Spencer Trail with Lee's Ferry

[Jim]

I'll probably hike the Spencer at least twice, and camp out on either Friday or Saturday night. Hope for mild, sunny weather like we have had so much of this winter. If there is any reason I can't camp at the recreation area, I'll camp nearby.

[PaleoRob]

If I can get up there, I'd love to. Fun trail. Need to drop some stuff off in Page. Maybe I can swing it. ???

[Jim]

Swing it. I have an ulterior motive in these trips to Colorado, Flagstaff, and Page. Shopping, usually groceries, but also things people take for granted in normal towns.

[PaleoRob]

I know how that goes, Jim. I know exactly how that goes.

[Jim]

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=15735

Could do that one, too.

[mikehikes]

The campground has been fairly empty the last few weeks. Even on weekends. I won't be up there that week.

Mike Coltrin
Lees Ferry

[JuanJaimeiii]

One of my favorite trails of all. Wish I could make it.

[Jim]

Rob, unless you're going to last-minute commit, I might go Sunday as it is supposed to be nicer and warmer Sunday and Monday.

[azbackpackr]

This is a really pretty hike, folks, and the campground in Lee's Ferry is pretty nice. You should take Jim up on this! If you stay an extra day you can hike Cathedral Wash. Or, hike it the same day.

Also, it's good to know that at this time of year you can rent a room at Marble Canyon Lodge, 8 miles from the Ferry, with a full-sized kitchen, for about $40 or so. It was $35 last winter, but I can't remember if that was before or after tax. (You do have to request a kitchen room.) The restaurant at the Lodge is closed in winter, but the fast food restaurant inside the gas station convenience store, next door to the lodge, uses the same cook. They serve burgers, chili, etc. Food is ok, wifi is so-so, rooms are comfortable. Or, bring your own food, use the kitchen in the hotel room. The kitchens have some dishes, pots and pans, coffee maker, full size fridge, full size stove, microwave, dishwasher.

Marble Canyon Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the Navajo Bridge Visitor's Center. Very beautiful view from the bridge. Also worth visiting is Lonely Dell, near the Ferry, beside the Paria River, where John D. Lee lived, the man who ran the the actual ferry boat back when there was a ferry boat. He is an important historical figure as well. The gift shop at the Lodge has a lot of really great books on Canyon history, river running history, etc.

[PaleoRob]

My hiking kids wanted to do Picacho, and I am broke, so I can't make it up this weekend. Enjoy it on Sunday.

[Jim]

$35!? I'm going to the lodge.

[azbackpackr]

Well, that was last winter. Anyway, in the late fall they drop the price a lot. Call them, ask. Room 108 has sort of a view of the cliffs, and a big kitchen.

[Jim]

Got my room reserved, I'll spend tomorrow night at the Ferry, and do the Spencer Trail. Hopefully I get in 3 times on the Spencer, but 2 will be acceptable. I'm so low on AEG these days, and mileage, too, that I don't even register on the HAZ-dar. I'm looking forward to a good hike.

[outdoor_lover]

@Jim_HEnjoy it, it's such a beautiful area. I'm envious...

[Jim]

The photos look nice. I'm looking forward to it. I may have to go there more in spring, because while I want to go to Tucson at least once, that is now a 7 to 8 hour drive away, and that is basically an entire day for me, not a 1/2 day drive.

[azbackpackr]

If you are not doing the Dominguez Pass route from the top of the Spencer Trail, be sure to at least walk around up there. There are a number of viewpoints. There are a couple of small hills, one to the right (SSE) one to the left (NNW) as you top over the rim. You can climb those to get a little more elevation and a better view. The hill to the southwest has a climbable slope on its north side. Otherwise it's more like rock climbing.