Carl Hayden Visitor Center
Discover the engineering marvel of Glen Canyon Dam and the ancient history of the Colorado River region at this free visitor center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Carl Hayden Visitor Center
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the engineering marvel of Glen Canyon Dam and the ancient history of the Colorado River region at this free visitor center.
"A must-stop for stunning dam views and fascinating history, offering a cool escape and a glimpse into the past."
🎯 Support Conservation Efforts
Entry is free, but consider buying from the gift shop to support conservation and local Native Americans. :gift_shop:
💨 Beat the Arizona Heat
The visitor center offers great air conditioning. Don't miss the dinosaur tracks outside! :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
Rear of the Visitor Center
Stunning panoramic views of the massive Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River. A must-see for any visitor.
+1Interactive Dam Exhibits
Inside the Visitor Center
Learn about the history and construction of the Glen Canyon Dam through informative displays and a short documentary film.
Dinosaur Footprint Display
Outside the Visitor Center
A unique, often overlooked, outdoor exhibit featuring ancient dinosaur tracks.
Historic Robert S. Miller Map
Powell Museum & Archives (formerly at Visitor Center)
A massive, hand-carved map detailing Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Free Admission, Support Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Support Conservation Efforts
Entry is free, but consider buying from the gift shop to support conservation and local Native Americans. :gift_shop:
💨 Beat the Arizona Heat
The visitor center offers great air conditioning. Don't miss the dinosaur tracks outside! :snowflake:
🎬 Catch the Dam Documentary
A short film about the dam and area is shown in the theater. Worth the time if you're passing through. :movie_camera:
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, including a large lot for oversized vehicles. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Support Conservation Efforts
Entry is free, but consider buying from the gift shop to support conservation and local Native Americans. :gift_shop:
💨 Beat the Arizona Heat
The visitor center offers great air conditioning. Don't miss the dinosaur tracks outside! :snowflake:
🎬 Catch the Dam Documentary
A short film about the dam and area is shown in the theater. Worth the time if you're passing through. :movie_camera:
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, including a large lot for oversized vehicles. :car:
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
The Highway 89 Bridge next door allows foot traffic for more scenic views of the dam.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Carl Hayden Visitor Center for its free admission and informative exhibits about the Glen Canyon Dam. The stunning views from the overlook and the unique dinosaur footprint display are frequently highlighted as enjoyable features. While some note it's a brief stop, most find it a worthwhile and pleasant experience, especially for escaping the heat.
"Admission is free, so buy something in the gift shop if you want to support conservation & local Native Americans. The views from inside are fantastic with large glass windows overlooking the dam. There are a lot of exhibits and things to read on the inside, with ample air conditioning to escape the heat, and a small dinosaur footprint exhibit outside that you might not pay attention to, if you don't know it's there. They had a movie program starting but I did not have time to stay for it as I was just passing through. I would definitely stop here again, and allow more time to explore as the bridge right next door appears to allow foot traffic over the canyon."
My Work E-mail
"Great place to know about the dam, power plant and bridge. There is a movie theater in the premises where we can watch the documentary about the place.
The entry is free and washrooms are good.
Nice open space for parking."
Venugopal Bhat
"The center is located off U.S. Highway 89 on the north side, just after you cross the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge or on the west side of the Colorado River. Here you will find a large visitors’ center, a dinosaur track display, and to the rear, a large viewing area overlooking the dam itself. There is plenty of free parking including a large oversize vehicle parking lot on the west side of the center. The center itself is part of the Glen Canyon Dam complex and provides information about the dam and the surrounding area. Inside the center there are numerous exhibits, a theater with a short video about the dam and surrounding area, a gift shop, restrooms, and a large observation deck to the rear of the center. The center is the primary visitor center for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument and is part of the National Park Service (NPS)."
Thomas B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is located off U.S. Highway 89 on the north side, just after crossing the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, or on the west side of the Colorado River in Page, Arizona.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available, including a large lot specifically for oversized vehicles on the west side of the center.
Yes, the Highway 89 Bridge adjacent to the visitor center allows for foot traffic, offering excellent views of the dam and surrounding landscape.
Yes, the center is part of the Glen Canyon Dam complex and serves as the primary visitor center for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument, managed by the National Park Service (NPS).
The visitor center has a large, dedicated parking lot for oversized vehicles, making it easily accessible for RVs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center is completely free.
The visitor center itself is free to enter. However, access to certain areas within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area may have separate fees.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
Yes, there is a gift shop located inside the visitor center where you can purchase souvenirs and support conservation efforts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the dam's construction, watch a documentary, enjoy views from the observation deck, see a dinosaur footprint display, and visit the gift shop.
Yes, clean and well-maintained restrooms are available for visitors.
Yes, the visitor center is air-conditioned, providing a welcome escape from the desert heat.
Exhibits focus on the history and engineering of the Glen Canyon Dam, the formation of Lake Powell, and the local heritage of the area. +1
Yes, the dinosaur footprint exhibit outside is a hit with kids, and the informative displays can be engaging for younger visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlook behind the visitor center offers spectacular views of the Glen Canyon Dam and Colorado River. Walking on the Highway 89 Bridge also provides unique perspectives.
Photography is generally allowed inside the visitor center, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on exhibits or displays.
The rear observation deck provides a wide-angle view of the dam. For more dramatic shots, consider the perspectives from the Highway 89 Bridge.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic shadows and colors on the dam and canyon walls.
Drone usage is typically restricted within National Park Service areas, including near dams. Check NPS regulations for specific guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The exhibits on the dam's construction and the short documentary can also be engaging for older children, providing educational value in an accessible format. Don't forget to explore the gift shop for a souvenir to remember your visit.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
In just a short visit, you can get stunning views of the Glen Canyon Dam, learn about its history, and even see ancient dinosaur tracks. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and gain a deeper appreciation for the engineering marvels and natural history of the region before continuing your journey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Walking across the adjacent Highway 89 Bridge provides unique angles and perspectives of the dam and the vastness of the canyon. The dramatic scale of the dam itself, set against the desert landscape, makes for compelling shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mighty Glen Canyon Dam
+1Visitors can learn about the dam's construction through interactive exhibits and a documentary film at the visitor center. The sheer size of the dam is best appreciated from the observation deck at the rear of the visitor center, offering breathtaking views of the structure and the vast expanse of Lake Powell.
Understanding the dam's role in providing hydroelectric power and water storage for millions of people is key to appreciating its significance. The visitor center helps bridge the gap between the monumental structure and its vital function in the region's ecosystem and economy.
A Glimpse into Prehistory: Dinosaur Tracks
These tracks are a fascinating addition to the visitor experience, offering a moment of discovery for all ages. While the main focus is often on the dam, taking a few minutes to seek out this prehistoric display adds an unexpected layer of wonder to your visit.
It's a reminder that the landscape surrounding the Glen Canyon Dam has a history far deeper than human construction, inviting contemplation of the ancient world that once thrived here.
The Historic Robert S. Miller Map
It detailed the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell, offering visitors an intricate visual representation of the region. The map's creation was a labor of love, carved with dental tools, and its presence at the visitor center provided an unparalleled overview of the area's geography and recreational opportunities.
Though now located at the Powell Museum & Archives, its historical connection to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center highlights the center's role as a hub for regional information and appreciation of the natural and recreational wonders of Glen Canyon.
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