Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a large area of protection around Lake Powell and its tributaries. The lake is the subject of ongoing controversy due to Glen Canyon Dam that was created creating the lake. This buried countless Indian artifacts and ruins and some of the most extraordinary sandstone canyons on Earth below a lake designed to provide power to the Four Corners region and beyond. The continued controversy is now fueled by the fact that solar energy could accomplish the dam’s purpose much more efficiently where restoration could begin on a unique desert environment. Whether you’re for or against Lake Powell, the area still provides incredible backpacking and hiking, including the famous Coyote Gulch and endless sandstone formations, such as arches and natural bridges.