Overview

Hype:

The self-guided walking tour follows the trail along the river front of Lees Ferry. Starting near the gravel parking lot by the boat ramp, walk alongside old stone buildings that line the once busy river crossing area. Just upstream from the Lees Ferry launch ramp is the ferry crossing site and several historic buildings. Different ferryboats and pioneers, miners, Indians, and tourists crossed here from 1872 until 1928. Of special interest is Charles H. Spencer’s attempt to extract gold from the clay hills here in 1910. Two of the stone buildings, a steam boiler, and the remains of a sunken paddlewheel steamboat remain from his efforts.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: Up to 30 minutes

Length: 0.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: Negligible

Fees: Park Entrance

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.nps.gov/places/historic-district-river-trail.htm

Getting There

Navigate to 36.866566, -111.585944.

Park in the boat ramp parking lot.

Route

From the trailhead, follow the well-marked trail east for 0.2 miles, passing several historic buildings. The trail continues along the shore for about a mile, but the most interesting sights are in the first 0.2 miles, so most people choose to turn around at the steam boiler. Return the way you came.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Coordinates: 36.866362, -111.583283

Interactive Guide Map

Download Guide Map

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April 2, 2022 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye,

Logistics

Start: 1:55

End: 2:10

Story

Cooper and Madi wanted to stay in the car and watch their shows, so Tara, Savannah, and I hiked the interpretive trail without them. We found the historic buildings and equipment interesting, and the hike was pleasant.

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Pictures