Marble Canyon

John D. Lee began the operation of a ferry at the mouth of the Grand Canyon in 1873. The crossing site, later named Lee’s ferry, provided passage for Utah pioneers across the mighty Colorado River. Before the ferry, pioneers had to circumvent the 277 mile long Grand Canyon to reach their Arizona destinations. Increasing demand to cross the river and a deadly ferry accident prompted the idea of crossing high above the water.

In 1927, construction of the Grand Canyon Bridge began roughly 5 miles downstream of Lee’s Ferry. The canyon spans roughly 800 feet across at the construction site while the Grand Canyon’s average width is 10 miles. The bridge across Marble Canyon was completed and christened with ginger ale in 1929. At that time, the 467 foot high bridge was the highest steel arch bridge in the world. In 1934, the bridge was renamed the Najavo Bridge.

To meet the needs of increasing traffic, construction of a larger bridge began in 1993. Ground broke 200 feet downstream from the historic Navajo Bridge. Two years after construction began, automobile traffic was diverted onto the new Navajo Bridge. The historic bridge then became a pedestrian bridge.

Today, the bridges provide a means for all to travel, sightsee, and learn. A brief stop provides a view of the Colorado River, Marble Canyon, the Vermillion Cliffs, California condors roosting on bridge beams, an educational experience at the NPS visitor center, and an opportunity to support local artists from the Navajo Nation.

This image was taken on the historic Navajo Bridge and provides a view of the mighty Colorado River below, the staggering Marble canyon walls, and the Vermilion Cliffs in the distance.

If you’d like to learn more about this wonderful location, check out this website.