A Dam, A Ferry and a Horseshoe

Oct 31/16  Weather high of 72, low 50  sunny
Billy was doing the touring today and he packed the whole day of sites to see.  We took about a 44 mile drive from our campground to Lee's Ferry and back.  First we stopped at Glen Canyon Dam.  It separates Lake Powell from the Colorado River, generating lots of power and controlling water downstream to the south.  Since Billy worked in land surveying he finds these things fascinating.

Back side of the Dam, adjacent to Lake Powell

To travel to Lee's Ferry from Page it basically looks like a V on the map.  We crossed the Colorado River's Marble Canyon at the Navajo Bridge (built in 1929) which up till then the northern Arizona/southern Utah was only accessible at Lee's Ferry.   Once across the bridge you drive along the Vermilion Cliffs and see the Cathedral Rock formation.

Navajo Bridge spanning the Colorado River

Vermilion Cliffs, Cathedral Rock

the road along Marble Canyon from Lee's Ferry

Lee's Ferry service was started in 1871 by the namesake John D. Lee for the Mormon settlers moving south to Arizona from Utah.  The unique geography of the river crossing is accessible here only and cannot be found for hundreds of miles along the Colorado River.  These days it is a very popular spot for rafting companies to take tours on the river.

Lee's Ferry

To return we just retrace our drive as the only other alternative route would be hundreds of miles into Utah and back to Arizona.  There are few routes available in this terrain.  We enjoy the drive back since we always find everything looks different the other way.

Rosey and Billy in front of Horseshoe Bend, Colorado River

Just outside of Page we pulled into a scenic view point called Horseshoe Bend.   It is the Colorado River in a 270 degree turn.  It is about 1 and 1/2 mile hike but you can actually walk right up to the cliff edge, no fees, no guard rails.  The vantage point is amazing.

saw this heart shape in the path we took to Horseshoe Bend, has to be a Good Omen

Billy was quite the tour guide today!  Time to put our feet up and watch the sunset back at the campground.  Page, AZ is glorious.