9.4 miles west on SR 64 from US Highway 89.
The Little Colorado River originates at Mt. Baldy in Arizona’s White Mountains and travels northward to Joseph City, Winslow, and Wupatki National Monument before reaching the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. 

According to maps, the Little Colorado river flows into the Grand Canyon.  There the resemblance ceases, for no two canyons could be less alike than these.  Visit the Little Colorado  river Gorge on your way to the Grand Canyon, and you will observe the striking differences.

The narrow gorge of the Little Colorado conceals an astonishing depth.  The walls are almost colorless, gray, grim, and forbidding.  The Navajos regard it as just a part of their diversified land.  The visitor, however, views it with admiring eyes and awesome wonder.

Both of the overlooks have rest areas with ramadas, fireplaces and tables to provide leisure for the weary sightseer.  Metal hand rails provide safety as the modern walkway takes visitors right up to the jagged canyon's edge.  Numerous native vendors sell their handmade crafts at both overlooks, and with a stop at the Navajo Parks and Recreation Visitor Center, you can gather information on the area's  rugged hiking and backpacking trails.

At Cameron, the river known by river guides alternately the “LCR” or “Little C,” can no longer meander as it has one most of its journey. It must stay confined within this solid rock canyon. Here it begins to make a very rapid 2,000 ft (610 m) descent elevation in just 30 miles (48 km) to the Colorado River. From a picnic ground and overlook is a fine view of deep, narrow Gorge of the Little Colorado River, the finely layered upper limestone cliffs contrast with massive sandstone below, evidence of a shallow sea 250 million years ago.

2 VIEWPOINTS to ENJOY

There are two overlook areas both along the way to the Grand Canyon.

TRAIL TIPS top of page
To reach the trails and routes in these areas, long drives of rough dirt roads are required.  Roads can become impassable in wet weather and conditions can change quickly, so travelers should be prepared. A topographic map is usually helpful in reaching the trailheads.

The hikers using this area are usually experienced Grand Canyon hikers who are attracted by the spectacular natural beauty, the challenge of the difficult routes and the fewer number of other hikers that are encountered. The most popular trails in this area are the Hopi Salt Trail and the Blue Springs Trails. The other routes are infrequently used, although this may change. This area is becoming more widely known and may be included in a forthcoming Sierra Club guidebook to the Grand Canyon.

Map of Marble Canyon area
Map of Little Colorado River area

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CONTACT
Helen Webster, Park Manager
Cameron Visitor Center
P.O. Box 459
Cameron, AZ  86020
tel : 928-679-2303
fax : 928-679-2017

This visitor center is located at the junction of Highway 89 and Highway 64 in Cameron, Arizona.  Information and permits can be obtained for trails along the Colorado River, Marble Canyon, Jackass Canyon, Salt Trail Canyon, Totahatso Point, Rainbow Bridge trails, Cove Mesa, Coal Mine Canyon and areas in the western portion of the Navajo Nation.