Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry, 15 miles downriver from Glen Canyon Dam, figured prominently in the settlement of the surrounding canyon country. The Lees Ferry and Lonely Dell Ranch Historic Districts offer a glimpse into western pioneer life of the late 1800s.

It is here that adventurous visitors begin their river rafting trips through the Grand Canyon and backpackers hiking the Paria Canyon Primitive Area finish their 4-day journey down the Paria River. Highway travelers often stop at Navajo Bridge, one of only 7 land crossings of the Colorado River for 750 miles.

Just upriver from the boat launch ramp are several historic buildings. The small rock structure, built in 1913, functioned until 1923 as a post office for gold miners working the canyons. The most historically significant building is the rectangular Lees Ferry Fort. Built by Mormons for protection during the Navajo uprising in 1874, it later served as a Navajo trading post.

This is rugged country. Temperatures can be extreme, ranging from 0 F in the winter to 110 F in the summer. Flash floods are possible during stormy weather and can occur even when the sky is clear overhead. Always carry plenty of water - one gallon per person per day is recommended.

Permit Information
No permit needed for backcountry camping in this region. Stop by the visitor center for information on the strictly-enforced rules regarding camping distance from the water, use of campfires, and other resource concerns.

Directions
From Page, drive 23 miles south on Hwy. 89 to Bitter Spring. Turn north on Hwy. 89A and drive 14 miles to Navajo Bridge. The Lees Ferry junction is approximately 300 yards west of the bridge, on the right.

Information Center
There is a ranger station at Lee's Ferry, and the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center at nearby Navajo Bridge.

Activities