Round Trip Distance: 0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 3842 - 3966 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 15 mins.
Trailhead: Dam Overlook
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic overlook
The Dam Overlook is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page, Arizona. The short trail leads down to the rim of the Glen Canyon where visitors can take in some great views of the Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River. From the vantage point of the overlook the complete dam can be seen from top to bottom. With the overlook being more than 700 feet above the Colorado River it presents a dizzying spectacle for everyone to enjoy.
The trailhead for the Dam Overlook is at the end of Scenic View Drive about a mile and a half south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
From the parking area a trail lined with a handrail has been chiseled out of the sandstone cliff.
The overlook is about a hundred feet below the trailhead.
One of the best viewing spots is from the rock shelter near the canyon's rim. Some people choose to climb over the railing where they can get the full mountain goat view. There are no signs objecting to such activities but as you can imagine great caution should be exercised in doing so. Often times the rock nearer a canyon rim is the most unstable rock in the area.
Tours of the dam can be taken from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. While you will have to pay to go on the tour they do have many static displays and a movie that are free. Maybe you can find out just how the vehicles that you can see at the base of the dam, if you zoom in on this photo, got there.
The Colorado River is sediment free as it flows from the dam and the confines of Lake Powell. The river pretty much remains clear until it reaches Lees Ferry where it picks up tons of sand and silt beginning with the Paria River.
Here the nice stone slabs that serve as a staircase making it a little easier to get up and down the slickrock hill between the parking area and the overlook can be seen.
At present there aren't any signs that point the direction to the Dam Overlook. Most people find out about it after stopping at the Visitor Center and getting a copy of the Glen Canyon brochure. The brochure lists the overlook as one of the short hikes in the area. While at the Visitor Center there are other stunning viewpoints of the dam from the bridge and an observation deck. The Dam Overlook is well worth the little extra effort that is needed to get to it. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.