As you do know, what I love during a road trip is to stop by some lakes. Unfortunately, when we were making this month’s trip to the West of the USA, it was so hot every day, so we had to make a stop in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Where is Glen Canyon National Recreation Area located?
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is located up North of Lake Powell in UTAH, and the place is enormous with a lot of activities.
I won’t give you any address this time as you can swim in many places, so let your GPS decide for you, or stop when you can (but not in Marina’s, you have to read the rest of my article!)
What can you do there?
-Swimming
-Boating
-Fishing
-Hiking
-Kayaking
-Road biking
-Some scenic drives
and so much more.
Because we did go for a swim, I did learn a few things about it, and before going there and enjoying it (because it is kind of the best place to go for a swim!), just read it and you will be ready to go:
A few tips for your swimming:
Swimming is a popular activity at Lake Powell, especially in the summer when water temperatures can surpass 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards or designated swim beaches at Lake Powell or on the Colorado River. Water Quality conditions can change at your favorite swim areas depending on high visitor use, recent storms, rising lake waters, new algal blooms, and waste from wildlife, livestock, and previous visitors coming in contact with the lake waters. Swim at your own risk. Swimming is prohibited at all marinas and launch areas.
Swimming Safety Tips from the American Red Cross and The National Park Service:
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children always to ask permission to go near water.
- Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Maintain constant supervision. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
- Swim Sober.
- If you swim from a boat, make sure the ship is secure. Never start the engine while swimmers are overboard.
- Cliff Jumping/Cliff Diving is illegal. It is prohibited for anyone to jump or dive off rock cliffs, ledges, or man-made structures (excluding vessels). The National Park Service does not advocate or promote cliff jumping or diving regardless of the height from the water surface. For this restriction, cliff, ledge, or man-made structure is defined to mean any formation of rock or soil, or structure, or combination thereof having a height of 15′ or more from the surface of the water.
Do Not Swim in Marinas
Swimming is prohibited at all marinas and launch areas. There are potentially lethal safety concerns in marina waters. Electrical faults from vessels or docks can electrocute swimmers. Boat traffic and propeller strikes can maim or kill.
At the Beach: Sunglasses, Sandals, Sunscreen, and Safe Practices
- Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
- Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
- Protect your eyes; wear sunglasses that will absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
- Wear foot protection such as closed-toed sandals. The sand can burn your feet, and glass, quagga mussel shells, and other sharp objects can cut them.
- Never swim in waters that have algal scum floating on the water, indicating that a Harmful Algal Bloom is occurring.
- Always wash your hands before eating, shower with soap after playing in the water, and never go in the water if you have open sores or cuts.
Why should you jump in the water there?
The water there is so great and refreshing after you spend some time visiting or hiking, so enjoy this. I didn’t spend so much time on the beach as it can be really hot and most of the time, I was looking for trees to hide under it, but if you love discovering new places, you are ready to go! Enjoy.
