Known as “Lee’s Backbone,” this sharply sloped slickrock was the location of the wagon road as it approached from the south. ... Spencer Trail 1.5 miles Strenuous; Trail climbs a vertical cliff with 1500 foot elevation gain. We’ve been committed to protecting the Grand Canyon and surrounding landscapes for over 30 years. At one point the trail crosses a very steep debris slope where it becomes quite narrow, about 18 inches wide. Don't let a little snow keep you from exploring the Grand Canyon. Knowledge is power. It was built in 1929 and was an important bridge because it made it possible to cross the moody Colorado River without taking the more antiquated cable ferry across at nearby Lees Ferry. Built by hand in 1911, the path was intended … Spencer Trail. White Mesa Cultural and Conservation Area, Grand Canyon Gear Guide: What to pack for your hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is accessible year-round. When you are done exploring the area and absorbing the views, return down the way you came. — Spencer Trail Location: Trailhead located a couple hundred yards upstream from the Lees Ferry boat launch. in environmental science and policy at NAU. Dimitris maintains relationships with many people -- family, friends, associates, & neighbors -- including Ames Spencer, Michael Spencer, Gloria Spencer and Darrin Spencer. We’re collecting stories about first impressions of the Grand Canyon. ... Look up the Spencer Trail. Horseshoe Bend. As you labor your way up this rugged, steep trail, keep in mind that, in 1776, the Dominguez/Escalante expedition climbed this same ridge a mile or so farther up the Paria River. Will you consider join us as the canyon's champion by making a gift today? Get 3 new hikes in your inbox every month. If you walk down the slope towards the east you can peer into the only remaining section of Glen Canyon, which was drowned by Lake Powell in the early 1960s. The trail is about a two-mile round trip over mixed terrain. The Paria River is now one of the most important sources of sand for creating critically important beaches along the river in the Grand Canyon because Lake Powell captures all the sediment that washes down from the uplands of the Colorado River Basin. Lees Ferry Boat Ramp 10+ Bought $290 $235 Tips. While you are taking a moment to catch your breath, look down at the ledge of white sandstone across the river from the launching ramp. Glen Canyon Entrance Fee - 1-7 Day Vehicle Pass - $25. Rainbow Bridge National Monument. There are a few amenities just outside of the Park in Marble Canyon. Many of the hikes and destinations featured on the Colorado Plateau Explorer are located in remote areas or near rural communities with limited healthcare resources. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Advocate for the lands you love to explore! Address: Spencer Trail, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036. Currently, Dimitris lives in Marble Canyon, AZ. This hike involves following the signs as one walks upstream. If an early morning hike is involved, the morning sun delivers the namesake colors. You can camp for free or nearly free around Lake Powell. Summary: Dimitris Spencer is 29 years old today because Dimitris's birthday is on 10/01/1991. Northwest, AZ. Cast a line at one of Arizona's many lakes, streams or river where a variety of popular fish species are stocked—rainbow trout, catfish, tilapia, sunfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, flathead catfish, rainbow trout, walleye, yellow bass, bluegill, green sunfish and carp. Spencer Trail - A moderately difficult 5 mile RT trail gaining 1,700 feet in elevation. This is a 4.4 mile out-and-back hike with 1700 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 2-4 hours to complete. This is an easy hike and offers its visitors a glimpse into the labyrinth of Arizona’s canyon country. The closest designated campground to Marble Canyon accessible by rental car is at Lee's Ferry. The Spencer trail heads towards the canyon wall from this junction. One enduring legacy of the attempt to extract riches from the earth at Lee's Ferry is the Spencer Trail, a steep, rocky 2 mile trail that climbs 1600' from the river's edge to the top of the nearby Echo Cliffs. During this climb, one can view the Echo Peaks to the south of the Colorado where John Dellenbaugh fired his pistol in 1872 in an attempt to use echo to determine distance from the peak to the river. Check out the stretch of river located below Saguaro Lake for the only cold-water trout fishery in the U.S. that’s located in a desert. Sign up for action alerts ›, Was it love at first sight, or did sore knees make you vow never to hike in the canyon again? Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Lees Ferry is a tiny settlement next to the Colorado River at the end of a side road 6 miles from ALT US 89 in north Arizona, not especially interesting itself but surrounded by some remarkable scenery. These magnificent lands will be here waiting for you then. Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park. The hike was a switch back filled trail, but throughout the entire trail you have an amazing view of the Colorado River which really keeps you going! Luis Report | a month ago. (function () { var e = document.createElement('script'); e.type = 'text/javascript'; e.async = true; e.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? Below the painted desert colors of the Chinle Formation is also visible. Climbing up, up, and up The trail aggressively climbs up a debris slope below the cliffs that tower above. Just past the forts of Lees Ferry near the launch ramp is the start of the route. Grand Canyon / Marble Canyon (60) Northern Arizona (33) Mogollon Rim (33) Phoenix Area and Central Arizona (86) Superstition and Mazatzal Wilderness (44) Tucson Area and Southern Arizona (19) Prescott Area (30) Petrified Forest National Park and North Eastern AZ (5) White Mountains and Eastern Arizona (15) Hikes outside of Arizona. For those with excellent route finding skills, it is possible to hike along the ridge top to Dominguez Pass and return to the Paria Canyon floor by the route those early explorers used. The trail is not maintained and can be difficult to follow. Water is life in the Grand Canyon, but uranium mines located on public land mere miles from the North and South Rims threaten to contaminate the Grand Canyon's waters. 'https' : 'http') + '://btn.createsend1.com/js/sb.min.js?v=3'; e.className = 'createsend-script'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(e, s); })(); Hiking At Lee's Ferry. Around the turn of the century, a new road called “The Dugway” was constructed along the steep slope of broken red rock to the right of Lee’s Backbone. Soon after the narrow section, the trail climbs a series of short switchbacks and rock ledges as it works its way up to a small outcropping. After the sixth switchback, the trail works its way along a small ledge above the first fractured cliff face. 928-608-6200. Lees Ferry is the only place within Glen Canyon where visitors can drive to the Colorado River in over 700 miles of canyon country, right up to the first rapid in the Grand Canyon. The Spencer Trail begins at the north end of Lees Ferry Road, just beyond the Grand Canyon raft launching area. Remember to display your pass on your dashboard so you do not get ticketed by the park service. A few hundred feet farther brings you to the junction of the Spencer Trail and River Trail; turn left. In about a hundred yards, you reach a set of sandstone slab steps. Website. The junction of 89A and Lee’s Ferry Road is near the western end of the Navajo Bridge, which crosses the Colorado River about 125 miles north of Flagstaff, AZ. As you climb, the upper part of the Paria Canyon comes into view. Over 4 miles in all, this trail awards you with stunning views of the Colorado River and the Vermillion Cliffs. Cottonwood Canyon Narrows At the edge of the parking lot you will see a sign that says “Lee’s Ferry Historic District, River Trail, and Spencer Trail.” Go past the sign, continue beyond the two small rock buildings on your left, and cross a wooden bridge. Marble Canyon, AZ. In a few sections, the trail has some exposure, but it’s a slope, not a drop off. Up to 19% Off River Boat Excursion from Glen Canyon Excursions. Page, AZ. It is still faintly visible if you look closely. Great family experience, my kids loved it, the boats were easy to handle and fast. Views to the east include the Kaiparowits Plateau, the long flat landform to the north, Navajo Mountain, and the Navajo Generating Station, which supplies power for running the massive pumps to get water from the Colorado River to Phoenix and Tucson. Receive action alerts, updates, and conservation news. Lee's Ferry is part of the GCNP and the campground is run by the park service. See the Day Hikes page. From here, the trail again climbs aggressively up through some very rugged and broken terrain until it finally reaches a long traverse along a relatively level ledge that is about 50 feet wide. The Spencer Trail is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area at Lee's Ferry, Arizona. Do not hike it in the dark. Lees Ferry and Spencer Trail Lookout is a 3.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Page, Arizona that features a river and is rated as difficult. When you get to the top you have incredible views of not only the Colorado River but the Vermillion Cliffs. After considerable climb, Lee's Backbone, the early ferry road up the southern bank of the river, can be seen. The trail divides as one path leads along the north side of the Colorado River, while the left branch heads up the Spencer Trail. Marble Canyon is situated 5 miles southwest of Spencer Trail Lookout. Here's everything you need to know for a winter trip to the big ditch. The North Rim opens May 15th and closes October 15. Marble Canyon is a populated place in Coconino County, Arizona, United States. Cathedral Wash Trail, Marble Canyon: Address, Cathedral Wash Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Spencer Trail - Marble Canyon Summary: The Spencer Trail is a steep out and Marble Canyon’s bridges and turquoise waters make it a popular snowshoe trail in Kootenay National Park. 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