The Sun Valley Mine sits at the base of the Vermilion Cliffs near the Arizona-Utah border and is the largest of the old mines in the area. The 2.4-mile round-trip trail near Marble Canyon, Arizona, leads you through beautiful desert scenery, making it a perfect adventure for exploring this unique spot.
Directions to Sun Valley Mine Trail
Starting from Page, AZ, head south on US-89 until you reach the junction with US-89A at Bitter Springs. Turn right (north) onto US-89A and continue across the Colorado River, passing the lodges at Marble Canyon, Lee’s Ferry, and Cliff Dwellers. A few miles beyond the Soap Creek trailhead, look for a small dirt parking area and a hiker’s gate on the right (west) side of the road. This is where you’ll park to start your hike.
Hiking the Sun Valley Mine Trail
The trail kicks off at a small dirt parking spot, where an old mining road branches off from the highway—a holdover from before the area became a wilderness zone. The path starts out nice and flat, winding through open desert. As you hike up, the landscape gets more interesting, with cool rock formations and bigger views. The trail wraps up at an old mining site, where you’ll find some neat relics from back in the day. After soaking in the history and scenery, just head back the same way to the parking area to wrap up your hike.
The Best Time To Visit
The best times to hike the Sun Valley Mine Trail are in spring and fall when temperatures are mild and enjoyable. Winter can bring colder weather and occasional snowfall, which might make the trail harder to access. Summer hikes are challenging due to extreme heat, with temperatures often over 100°F. If you’re hiking in summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat.
Nearby Hikes
Cathedral Wash
Cathedral Wash is a fun and beautiful hike amid the stunning scenery of Marble Canyon in northern Arizona. The difficulty level is moderate, with some uneven terrain and occasional obstacles along the route. The trail typically spans approximately 3.5 miles round trip.
Cliff Dwellers
The Cliff Dwellers is an easy-to-access roadside attraction with an exciting story. It is located 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.
Lee’s Ferry
Lees Ferry is a historic site in northern Arizona near the beginning of the Grand Canyon. It is the starting point for river rafting trips down the Colorado River and is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural history. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbanks or hike a nearby trail. This is also where Spencer Trail begins.
Lonely Dell Ranch
Lonely Dell Ranch, located near Lees Ferry in northern Arizona, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich pioneer history. This historic site features well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a ranch house, barn, and schoolhouse. Exploring Lonely Dell Ranch is considered easy, as visitors can enjoy walks around the historic buildings and grounds. Interpretive signs provide information about the history of the ranch and its inhabitants. Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the site and scenery.
Navajo Bridge
Navajo Bridge is a historic landmark 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. The pedestrian bridge is wheelchair accessible and features interpretive signage providing information about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife. In addition, California Condors can often be seen from the bridges.
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.
Leave the Sun Valley Mine Trail 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 Sun Valley Mine Trail and surrounding areas.
