Cobalt and Sandstone: Lees Ferry from Spencer Lookout

📍 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona

The Story

Taken back in September 2023, I probably shouldn't have even taken this hike with summer weather still well in the 90s. I was killing time on the last day of my trip out to Arizona and was exploring the Marble Canyon area. Having just played tourist at the Navajo Bridge, I was still itching for more adventure but nothing too crazy. I quickly settled on taking the short but steep ascent up to Spencer Lookout at Lees Ferry. I didn't struggle too much on the way up, but the entire way up is led by a narrow scree filled trail that I would classify somewhere between a social trail and a fully qualified trail. It's hard to believe, but looking out in the distance you will see a natural assortment of greens, yellows, pinks, oranges, grays, and reds in the beautiful rock layers. Reaching Spencer Lookout rewards you with this fantastic contrast between bright fiery orange rock and the deep blue cobalt river flowing through Lees Ferry. After reaching the top, I spent far longer than I should have exploring the plateau top in search of different lookouts. As I suspected, you can actually hike out all the way to the REAL Horseshoe Bend from here if you can navigate the plateau top correctly. Maybe one day I'll do that and wave out to all of the tourists on the other side ...

Location Details

Trail: Spencer Trail
Feature: Colorado River

Conditions

Features: River,River Bend,Canyon Rim
Terrain: Loose Scree,High Desert,Plateau Top
Atmosphere: Sunny,Hot,Arid
Time Of Day: Afternoon

Technical Specs

Body: Nikon D850
Lens: Nikkor F 24mm f/1.8G ED
Settings: ƒ/8 | 1/200s | ISO 64 | 24mm
Resolution: 22039 x 9362 px (206.3 MP)
Date Taken: Sep 2023 (Fall)

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