New Trail In The Works At Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
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Lake Powell used to be the most popular attraction, but in the past few years, visitation to the area’s land has skyrocketed, with nearly half of the 4.3 million visitors per year visiting Horseshoe Bend. From 2015-2017, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area saw an 83% increase in visitors. A new trail that will be added to promote more land-based activities at the area.
Plans for the Glen Canyon Rim Trail began in 2009. Now after environmental assessments and new funding, it is reaching its final planning stages. Project manager Kendall Neisess said the proposed 8.6-mile-long trail will link Horseshoe Bend with the Glen Canyon Dam.
“We're also hoping in the future to be able to open it up to bicycle use for mountain bikers. And you know, ideally, the dream would be to even have it connect father to the city rim view trail so that you could have this really cool route for you know, long distance hiking or mountain biking," Neisess said.
Neisess said construction for the trail will hopefully begin this winter, and it will open for public hiking use next year.
Neisess said safety is of the utmost importance when designing the trail.
“This trail specifically, it's a very safe distance away from the rim. One of the other things that it is really important to us is just educating the visitors on taking responsibility for their own safety. And one of the best ways anyone can do that is by staying on the trail," Neisess said.
An American Disabilities Act trail at Horseshoe Bend is slated to open in October.
