from Big Water. It took us about 7 hours to go 40 miles. The road was rough and not driven often. There also is a huge gorge you have to drive down into and out of. I would not recommend after a rain. But let me tell you the morning sunrise over the lake in a spot not many get to was AWESOME!!! well worth the trek were we almost lost a rig off the side of the cliff. - Instagram photos @xpeditionamerica

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

miranda.everitt 10 months, 2 weeks ago

Did this one Thanksgiving weekend 2018. Weather was perfect with a light puffy jacket I took on and off. Lots of fall color. Worth the (beautiful) drive there, too!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

cpfkef 1 year ago

Out and back. Easy walking. Lots of phot opps. Excellent colors against the red rock/ desert varnish. Long drive. If they say the road is muddy, pay attention.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

mtnhiker13 1 year ago

Wonderful hike to see some great pictograph panels that are well preserved. Worth the long drive on the dirt road. If the road is dry when you go it’s an easy drive. We took the road back to Green River when leaving and we’re pleasantly surprised by the scenery!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★