Park Service Updates Where You Can Drive at Glen Canyon
Published Date: 1/13/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 12, 2025, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is updating its rules about where and how you can drive motor vehicles on roads and off-road trails. These changes affect visitors who love exploring by car, ATV, or other motorized rides, aiming to protect the park’s natural beauty while keeping adventures fun and safe. If you’re planning a trip, get ready for clearer rules and remember to share your thoughts by the deadline!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Bans for OHVs/ATVs on specific roads
Starting February 12, 2025, the rule prohibits off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and street-legal ATVs on an 8-mile segment of the Poison Spring Loop in the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit and removes the superintendent’s ability to open the upper Flint Trail to those vehicle categories. The rule also prohibits OHV and street-legal ATV use on seven named unpaved GMP roads (Dry Mesa Road ~4.31 mi; Dirty Devil Spur ~1.14 mi; Cove Canyon Spur ~0.65 mi; Flint Trail Spur ~0.72 mi; Ticaboo Mesa Road ~1.45 mi; Muley Point Road ~1.26 mi; Johns Canyon Road ~7.49 mi), and notes these road changes account for 25 of 295 miles (about 8%) of unpaved roads open to motor vehicle use in the recreation area. Conventional motor vehicles remain allowed on all paved and unpaved GMP roads.
Lake-level rules may close shoreline access
The rule requires the superintendent to set lake-elevation trigger levels (using USGS and Bureau of Reclamation hydrologic data) for 11 shoreline access areas; if the lake elevation falls below a site’s level and remains so for seven consecutive days, that shoreline access area will close to off-road motor vehicle use, and it will reopen if elevations remain above the level for seven consecutive days. The elevation levels must be published on the recreation area website and in the superintendent’s compendium, the open/closed status must be posted within 14 days after the seven-day waiting period, signs must be installed at each shoreline access area, and NPS may consider gates or other measures when closed; motor vehicle travel on GMP roads inside a closed shoreline access area may continue at the superintendent’s discretion.
Shoreline access limited to road-to-shore travel
Off-road vehicle use in designated shoreline access areas is limited to travel strictly between a GMP road and the shoreline and back; dispersed or general overland driving within those shoreline access areas is not allowed under this rule. The rule clarifies this does not apply to Lone Rock Beach, Lone Rock Beach Play Area, or Ferry Swale, which are treated differently in the regulations.
Longer quiet hours at Lone Rock Play Area
The rule changes quiet hours in the Lone Rock Beach Play Area from a fixed 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. schedule to a variable sunset-to-sunrise schedule (the superintendent may lengthen this period). This will generally lengthen nighttime quiet hours and allow them to shift with the seasons without additional administrative action.
Limited effect on existing guided tour businesses
NPS states that two businesses currently have commercial use authorizations (CUAs) to provide guided OHV/ATV tours in the recreation area and those businesses are not authorized to operate in the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit and do not offer tours on the unpaved roads affected by this rule; the NPS also states no other businesses offering commercial visitor services will be affected by the changes.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12272 — Resin Acids, Esters With Glycerol in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance
The EPA just made it official: resin acids mixed with glycerol can be used in pesticides on crops without worrying about residue limits. This means farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies get a smoother ride—no more setting max residue levels for this ingredient. The rule kicks in June 18, 2026, and if anyone wants to object, they have until August 17, 2026 to speak up.
2026-12303 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Cook Inlet; Final 2026 Harvest Specifications for Salmon
The 2026 salmon fishing rules for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are set and ready to go starting June 17, 2026. These new limits help protect salmon populations while supporting local fishermen and communities. If you fish or buy salmon from this area, expect smart management that balances nature and business through next year.
2026-12324 — Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Native American Programs
This new rule cuts out old, confusing paperwork and rules for Native American programs, making it easier for tribes and Native organizations to get grants and support. It affects Native communities across the U.S. and kicks in on August 17, 2026, helping save time and reduce hassle without changing funding amounts. Basically, it’s a smoother, faster way to boost Native-led projects and community growth.
2026-12277 — Special Conditions: Honeywell Aerospace US LLC, Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 900EX Airplane; Electronic System Security Protection From Unauthorized External Access
Honeywell Aerospace is upgrading the Dassault Falcon 900EX with new digital systems that connect the plane to outside networks like the internet and wireless devices. Because this is a new kind of tech for airplanes, the FAA is setting special safety rules to keep hackers out and protect the plane’s electronics. These rules take effect June 18, 2026, and Honeywell must follow them to keep flights safe without extra costs for passengers.
2026-12307 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Virginia
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Virginia to help both states meet their fishing goals. This change starts June 17, 2026, and lasts through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair. Commercial fishers in both states will see updated limits, keeping the summer flounder fishery healthy and on track.
2026-12376 — Final Waivers and Extensions of the Project Periods With Funding for the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center
The Department of Education is giving 43 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services projects and one Training and Technical Assistance Center extra time and money to keep helping through September 30, 2027. They’re waiving rules that usually limit projects to five years so these programs can continue their important work without interruption. This extension starts July 20, 2026, making sure support for American Indian communities stays strong and steady.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00419 — Rules of Practice for Hearings
The Federal Reserve updated its rules to raise civil money penalties to keep up with inflation, starting January 13, 2025. This affects anyone facing fines under the Board’s rules, making penalties a bit higher for violations after November 2, 2015. These changes help keep penalties fair and effective without surprise hikes.
Next: 2025-00525 — Temporary Agricultural Employment of H-2A Aliens in the United States; Ratification of Department's Actions
The Department of Labor officially confirms the 2010 rules for hiring temporary farm workers from other countries under the H-2A visa program. This ratification means employers and workers can keep relying on these rules without changes, ensuring steady farm work and fair treatment. The confirmation was signed on January 7, 2025, so everyone knows these rules are here to stay.