Lees Ferry, Kaibab National Forest Travel Guide

4.8 (1095)

Discover Lees Ferry: Where history meets adventure at the gateway to the Grand Canyon, offering stunning scenery, fishing, rafting, and hiking.

Lees Ferry, a scenic spot in Marble Canyon, Arizona, is the only place in Glen Canyon where you can drive right to the Colorado River. Rich in history, it served as a crucial river crossing for pioneers and is now a popular launch point for Grand Canyon rafting trips and a prime spot for fishing and hiking.

A brief summary to Lees Ferry

Spencer Trail, 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 Lees Ferry.

Bring your National Park Pass or be prepared to pay the entrance fee to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Visit the Lees Ferry Historic Site to see the remains of the old ferry crossing and learn about the area's history.
Hike the Spencer Trail for panoramic views of Lees Ferry and the Colorado River.
Obtain a Lees Ferry Backcountry River Permit if you plan to use a watercraft on the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry.

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Explore Lees Ferry on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lees Ferry, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Page, Arizona, drive south on US-89 for approximately 23 miles. Turn right onto US-89A and continue for about 14.5 miles to Lees Ferry Road, located just past the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center. Turn right onto Lees Ferry Road and follow it for roughly 4.5 miles to reach Lees Ferry. Be prepared to pay the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee of $30 per vehicle at the entrance station. Parking is available in the Lees Ferry day-use area.

Discover more about Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry, nestled in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon and boasts a rich tapestry of natural beauty and human history. For centuries, this area served as a vital crossing point on the Colorado River, where the canyon walls were low enough to allow passage. John D. Lee established a ferry service here in 1871, giving the area its name and transforming it into a hub for Mormon pioneers, settlers, and explorers.Today, Lees Ferry is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It's the launching point for many rafting expeditions through the Grand Canyon, offering both commercial and non-commercial trips. The clear, cold waters upstream from Lees Ferry are renowned for world-class trout fishing, attracting anglers from around the globe. Hiking trails like the Spencer Trail provide stunning views of the canyon and the Colorado River.Visitors can explore the Lees Ferry Historic Site, which includes the remains of a sunken paddlewheel steamboat and the old Lees Ferry Fort. The nearby Lonely Dell Ranch offers a glimpse into the lives of the families who operated the ferry, with its preserved buildings, orchard, and cemetery. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor adventure, or simply soaking in the scenery, Lees Ferry provides a unique and unforgettable experience.