Glen Canyon National Recreation Area spans southern Utah and northern Arizona around Lake Powell and lower Cataract Canyon, combining rugged high desert canyon country with the reservoir formed by Glen Canyon Dam. Much of Glen Canyon was submerged after the dam’s completion in 1966, but planning for public recreation began earlier, leading to roads, campgrounds, marinas, and access points as visitors arrived. Congress formally established the area on October 27, 1972, to protect scientific, historic, and scenic features while also emphasizing public use and enjoyment. Today it is a major water-based recreation destination set within striking sandstone geology and heavily visited canyon landscapes.