Lonely Dell Ranch and Lees Ferry are historic sites located near Marble Canyon, Arizona, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. These beautiful and historic sites are worth checking out.
Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry is a small, historic settlement next to the Colorado River. It is named after John D. Lee, a Mormon settler who established a ferry there in 1871. Lees Ferry was the only crossing within hundreds of miles in each direction for nearly 60 years until the Navajo Bridge was built. Today, Lees Ferry is still the only place visitors can drive to the Colorado River in over 700 miles. Lees Ferry officially marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon, and you can see the first rapids in the Grand Canyon from the boat launch looking downstream.
Facts About Lees Ferry
- Lee’s Ferry is situated at the start of the Grand Canyon and is a significant historic and recreational area.
- Mormon pioneer John D. Lee established it as a ferry crossing in the late 1800s, providing a vital river crossing point for settlers, travelers, and traders.
- Today, Lee’s Ferry is renowned for its excellent trout fishing in the Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam.
- It’s also a popular launching point for river rafting trips through the Grand Canyon, as well as for kayaking, canoeing, and other water activities.
- The area offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and stunning scenery, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Directions to Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry is 42 miles from Page, Arizona, via Hwy 89 South and Hwy 89A West. It is 85 miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon via Hwy 89A and Hwy 67. The Lees Ferry Junction and Park Entrance is in Marble Canyon, just west of Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center. A paved road leads 5 miles to the parking lot.
Camping
Camping is available. There are no reservations, and 54 designated sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups or dump stations, but there is a bathroom and potable water. Grills are provided, but open fires are not allowed.
Fishing
Lees Ferry is below the Glen Canyon Dam. The dam controls the flow of very cold water coming from the bottom of Lake Powell. The cold water changed the warm river into a fishing haven. Lees Ferry is managed as a trophy trout fishery. The river yields wild rainbow trout from 14 to 22 inches and larger.
Because the river is such a popular fishing spot, there are many restrictions, including no live bait and only barbless hooks with an artificial fly or lure. Daily limits are also subject to change. Please read the most recent fishing regulations before you go.
Lonely Dell Ranch
Lonely Dell Ranch is a historic site located in Marble Canyon, Arizona, near the Colorado River. The ranch was established in the late 1800s by a Mormon settler named John D. Lee and his family. The name “Lonely Dell” depicts the isolated nature of the ranch, situated in a remote area of the canyon.
The ranch served as a stopping point for travelers and traders along the river, providing lodging, food, and other supplies. It also served as a hub for Lee’s various enterprises, including farming, ranching, and ferrying operations across the Colorado River.
Lonely Dell Ranch is now part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which the National Park Service manages. Visitors can explore the ranch buildings, learn about its rich history through interactive exhibits, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding canyon landscape. The ranch offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the challenges and ways of life of early settlers in the American Southwest.
Directions to Lonely Dell Ranch
To reach Lonely Dell Ranch, follow the Lees Ferry access road approximately 5.1 miles. On the left, a gravel road leads back to a small parking area at the start of the ranch.
Lonely Dell Ranch Self-Guided Tour
When visiting Lonely Dell Ranch, you can take a self-guided walking tour. The tour takes you along a dirt road leading back to the ranch, orchard, some historic buildings, and a picnic area. Each location has an informative sign about the purpose and history behind each stop.
One really cool thing about the Lonely Dell Ranch Orchard is that it is used as a community garden. You can pick and eat the fruit there (as long as you don’t exceed 5 gallons a day). Nothing beats making homemade jam from free fruit, hand-picked at the ranch.
Hikes in the Area
There are several beautiful hikes near Lee’s Ferry, offering a variety of scenery and difficulty levels. Here are some notable ones:
- Spencer Trail:
- This is a strenuous hike that starts near Lee’s Ferry and climbs steeply up the Vermilion Cliffs.
- The trail offers stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding landscape.
- It’s about a 5.6-mile round trip with an elevation gain of over 1,500 feet.
- Paria Canyon:
- Paria Canyon offers a variety of hiking options, including day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips.
- The canyon features towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the scenic Paria River.
- Permits are required for overnight trips, and hikers should be prepared for rugged terrain and potential water crossings.
- Cathedral Wash:
- Cathedral Wash is a relatively easy hike that starts near Lee’s Ferry. It follows a sandy wash into a narrow canyon until it meets the Colorado River. The hike is approximately 3 miles round trip.
- Sun Valley Mine Trail:
- The Sun Valley Mine Trail is a short 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with excellent views of the Vermillion Cliffs.
- Navajo Bridge Interpretive Loop:
- This easy, paved trail loops around the two historic Navajo Bridges spanning the Colorado River near Lee’s Ferry.
- Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the history, geology, and wildlife of the area.
Before embarking on any hike, it’s essential to check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and any permit requirements. Additionally, ensure you have plenty of water, snacks, appropriate footwear, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
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!
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