A Personal Journey Through Time
One day in 1960, one of my teachers stood in front of our classroom and said, “You kids should go down the Colorado River before they back it up.” I heard the call, and I answered it. I joined a river run down the Colorado, an adventure that changed my life. One of the highlights of that trip was when we hiked about a mile and a half to see Rainbow Bridge, long before the rising waters of Lake Powell reached it. I’ve been back many times since, but I’ll never forget the awe of seeing Rainbow Bridge for the first time in 1966, just as the dam was completed and the canyon began to flood.
A Desert Moment I’ll Never Forget
One of the most unforgettable views in the American Southwest is right here at Glen Canyon Dam. I stood at the edge, gazing down the massive curve of concrete, and all I could think was—how did they ever build something this grand in the middle of such raw, rugged beauty?
The Glen Canyon Dam holds back the mighty Colorado River, creating Lake Powell, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. I took this photo on a crisp, clear day when the desert colors seemed to glow. The deep turquoise water, the red rock cliffs, and the long shadow cast by the dam all came together in a perfect moment.
What struck me most was the contrast on one side, wild, untamed canyon country. On the other hand, a towering wall of concrete was designed to harness a river’s power. It’s a striking symbol of human determination—and a place where the presence of nature still humbles you.
If you’re ever near Page, Arizona, take time to stop and see it. Better yet, take the dam tour. You’ll head down inside the structure and hear stories of its construction. And if you’re like me, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the visionaries who dreamed it—and the workers who made it happen.
Construction on Glen Canyon Dam began in 1956 and was completed in 1966. Standing 710 feet tall and stretching 1,560 feet across the canyon, it’s one of the largest concrete arch dams in the United States. The dam was built primarily for water storage, hydroelectric power, and flood control—an engineering marvel designed to tame the unpredictable Colorado River.
Lake Powell, the reservoir formed by the dam, stretches nearly 186 miles upstream and holds around 24 million acre-feet of water when full. It’s not only a crucial water source for the arid Southwest, but also a favorite playground for boaters, anglers, and adventurers. The entire area around Glen Canyon offers breathtaking views, fascinating geology, and a deep reminder of the balance between nature and human ingenuity.
