The Cliff Dwellers Lodge is an easy-to-access roadside attraction with an exciting story. You can find it off Highway 89A in Marble Canyon near the entrance to Lee’s Ferry. You will see massive boulders all around, and then you will see a house-like structure made out of a boulder and other small rocks.
Cliff Dwellers is a fun place to take a picture, and there are usually pottery and jewelry stands nearby if you’re looking for souvenirs. Most people spend 5-20 minutes checking the area out.
The Story Behind Cliff Dwellers Lodge
When I first heard about Cliff Dwellers Lodge, I assumed there were native cliff dwellings or ancient ruins associated with the place, but that’s not the story.
In 1920, Blanche Russell and her husband Bill Russell came to Arizona for health reasons. They had yet to learn where they would live or what they would do way out west. The couple’s car broke down on Highway 89A. They spent the night in their car, and when they woke up the following day and saw the sun shining across the desert, they knew it was the place. So they built a small trading post out of rocks next to a fallen boulder; the rest is history. Eventually, Cliff Dwellers Lodge became a more significant and legitimate establishment, but the original structure remains today.
The name Cliff Dwellers came from the cowboys who drove their cattle on the AZ Strip. The cowboys called the Russell homestead “Cliff Dwellers” because of its proximity to the Vermilion Cliffs.
Hiking
You can hike around Cliff Dwellers and get great views of the Vermillion Cliffs. There are also a lot of great trails in the area.
Some great trails to consider in the Vermillion Cliffs area are:
Cathedral Wash
Cathedral Wash is a fun and beautiful hike amid the stunning scenery of Marble Canyon in northern Arizona. The difficulty level is considered moderate. The trail typically spans approximately 3.5 miles round trip.
Lee’s Ferry
Lees Ferry is a historic site located in northern Arizona near the beginning of the Grand Canyon. It is the starting point for river rafting trips down the Colorado River. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbanks or hike a nearby trail.
Lonely Dell Ranch
Lonely Dell Ranch, located near Lees Ferry in northern Arizona, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich pioneer history. Like Cliff Dwellers, this historic site features well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a ranch house, barn, and schoolhouse. Interpretive signs provide information about the history of the ranch and its inhabitants.
Navajo Bridge
Navajo Bridge is a historic landmark located near Marble Canyon in northern Arizona, spanning the Colorado River. The bridge consists of two parallel spans: the original Navajo Bridge, completed in 1929 and now designated for pedestrian use, and the newer Navajo Bridge, completed in 1995 and open to vehicular traffic. California Condors can often be seen from the bridges–you might even see some at Cliff Dwellers.
Spencer Trail
Spencer Trail near Lees Ferry offers a scenic and challenging hike with views of the Colorado River and Vermilion Cliffs. The trail is considered to be moderate to strenuous, as the trail involves steep inclines, rocky terrain, and exposed sections along the canyon rim. Spencer Trail is approximately 4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of around 1,500 feet.
Sun Valley Mine Trail
The Sun Valley Mine Trail offers hikers a glimpse into the area’s mining history while providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is considered to be easy to moderate and is approximately 2 miles round trip.
Leave Cliff Dwellers Better Than You Found It
Always remember to do your part to keep the Cliff Dwellers beautiful by packing in everything you pack out and not changing the landscape. Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!