5. Glen Canyon Dam
A great engineering achievement, the Glen Canyon Dam turned the Colorado River into Lake Powell and produced an amazing junction of human creativity and natural beauty. Rising 710 feet above the river bed, this concrete arch-gravity dam is evidence of human creativity as well as a vital power producing source. Enjoying breathtaking views from the bridge over the canyon, visitors can take guided tours of the dam’s interior learning about its building, operation, and environmental impact. The visitor centre of the dam presents thorough displays covering the geology, flora, and human history of the area together with the contentious Glen Canyon flooding. Particularly between sunrise and sunset when the light plays dramatically off the gigantic concrete face and the canyon walls, the surrounding area offers great chances for photography. While well controlled water flows help preserve the delicate habitat downstream, the powerplant of the dam produces enough electricity to service millions of homes in the Western United States.