, created by the Glen Canyon Dam, is 186 miles long with more than 1,986 miles of shoreline. By the time the dam was completed in 1963, it took another 14 years to fill the lake. Since then, has proven to be a premier attraction for millions of visitors from all over the world.

Before the completion of Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, these remote rugged canyons were a discouraging barrier to the early pioneers and explorers. Today, winds its way through this desert paradise with excellent views of balancing rocks, pinnacles, buttes, arches and amphitheaters. The combination of clear skies, crystal clear water and red sandstone rock formations makes this national recreation area an ideal place for the outdoor enthusiast.

is at its lowest level since it filled in 1980. While this looks very dramatic on the lake's vast shoreline, there is still well over 300 feet of water in the lake's main channel, and plenty of space to safely recreate. The water level of changes every day. When more water enters the lake than is released by the dam, the lake level goes up. When less water flows into than is released by the dam, the lake level drops.

The water that flows into comes from snowmelt in Wyoming, , Colorado, and New Mexico. This snowmelt gathers into the Green, Colorado, Dirty Devil, Escalante, and San Juan Rivers, which empty into . For the past few years, not enough snow fell in the high country, so the rivers were not as strong, and did not receive as much water.

In an average water year, is at its lowest in March, when the spring runoffs begin and the lake level starts to rise. The drought continues.  The Colorado River Basin is now in its 5th year of drought.  Inflow volumes have been below average for 4 consecutive years, with 2004 almost certain to follow suit. 

With lowering water levels at , visitors will want to exercise more caution when recreating at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Currently, the lake is down 89 feet from full pool and with a poor forecast for spring runoff from the Rocky Mountains, the lake is only expected to rise a few feet this spring before resuming its decline through the rest of the year.

Boaters and swimmers should be aware that rocks that may have been completely submerged last season may now be exposed or just under the water surface. Additionally, access to many of the lake's smaller side canyons may be more difficult due to low water. Maintain a sharp lookout, even in the main channel. If you're travelling into unfamiliar territory or simply can't tell what's under the water--slow down. On the bright side, there should be plenty of sandy beach exposed for those camping on the lake.

currently offers 5 marinas with another proposed. Lodging and boating services are provided year-round at these developed areas on the lake, except Dangling Rope. Be sure to take the boat trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. It is an easy, fun way to see the lake -- just sit back an relax.

Wahweap

Wahweap Marina, located near Page, Arizona, is the largest marina site on . It offers a wide variety of visitor services and opportunities for recreation. The city of Page also offers numerous visitor services and is the site of Glen Canyon Dam. Wahweap Main Ramp is open. This ramp was extended 150’ and has a 9% grade. For safety reasons, effective May 1st, parking on the Wahweap Main Ramp will be allowed on the left side only (going down) as long as it does not interfere with launching capabilities.

The National Park Service also provides a self-service ranger station at Wahweap, drinking water, restrooms, free boat pump-out stations, picnic area with grills, fish-cleaning station, and ranger programs in the summer.

Wahweap Marina, 5.5 miles from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center along Lakeshore Drive, is operated by ARAMARK, the park concessioner. It provides a variety of services, including: lodging, food services, gift shops, 2 campgrounds (one with hook-ups), laundry, showers, and a service station. Full marina services include: slips, buoys, boat rentals, tours, repairs, dry storage and fueling.

The city of Page, 2 miles from the dam and visitor center, has stores, motels, restaurants, churches, hospital, and museum. Page can be reached by surfaced roads year-round, and by air from Phoenix.