On October 15, 1956, the first blast occurred and the construction of Glen Canyon Dam was officially underway. Before that date, the site was virtually inaccessible and construction crews were forced to drive 200 miles to cross from one side of Glen Canyon to the other.
The remote location was selected for the project by a group of Bureau of Reclamation engineers and geologist working from 1946 to 1948. The site met several criteria: the area forming the basin could contain an immense amount of water; the canyon walls and bedrock foundation were strong and stable enough to safely support the high dam; and a large source of good rock and sand was available at nearby Wahweap Creek.
The tour begins at the crest of the dam, 638 feet above the Colorado River. An elevator took us 528 feet deep into the interior of the dam. One stop along the tour is the gallery where a digital counter registers the money collected from the sale of power.The security for the tour was very strict. The metal sensor was set off with my badge.
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| Our tour guide |
Bridge from dam
Beginning of tour
Picture toward the lake
Part of generator - Changed for one more efficient
Bridge from dam
Visitor center
This is where our raft trip started
Generator room
Shot of dam from our raft trip
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