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Only place in hundreds of miles from which one can easily access the Colorado River from both sides and historically served as an important river crossing.
General Information
Accessible year-round as part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Motorcycle (1–7 days): $25
Individual entry on foot or bicycle (1–7 days): $15
Children 15 and under: Free
America the Beautiful and other applicable federal passes accepted
Summer can be extremely hot; winter is quieter with cooler weather
How to Get There
From Page, AZ (42 mi): Take US-89 S to US-89A W, cross Navajo Bridge, then turn right onto Lees Ferry Road and follow it to the end.
Overview
Lees Ferry is a historic Colorado River crossing in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 7.5 miles southwest of Page, and the official starting point for river trips through the Grand Canyon. It is famous for trout fishing below Glen Canyon Dam, for boat launching and rafting, and for the Lonely Dell Ranch Historic District. It is the only place in more than 260 miles where the Colorado River can be easily reached from both sides, without sheer canyon walls.
The ferry was operated by John Doyle Lee from the 1870s and served travelers for more than 55 years, until bridges replaced it. Since the 1920s, Lees Ferry has been the official gauging point that divides the river’s Upper and Lower Basins for water allocation. It is reached by Lees Ferry Road off U.S. 89A at Marble Canyon, west of the Navajo Bridges.
Nearly all Grand Canyon rafting trips, most of them commercial trips lasting a week to ten days, begin here. Lonely Dell Ranch and Lees Ferry are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to Do
Visit the Historic Gateway to the Grand Canyon
Lees Ferry is one of the most significant historic and recreational sites in northern Arizona. Located where the Paria River meets the Colorado River, it serves as the traditional launching point for rafting trips through Grand Canyon National Park and has long been an important crossing point for travelers, explorers, ranchers, and pioneers.
Launch a Colorado River Adventure
Lees Ferry is the only location within Grand Canyon National Park where vehicles can directly access the Colorado River. It serves as the starting point for world-famous rafting expeditions through Marble Canyon and the Grand Canyon, attracting river runners from around the world.
Explore Historic Lees Ferry Settlement
Visitors can discover remnants of the historic settlement established in the late 1800s by John D. Lee. Historic buildings, orchards, ranch structures, and interpretive exhibits provide insight into the area's role in transportation, settlement, and western frontier history.
Enjoy World-Class Trout Fishing
The stretch of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam is renowned for exceptional rainbow trout fishing. Anglers visit Lees Ferry year-round to fish in the cold, clear waters that support one of the most famous trout fisheries in the American Southwest.
Visit Marble Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs
Lees Ferry sits amid spectacular desert scenery surrounded by Marble Canyon, the Vermilion Cliffs, and colorful rock formations. Scenic overlooks and photography opportunities abound throughout the area, making it a favorite destination for landscape photographers and sightseers.
Learn About Geology and River History
The area provides a unique opportunity to experience the transition between Glen Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Interpretive displays explain the geology of the Colorado Plateau, the formation of Marble Canyon, and the historic importance of the Colorado River corridor.
Top Trails
Lees Ferry Historic Trail
Length: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This interpretive trail explores historic buildings, the original ferry site, ranch structures, and remnants of the pioneer settlement. Informational signs provide insight into the area's rich cultural history.
River Trail
Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Following the banks of the Colorado River, this scenic walk offers excellent views of Marble Canyon, opportunities for birdwatching, and access to fishing and photography locations.
Cathedral Wash Trail
Length: Approximately 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
One of the area's most popular hikes, Cathedral Wash follows a narrow drainage featuring colorful rock walls and dry-fall obstacles before descending to the Colorado River. The route showcases dramatic desert scenery and canyon geology.
Spencer Trail
Length: Approximately 3.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
This historic trail climbs steeply above Lees Ferry to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Colorado River, Marble Canyon, and surrounding desert landscapes. It offers some of the best views in the region.
Sources: National Park Service official Glen Canyon National Recreation Area information, including details on Lees Ferry history, rafting access, fishing, hiking trails, and visitor amenities.
https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/lees-ferry-area.htmhttps://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/lees-ferry-area.htm
Additional information verified through National Park Service resources and Glen Canyon visitor information covering Cathedral Wash Trail, Spencer Trail, Colorado River recreation, Marble Canyon geology, and the historic Lees Ferry settlement.
https://www.nps.gov/glca/index.htmhttps://www.nps.gov/glca/index.htm
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Lees Ferry", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
This article uses material from nps.gov "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area"
