Page last update: 09 May 2025
How many people visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area each year?
Over the past decade, Glen Canyon NRA has received an average of 3.8 million visitors per year.
- A total of 4,725,610 people visited Glen Canyon NRA in 2024, a decrease of 9.2% from the previous year.
- In 2023, the number was higher, at 5,206,934, which was an increase of a whooping 83.2% from 2022 (2,842,776 visitors)
- 2019 (Pre-Pandemic) saw 4,330,563 visitors, which means 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 20.2%.
- Due to the pandemic impact in 2020, visitation dropped to 2,553,392 – the lowest in recent years.
How much do visitors spend each year at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?
On average, tourism spending in Glen Canyon NRA contributes $380 million annually to the local economy.
- 2023 set the record for tourism spending at $539.9 million, an increase of 79.7% from 2022.
- In 2022,visitors spent a total of $300.5 million- a 9.5% decline from 2021.
- $420.2 million was recorded in 2019, meaning 2023 spending was 28.5% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
- Due to pandemic impact, visitor spending reached its lowest in 2020, at about $252.8 million, largely due to travel restrictions that year.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 2025 Visitation Numbers
A total of 745,350 people visited Glen Canyon NRA from January to March of 2025.
| Month | Recreational Visit |
| Jan | 142.07 K |
| Feb | 140.26 K |
| Mar | 463.02 K |
How many people visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area per day?
- On average, 12,900 visitors visit Glen Canyon NRA daily, though numbers fluctuate seasonally and are based on 2024 visitation data.
How much does it cost to visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?
Entrance fee for Glen Canyon NRA varies with an annual unlimited entry pass charged at $55 per person. For visitors who aren’t interested in the annual pass, these are the general charges:
- Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for seven days)
- Motorcycle: $25
- Individual (on foot or bicycle): $15
When is the peak season at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?
Peak season at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is during summer months.
- Visitation starts to pick up in spring, with April and May seeing over 600,000 visitors some years.
- June is usually the busiest month, often over 700,000 visitors.
- July is also very busy, with over 600,000 visitors.
Peak visitation aligns with warmer temperatures, school holidays and good conditions for water activities on Lake Powell.
When is the best time to visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?
Spring (March-May) is a good time to visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This is a time of milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Other periods:
- Summer (June-August): Peak season for boating and camping, but temperatures can be extreme.
- Fall (September-November): Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make this a perfect time for outdoor activities.
- Winter (December-February): Least crowded period with mild daytime temperatures but cold nights.
Glen Canyon Travel Resources
- Flagstaff RV private rentals
- St George RV private rentals
- Prescott RV private rentals
- Durango RV private rentals
- Grand Junction RV private rentals
How popular is Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?
- Glen Canyon NRA consistently ranks among the top 20 national recreation areas in the U.S. Because of its proximity to Lake Powell, it attracts millions of visitors each year.
- Learn more about which states have the most national parks here.
Why do people visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?
Glen Canyon NRA is famous for Lake Powell, which is one of the most popular boating destinations in the country. Other popular attractions here are:
- Horseshoe Bend – An iconic viewpoint.
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument – One of the world’s largest natural bridges.
- Glen Canyon Dam – A marvel of engineering.
- Slot Canyons & Hiking Trails – Including Antelope Canyon and Buckskin Gulch.
What were the most popular types of camping at Glen Canyon NRA in 2024?
Camping Statistics for Glen Canyon NRA in 2024 include:
- Concessionaire Lodging: 68,474 campers
- RV Camping: 10,035 campers
- Tent Camping: 3,431 campers
- Concessionaire Camping: 28,827 campers
- Backcountry Camping: 2,513 campers
What are the most common causes of death at Glen Canyon NRA?
A total of 139 deaths have been recorded in Glen Canyon NRA between 2007 and August 2024. The leading causes of death are:
- Drowning: 41 deaths
- Falls: 16 deaths
- Other Transportation Incidents: 16 deaths
- Medical (Not During Physical Activity): 13 deaths
- Undetermined Causes: 13 deaths
- Suicide: 11 deaths
- Medical (During Physical Activity): 8 deaths
- Motor Vehicle Crashes: 5 deaths
- Medical – Unknown Causes: 5 deaths
- Environmental Causes: 4 deaths
- Poisoning: 3 deaths
- Other: 3 deaths
- Homicide: 1 death
Safety Tips for Visiting Glen Canyon NRA
To ensure a safe visit, wear life jackets as drowning is the leading cause of death and always wear a PFD when on the water.
- Stay hydrated
- Be cautious near cliffs
- Check weather conditions – sudden storms and flash floods can be dangerous
- Drive safely
- Plan for emergencies – cell service can be limited. Carry a map and emergency supplies
Park & Memorial Statistics
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References
NPS: National Park Visitation Statistics