Little Colorado River Gorge
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, 86023
A deep and dramatic gorge in the Painted Desert that’s been cut by the Little Colorado River, one of the largest tributaries of the Colorado River, this natural landmark offers dramatic scenery reminiscent of its much larger neighbor, the Grand Canyon, without the crowds. Several overlooks allow for easy viewing.
The basics
A number of Grand Canyon tours from Sedona, Flagstaff, and Phoenix stop at one of the Little Colorado River Gorge overlooks near Cameron, along with the Cameron Trading Post and points of interest within Grand Canyon National Park. You can stop at the overlooks on your own, on the way to or from the east entrance of the national park. Experienced hikers can also trek down the gorge to the Little Colorado River from along various trails.
Things to know before you go
There’s a fee to access the Little Colorado River Gorge, with separate fees up to the overlook and to go further into the backcountry.
National Park passes are not accepted, as the Little Colorado River Gorge is on Navajo Nation land.
Vendors selling Navajo jewelry and other items often set up at the two main overlooks near Cameron.
Most of the trails down and along the Little Colorado River Gorge are difficult and suitable for experienced hikers only.
How to get there
The two main overlooks to the Little Colorado River Gorge are located east of Grand Canyon National Park, near the town of Cameron. The most popular overlook can be found between mile markers 285 and 286, while the second overlook is around 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. The easiest way to visit is as part of a Grand Canyon sightseeing tour.
When to get there
The viewpoints of the Little Colorado River Gorge can be visited any time of year, and rarely get crowded, especially compared to the Grand Canyon. For hikes into the gorge and along the river, fall and winter generally offer the best (and safest) conditions, though late spring is an ideal window to see the turquoise waters that the Little Colorado River is known for.
Cameron Trading Post
Near the overlooks to the Little Colorado River Gorge, the historic Cameron Trading Post has been around for over a century. In addition to offering the largest collection of Navajo crafts in the area, the trading post is also home to a hotel and restaurant, where you can take in views of the gorge.
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