The Little Colorado River is a tributary of the Colorado River, which, over the years, has carved and formed the Grand Canyon as we know it today. But even this “smaller” tributary has played its part and helped to form a unique landscape that is definitely worth seeing, given the ease with which you can reach its two main viewpoints. One thing that makes the Little Colorado River unique is that during the warmer months the minerals present in its waters create a very intense (and photogenic) blue/turquoise color, while during the rest of the year the color becomes dark brown, or remains almost completely dry.
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Little Colorado River Gorge: Location and Directions
The Little Colorado River is 300 miles long; it begins in the White Mountains in central Arizona and reaches the Colorado River. During its course, near Flagstaff, it forms fascinating waterfalls known as Grand Falls. The two most characteristic and easily accessible viewpoints are located along US-64. They are about half an hour from the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon and about an hour and a half from Page.
Viewpoints along US-64
A visit to the viewpoints above the Little Colorado River is especially recommended if you are trying to reach the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon from Page, since, as we mentioned, you will encounter them directly on your route and will not need to make any kind of detour. I would like to point out two of them that are the most famous and easy to visit.
- The first overlook you will encounter is located between mileposts 285 and 286 and is managed by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. The price of admission is $5 per person. Here you will find ample parking and many Navajo souvenir booths. The actual viewpoint is located right at the edge of the canyon. This entire area is protected by railings.
- The second one is located just over 5 miles away. At the time we are writing this article, you do not need to pay for a ticket to access it. Here you will find a much more spartan parking lot, fewer Navajo stalls and the canyon rim will be less protected. The view of the canyon carved by the Little Colorado River in my opinion is better here than the first overlook.
If you choose to visit the Navajo-operated viewpoint, be aware that it is not always accessible. The official hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and it is closed on major holidays.
Is it possible to visit the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado River?
For many Indian tribes, the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado River is a place of great importance. For the Hopi, life began at the confluence of the two rivers. The answer to whether or not you can hike to the confluence is yes, but there are many things to consider. First of all, the difficulty and the extreme length of the trails that take you down to the level of the two rivers. But also reaching the main viewpoints that allow you to observe from above the union of the Colorado and Little Colorado River is not at all easy. The viewpoints we are referring to are Cape Solitude (on the southern side) and the Blue Moon Mesa, a vast area between the Colorado River and US-89. To reach these panoramic points you will always need a 4×4 to avoid bad surprises on the dirt roads of the area. You can find more information about these routes on the map in this article. Another way to enjoy this area is to opt for one of the many tours along the course of the Colorado River.
Where to Stay in the Area
There are no accommodations in the immediate vicinity of the Little Colorado River Gorge. Our advice is to look for a hotel either in Page or at the Grand Canyon itself. You can read our recommendations for the best hotels near the Grand Canyon by clicking on the link below.
