Marble Canyon, Arizona

1. Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway

If you are driving along the Arizona Strip towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, between Fredonia and Bitter Springs, you will be driving along one of the most beautiful roads in the world: The 104-mile drive Fredonia-Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Road. Massive purple sandstone cliffs rise almost vertically from deep vermillion canyons dropping into the abyss, surrounded by vast open spaces, a landscape that could belong to some other planet, mysterious, magnificent, and breathtakingly beautiful.

The drive will take you across the ancient Kaibab National Forest, and you will cross the fascinating turn of the 20th century Navajo Bridge, where the Colorado River carves out Marble Canyon below. If you look up, you might spot the endangered California condor with its bald, orange head and massive wings cruising through the sky.

The road ends at the Grand Canyon, but don’t be in a rush to arrive; drive slowly and enjoy this magical place. If you are looking for free things to do in Arizona Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway is a great road trip idea with kids.

Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway, Highway 89A, Marble Canyon, Arizona

2. Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam

High on top of the huge Glen Canyon Dam, about 110 feet above its highest point, is the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam, a magnificent modernistic structure with a curved wall of glass overlooking Lake Powell. The visitors center was built to provide information about the dam to the thousands of visitors who come every year to see this incredible feat of engineering, surrounded by the majesty of nature.

The center offers a range of wonderful exhibits and tells the story about the challenges of building the dam through dioramas, photographs, and a wonderful relief map of the whole area – the dam, Lake Powell, and the surrounding wilderness. The Glen Canyon Natural History Association, a non-profit educational organization, together with the Bureau of Reclamation organizes 45-minute guided tours through Glen Canyon Dam.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, US-89, Lake Powell, AZ 84533, Phone: 928-608-6072, Video

3. Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge (Blanche Russell Rock House)

About a 10-minute drive from the Navajo Bridge's pedestrian walkway over the Colorado River and 9 miles from Marble Canyon is Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge (Blanche Russell Rock House). Today a rustic lodge for tired travelers, this beautifully restored 1920s stone and timber structure was originally built as a trading post for those who were first attracted by the magical vermillion cliffs and endless blue skies. Today, the lodge offers charming cabins with pine walls but also TVs, coffeemakers, and private bathrooms. There is also a restaurant that offers barbecue or sandwiches in front of a cozy fireplace or outside on a spacious patio overlooking the desert. Old Cliff Dwellers Loge is listed as a National Historic Site in Marble Canyon.

Mile Post 547 N Hwy 89A, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, Phone: 928-355-2261

4. Marble Canyon

Located about two hours from Flagstaff, Arizona, just below Glen Canyon Dam and stretching from this part of the Colorado River to its confluence with the Little Colorado River, is Marble Canyon. Together with Lee’s Ferry, Marble Canyon, with its magnificent purple and almost vertical cliffs, marks the start of the western end of the Grand Canyon. Just a preview of the incredible beauty that will come downriver, Marble Canyon and Lee’s Ferry are the popular starting point for river adventures along the Grand Canyon. The Navajo Bridge, where US Highway 89A crosses the Colorado River, is a great spot to see the majesty of Marble Canyon.

Marble Canyon, Arizona 86036

5. Lees Ferry Anglers

Lees Ferry Anglers are the largest fly fishing outfitter and the oldest fly-fishing shop at the head of the Grand Canyon. If you have always dreamed of learning how to fly-fish, there is no better place to learn than at the side of one of the experienced Lees Ferry Anglers guides. They are also there for you if you want to refresh your skills or bring them to a new level. If you book a day trip with Lees Ferry guides, you will get hands-on experience on every aspect of fishing, and, best of all, you will actually catch some fish. The guides will teach you about safety, knots, rigging, casting, flies, equipment, entomology, and drifting. You will also learn how to fight, land, and handle fish safely.

Mp 547 North U.S. Hwy 89A, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, Phone: 928-355-2261

6. Kayak the Colorado

There are many ways of going down the mighty Colorado River and enjoying the purple canyons and majestic cliffs. What kind of vessel you will use depends on your skills and choice, but whatever you want to do, Kayak the Colorado will find the right equipment for you. They have a large choice of kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and stand-up paddleboards. They also organize guided fishing trips on the Colorado River and offer a haul service for your boat to the dam. An inflatable kayak or ducky is the best choice if you want to make sure you are always afloat. Paddleboards are great for paddling upstream and enjoying the view of the Navajo sandstone painted walls. Motorboats are good for fishing, but you have to launch them yourself. There is something for everyone.

Lodge Loop Rd, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, Phone: 928-640-6206

7. Cathedral Wash Trail

Cathedral Wash Trail is one of the most popular trails in the area for those who want to enjoy Colorado Canyon up close and personal. Cathedral Wash is a short and incredibly scenic slot canyon, the shortest of the tributaries to the Marble Canyon. The trail to Cathedral Wash starts about 1.3 miles from Navajo Bridge, on the road to Lee's Ferry. At the beginning, Cathedral Wash starts as a shallow sandy arroyo but as you walk downstream, the walls of the canyon rise steeply and dramatically above. As you keep going, the wash changes into a true slot canyon, with almost vertical walls and spectacular geology. It is a moderately easy hike, with a few ledges that call for some scrambling. The trail eventually opens up at the clear, blue Colorado River in majestic Marble Canyon.

Lees Ferry Rd, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036

8. Kelly Outfitters at Lees Ferry

A resident of Marble Canyon for many years, Steve Kelly knows where the best fishing is. He runs Kelly Outfitters at Lees Ferry, offering fishing trips and adventures in this magical purple canyon full of trout. Steve particularly enjoys helping inexperienced anglers learn the art of fly-fishing. He takes his clients fishing from Lee’s Ferry, atop the Grand Canyon, deep into Marble Canyon, probably one of the most wonderful experiences for any angler, especially if they manage to catch one of the trophy trout. Marble Canyon is an incredibly beautiful spot, with crystal-clear water and steep sandstone cliffs that rise up to 1,000 feet. Let Kelly Outfitters take care of all details while you enjoy the scenery and great fishing.

PO Box 6128, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, Phone: 602-510-5511