Accessibility

Recently completed ADA-ABA trail at Horseshoe Bend

NPS

Glen Canyon offers a spectacular, rugged landscape that can present difficult challenges for visitors with special needs. Improvements in accessibility are being made each year. With a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find their trip to be a rewarding experience.

 

The 2022 Interagency Access Pass

Photo on the pass by Steven Koehler, Yellowstone National Park

Access Pass

There is a free, lifetime America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access Pass available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The pass provides admittance into participating federal recreation sites, and a wide range of discounts on activities and services when you visit federal lands. Learn more about the Access Pass.

 

Facilities

Virtually all of Glen Canyon's land-based facilities are accessible. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam offers tactile exhibits and open-captioned introductory films. Dam information is available in braille for the vision impaired.

Some water-based facilities (i.e. docks, marinas, launch ramps, etc.) will require assistance. Marinas operated by park concessioners Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas (LPRM) and Antelope Point Holdings will provide visitors with assistance onto the docks and to their vessels. Call 928.645.1030 for assistance. Park concessioners offer a limited number of houseboat rentals that are accessible, too.

Lodging and eating facilities within the park are accessible.

Outdoor Activities

Horseshoe Bend has a new trail to the rim that meets Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards for accessibility and blends with the natural environment, and two shade structures with benches. A small, ABA accessible viewing area with safety railing will be available at the overlook rim.

There are no other maintained trails in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Hiking involves following routes over uneven and varied terrain.

Scenic drives or boat trips may offer a good way for those with physical/mobility issues to see the vast backcountry of Glen Canyon. Accessible boat tours are also available. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas tours include individual audio sets with every tour and are available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin and Japanese.

Float trips provided by Wilderness River Adventures use ADA compliant rafts with specialized equipment to accommodate guests with disabilities. Contact them at 800-992-8022 to discuss individual needs.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in national parks. For a definition of a service animal, please see the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) definition. For information on animals that do not qualify as service animals, see the Pets page.