The Chains

A view of Glen Canyon Dam from the Chains

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Off Hwy 89 east of Glen Canyon Dam

Significance:

Multi-use

Amenities

6 listed

Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trash Dumpster

Choose Your Adventure at the Chains

Trailhead, Picnic Spot, Fishing Hole, Cliff-Scrambling, A Place to Swim in Lake Powell

The Chains

A construction staging site while the Bureau of Reclamation was building Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s, the Chains are a low-key multi-use adventure spot for folks who want a brief "Lake Powell experience". Explore this area with a self guided adventure through slickrock sand formations. Great views of Lake Powell, the massive sandstone canyon walls, Glen Canyon Dam, and the chain of buoys behind the dam that lent this spot its name. The buoy chain is there to prevent boats from approaching Glen Canyon Dam. Lakeshore access is possible depending on the current lake elevations. The road to the chains closes at sunset and opens at sunrise, the area is for day-use only.

Trailhead

Just east of Glen Canyon Dam, take a gravel road heading north off of Highway 89. Turn left pass the Hanging Gardens parking area, and continue down the rough dirt road to reach the first of two parking areas. Vehicles must stay on the road or in the parking area. From here, you are welcome to walk in any direction, up and over rocks, around the rim, down to the water. Proximity to Glen Canyon Dam is restricted, so if you walk in that direction, you will have to stop once you reach the fence. Since you are choosing your own adventure here, the time spent, distance, and the difficulty of the hike/swim are up to you.

Take Caution

If you choose to climb down to the water, wear good shoes and keep desert safety in mind. You will be scrambling down slickrock with no shade. When you are done swimming, you will have to come back up the cliffside either the way you came or by a similar route. Cliff jumping is illegal and could kill you. There are no lifeguards on Lake Powell. The lake is very deep at this location and good swimming skills are required. Be aware of your surroundings. Boats will not be able to see you very well, either on the cliff or in the water. We do not recommend this site for children to swim because of the many possible dangers.