Arizona rivers lakes fishing and boating recreation

Lees Ferry

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026

Lees Ferry on the Colorado River in Marble Canyon Arizona

Lees Ferry Entering Marble Canyon. © Silver Spur Tours

Lees Ferry is a historic Colorado River crossing and recreation area in northern Arizona near Marble Canyon, Navajo Bridge and the mouth of the Paria River. Today it is best known as the principal launch point for Colorado River trips through Grand Canyon, a renowned trout-fishing destination and the site of several historic structures associated with early settlement and ferry operations.

Located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lees Ferry offers river access, camping, hiking, fishing and opportunities to explore nearby Lonely Dell Ranch and the Lees Ferry Historic District. Its relatively calm river access also makes it an important transition point between Glen Canyon and Marble Canyon.

Lees Ferry Overview
History
Trout Fishing
Rafting & River Trips
Camping & Facilities
Hiking & Historic Sites
Best Time To Visit
Directions
FAQ

Colorado River at Lees Ferry surrounded by Marble Canyon cliffs

Lees Ferry At A Glance

Location: Northern Arizona near Marble Canyon and Navajo Bridge
River: Colorado River near the mouth of the Paria River
Park area: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Known for: Grand Canyon rafting launches, trout fishing and historic ferry sites
Historic crossing: Ferry operations began in the 1870s and ended in 1928
Nearby historic site: Lonely Dell Ranch
Popular activities: Fishing, rafting, camping, hiking, photography and historic sightseeing
Nearby landmark: Navajo Bridge

Lees Ferry History

Lees Ferry developed at one of the few locations where travelers could reach the Colorado River through hundreds of miles of surrounding canyon country. John D. Lee and members of his family settled near the river in the early 1870s, established Lonely Dell Ranch and helped operate a ferry crossing that became an important transportation link between settlements in Utah and Arizona.

The first substantial ferryboat began operating in 1873. John D. Lee was later arrested and executed in 1877 for his role in the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. His wife Emma continued operating the ferry and ranch before the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased the ferry rights in 1879.

Lees Ferry remained an important Colorado River crossing into the early automobile era. The ferry sank in 1928, killing three men, and was not replaced because construction of the nearby Navajo Bridge was nearing completion. Navajo Bridge opened to traffic in January 1929, ending the need for regular ferry service.

Historic Lees Ferry area along the Colorado River in northern Arizona

Trout Fishing At Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry is one of Arizona's best-known trout-fishing destinations. The cold Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam supports a productive trout fishery, and anglers fish both from boats and accessible shoreline areas. Guided fishing services also operate from the Lees Ferry launch area.

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for resident and non-resident anglers age 10 or older fishing publicly accessible waters unless an exemption applies. Regulations can change, so anglers should review the current Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing rules before a trip.

Grand Canyon Rafting & River Trips From Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry is the primary launch point for permitted Colorado River trips entering Grand Canyon. Commercial and noncommercial expeditions launch here for journeys through Marble Canyon and the Grand Canyon, with trip lengths ranging from shorter commercial itineraries to multi-week river expeditions.

Noncommercial Grand Canyon river trips require advance permits and follow specific National Park Service launch procedures. Commercial rafting companies operate under authorization and established launch schedules. Visitors interested in a river trip should arrange reservations or permits well in advance rather than arriving at Lees Ferry expecting to join a trip without prior planning.

Boating Upstream From Lees Ferry

The Colorado River between Lees Ferry and Glen Canyon Dam is also used for fishing boats and other permitted watercraft. Visitors using watercraft in this river corridor must follow current Glen Canyon National Recreation Area regulations. A free Lees Ferry Backcountry River Permit is required for groups using watercraft between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry, but it is not required for visitors who are only hiking or fishing from the riverbank.

Lees Ferry Camping & Visitor Facilities

Lees Ferry provides developed visitor facilities for anglers, campers and river runners. Facilities include river-access parking, boat and raft launch areas, restrooms, picnic areas and nearby camping. A separate staging and camping area is used by permitted noncommercial Grand Canyon river parties before launch.

The developed Lees Ferry Campground is located away from the immediate launch-ramp area. Overnight camping and parking are restricted at the launch ramp itself, so visitors should use designated camping and overnight-parking areas.

Services are limited in this remote part of northern Arizona. Marble Canyon and the Navajo Bridge area provide some nearby traveler services, but visitors should arrive with adequate drinking water, fuel and supplies.

Hiking & Historic Sites At Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry offers several opportunities to explore the area's history on foot. Just upstream from the launch ramp, the Lees Ferry Historic District River Trail passes historic structures and remnants associated with ferry operations, mining and early settlement. The round-trip route is approximately two miles over mixed terrain.

Nearby Lonely Dell Ranch preserves cabins, a stone ranch house, orchard and pioneer cemetery associated with families who lived and worked at Lees Ferry. The self-guided ranch walk is approximately one mile round trip.

Experienced hikers can also climb the steep Spencer Trail above the river. The route gains more than 1,500 feet and has very little shade, making it unsuitable during extreme summer heat.

Best Time To Visit Lees Ferry

Spring: Comfortable temperatures make spring excellent for fishing, hiking, camping and sightseeing.
Summer: River recreation remains popular, but daytime heat can become extreme and exposed hiking trails offer little shade.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and generally pleasant conditions make fall one of the best seasons for fishing, camping and historic-site exploration.
Winter: Fishing and sightseeing remain possible, but freezing nights and cold river temperatures require additional preparation.

Lees Ferry Visitor Tips

Carry plenty of drinking water because the area is remote, dry and exposed.
Check current fishing regulations before fishing the Colorado River.
Do not camp overnight at the launch ramp; use designated camping areas.
Confirm permit and orientation requirements well in advance if launching a private Grand Canyon river trip.
Avoid strenuous exposed hikes during extreme summer heat.
Allow extra time to visit Lonely Dell Ranch, Navajo Bridge and the Lees Ferry Historic District.
Keep vehicles and gear clear of the busy river-launch area except when actively loading or unloading.

Directions To Lees Ferry Arizona

Lees Ferry is reached from U.S. Highway 89A near Marble Canyon and Navajo Bridge. From the Navajo Bridge area, follow Lees Ferry Road approximately five miles toward the Colorado River and the Lees Ferry Historic District and launch area.

Travelers approaching from Page generally use U.S. 89 south toward Bitter Springs and then U.S. 89A toward Marble Canyon. Because this is remote desert country, check current road and weather conditions before traveling.

Lees Ferry & Marble Canyon Planning Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Lees Ferry Arizona

Where Is Lees Ferry Arizona?

Lees Ferry is located on the Colorado River near Marble Canyon and Navajo Bridge in northern Arizona within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

What Is Lees Ferry Known For?

Lees Ferry is known as a historic Colorado River crossing, a major Grand Canyon rafting launch point and one of Arizona's best-known trout-fishing destinations.

Can You Fish At Lees Ferry?

Yes. Lees Ferry offers excellent Colorado River trout fishing from both boats and accessible shoreline areas. Current Arizona fishing regulations and license requirements apply.

Do You Need A Fishing License At Lees Ferry?

Yes. A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for resident and non-resident anglers age 10 or older fishing publicly accessible waters unless an exemption applies.

Do Grand Canyon Rafting Trips Start At Lees Ferry?

Yes. Lees Ferry is the primary launch point for permitted commercial and noncommercial Colorado River trips through Marble Canyon and Grand Canyon.

Can You Camp At Lees Ferry?

Yes. A developed campground is available near Lees Ferry. Overnight camping is not permitted at the river launch ramp except in specifically designated river-runner areas under applicable rules.

What Historic Sites Can You Visit At Lees Ferry?

Visitors can explore the Lees Ferry Historic District, Lonely Dell Ranch, pioneer buildings, mining remnants and the historic ferry-crossing area.

When Did The Lees Ferry Crossing Begin?

The first substantial ferryboat at Lees Ferry began operating in 1873, although travelers had crossed the river in this area earlier.

When Did Lees Ferry Stop Operating As A Ferry?

The ferry sank in 1928 and was not replaced. Nearby Navajo Bridge opened to traffic in January 1929 and provided a permanent Colorado River crossing.

How Far Is Lees Ferry From Navajo Bridge?

Lees Ferry is approximately five miles by road from the Navajo Bridge and Marble Canyon area.

Arizona Lakes