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Lee’s Ferry is a unique spot that is a must-see during any trip to the Grand Canyon. Not only is the location very strategic, but it is also a place steeped in history.
Lees Ferry is officially the border between Glen Canyon and the Grand Canyon, as well as a natural border splitting Northern Arizona and Utah. Because of its location, millions of tourists head over here to begin their rafting trip down the Colorado River and into the heart of the Grand Canyon.
Visiting Lees Ferry AZ is not just for those who want to enjoy the scenery, but also for those who like a bit of history. The fact is, for almost 60 years, the ferry was the only way to cross the Colorado River. It was much later on replaced by the Navajo bridge built a couple of miles downstream (which is now part of the present-day Route 89). It is one of only 2 bridges that cross the Colorado River between Hoover Dam and Hite, Utah.
Without John D Lee, Lees Ferry will not exist. Also called Lonely Dell, he and his 17 wives settled there. Desolate and out of reach from the authorities (Lonely Dell was on the run for some crimes), it was the perfect spot to hide. While it does not end well for Lonely Dell, his name and legacy live on.
Close to the old ferry area are still some historical buildings from the time of John D Lee. Between 1871 and 1928, it has seen visitors from all walks of life, from tourists to miners, Indians, and pioneers looking to cross the river.
One unique feature of Lees Ferry is that it is the only site in Glen Canyon wherein the Colorado River can be accessed by car (there are over 700 miles in Glen Canyon without any river access).
Lees Ferry of today is still hustling and bustling because of the hundreds of visitors starting their adventures here. Because both the Glen and Grand Canyon are close by, fishermen looking for the top picks at Glen Canyon Dam pass by here. Rafting trips down the Grand Canyon also begin here, and there is a seemingly endless number of hiking trails, canyons, and desert ridges that are close by.
Exploring the Grand Canyon National Park and the Colorado River is an experience like no other, and there is definitely no lack of interesting locations that should be in your bucket list of things you just have to see in your lifetime. Lees Ferry Arizona is not just the natural start of the Grand Canyon, it is where your river ferry adventure should also begin.
Lees Ferry is pretty easy to find by car, being accessible via Highway 89 south and Highway 89A west (42 miles away from Page). From the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, visitors have to drive 85 miles, taking Highway 89A and Highway 67.
Lees Ferry Campground is a National Park Service campground and some local stores right by the entrance to the park. But once you are on the site, you will find that a couple of days is not enough to see all that the area can offer.
Glen Canyon is the lesser-known site but it is just as impressive. The desert was flooded in 1963 to fill the Glen Canyon Dam. Beyond the top fishing in the dam itself, you can still see the remaining parts of the canyon at the south of the dam.
These cliffs are the highlight of a trip to Lee’s Ferry. These colorful cliffs stretch for more than 30 miles and can be viewed while driving along road 89.
The Paria River is a top hiking spot, although be prepared for a few days of walking to reach the trailhead. The river eventually joins Colorado after it flows through Paria Canyon, Up there, 1,000 feet high, the waters are just a couple of meters wide.
Marble Canyon should also be on your list when visiting Lees Ferry. When you take a rafting trip, this is one of the first spots you will pass by. However, this area can also be visited separately, and you should. If you are a hiking fan and want to marvel at natural wonders like unique rock and sandstone formations, you should check out these Marble Canyon (and the wider Vermillion Cliffs National Monument) highlights:
The famous “Wave” is located here. Along with the Coyote Buttes, they are one of the most photographed and awe-inspiring natural phenomena in the world. The sculptured cliffs appear like large ocean swells and the nearby formations are just as impressive.
Another must-see site is Buckskin Gulch, which is the longest and deepest of the slot canyons in the whole country. It connects the Paria River and ends at Lees Ferry, making it almost 20 miles long.
The White Pocket located in Paria Plateau sees fewer visitors but it is just as spectacular. You need a 4WD to access it and the drive is already an adventure. But once you see all the colors, textures, and shapes it has to offer, the trip to this national recreation area is definitely worthwhile!
Many of the destinations in these areas are protected and access is controlled. Thus, make sure you check if there are permits and fees you need to take care of when planning your trip. These fees are collected by the National Park Service and are for the maintenance and upkeep of these natural wonders so that future generations can still enjoy them.
The same goes for Lake Powell, which is further along the Colorado River from Marble Canyon. Another hugely popular destination along the Grand Canyon, it offers formations and sights that will delight your eyes and fill your senses. While yearly access can be acquired, one-time visitors can gain entry for 7 consecutive days by paying the $30 entrance fee.
