Lonely Dell Ranch, Coconino County Travel Guide

4.8 (65)

Discover pioneer life at Lonely Dell Ranch in Marble Canyon, Arizona. Explore historic cabins, orchards, and a peaceful cemetery.

Step back in time at Lonely Dell Ranch, a historic site in Marble Canyon, Arizona, that tells the story of early Mormon pioneers and their self-sufficient way of life. Explore the well-preserved cabins, wander through the fruit orchard, and visit the serene cemetery to get a glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Lonely Dell Ranch

Marble Canyon, Arizona, 86036, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lonely Dell Ranch.

Visit in late summer or early fall to pick ripe fruit from the orchard.
Bring water, especially during the hot summer months, and take breaks in the shade.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on gravel, sandy, and uneven surfaces.
Check for any alerts or closures before visiting on the National Park Service website.

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Explore Lonely Dell Ranch on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lonely Dell Ranch, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Marble Canyon, follow Lees Ferry Road approximately 5.1 miles. Just before crossing the Paria River bridge, turn left onto a gravel road. Continue a short distance to the trailhead parking area. Motorhomes and vehicles with trailers may need to park at the intersection. A Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Pass is required; a 7-day pass costs $30 per vehicle.
Walking

From the parking area, it's a short, easy walk down the road to the ranch. The main ranch buildings are about 700 feet from the parking area. The complete self-guided walking tour of the orchard, cabins, and cemetery is about 1 mile round trip.

Discover more about Lonely Dell Ranch

Lonely Dell Ranch, nestled in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Lees Ferry, Arizona, offers a unique window into the lives of 19th-century pioneers. Established in the 1870s by Mormon pioneer John D. Lee, the ranch served as a vital crossing point along the Colorado River and a self-sustaining home for the families who operated the ferry.Visitors can explore the historic cabins, including Samantha's Cabin, and imagine the challenges and triumphs of early settlers. The ranch features an orchard with a variety of fruit trees, including apples, apricots, plums, peaches, and pears, which visitors are welcome to pick (up to 5 gallons per person per day for personal consumption) when in season. A stroll through the cemetery reveals the final resting place of many who called Lonely Dell home.Today, Lonely Dell Ranch provides a tranquil escape where travelers can appreciate the beauty of the desert landscape and the resilience of those who came before. Informational signs throughout the site offer insights into the ranch's rich history and significance.