Special Hike Monday MELLOW hikes

Mellow Hike: Multiple Hikes around Lee's Ferry Historic Area
Approximately 5 combined miles total, with minimal AEG
Departure Time from Sun Lakes: 6AM
ARRIVE at Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center in Marble Canyon, AZ (Google Maps) around 10:30AM for lunch, then use their restrooms, visit the Interpretive Center, and walk across the historic Navajo Bridge. After lunch, we will carpool to 2-3 short hikes in the area, then head to our hotel in Page, AZ
Hike Leaders: Fritz Neufeld, Don Lewis, Al Metz & Ginny Metz
The Mellow group will be divided into 2 groups for purposes of Monday’s hikes. We will do this division and set up car pools after lunch before leaving the Navajo Bridge area.

1. Lonely Dell Ranch

Description: A gentle 1+ mile hike around the historic ranch site built in 1871 and named for John Lee, who was banished to this site by Brigham Young after Lee’s participation in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, September 11, 1857. The site consists of several buildings used by the polygamist families during their stays at the site, an orchard which can be picked from if there is any ripe fruit, and a cemetery of many inhabitants, all along the banks of the Paria River.
Trailhead Directions: The trailhead is 5.6 miles from the Navajo Bridge. Leaving the Bridge parking lot turn right onto AZ-89A for just 100 yards and turn right onto Lees Ferry Road. There is a kiosk just onto the Road where you will need to pay your access fee – unless you have a Senior Park Pass (in that case continue ahead). Proceed approximately 5.5 miles to an intersection with the left turn being a gravel road. Turn left here and proceed to the parking lot.

2. River Trail

Description: A relatively flat hike of 2+ miles, with mixed base, some limited scrambling over larger rock formations, and lovely views of the Colorado River. Many historic placards and story boards of the early settlement and attempts to mine the area.
Trailhead Directions: From the Lonely Dell parking lot, go back to the paved road, turn left onto Lees Ferry Road and drive ¼ mile to the parking area past the boat launch (on the right). Park and use the facilities if necessary. Gather at the far end of the lot.

3. Cathedral Rock Wash

Time and weather permitting (we need to be leaving Navajo Bridge by 4 pm, and any rain or snow before our trip will make the hike messy)
Description: For an exposure to a totally different geology and nature of hiking we will hike down a rocky wash for just ¾ of a mile to view what water can do to solid rock.
Trailhead Directions: On the way back from Lees Ferry area to Navajo Bridge at about 4.5 miles is a pull over area called Cathedral Rock Wash. Park in this pull out and assemble near the bridge you just crossed.

NAVAJO BRIDGE TO PAGE
Return to Navajo Bridge from wherever you are, take your personal cars with all appropriate passengers, exit the Bridge parking area and turn LEFT onto AZ-89A. Travel south on AZ-89A to a stop sign at its intersection with AZ-89. Turn LEFT onto AZ-89 and continue up the hill, NOT STOPPING at the overlook (that is for your trip home Thursday). Drive past the Walmart to Scenic View Road and turn LEFT (if you miss this turn, continue forward to the traffic circle and take the THIRD exit), and go to the Sleep Inn, uphill from the canyon. About 40 miles and nearly 1 hour.