Little Colorado River Gorge Offers Stunning Views, Outdoor Adventures in Apache County

A canyon stretching more than 50 miles across the northern Arizona landscape, the Little Colorado River Gorge drops to depths of up to 3,000 feet, its layered limestone and sandstone walls preserving 250 million years of geological history in shades of red, orange, and cream. Managed by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation as the Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, the site has earned the nickname "Nature's Time Capsule" for good reason.

The gorge sits north of the Colorado Plateau near the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon region and draws steady traffic from visitors traveling to and from the East entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. The scenic viewpoints along the rim offer cliff-edge vistas that, according to Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, rival the Grand Canyon's East Rim without the crowds.

The geology alone justifies the stop. The finely layered upper limestone cliffs contrast with the massive sandstone below, evidence of a shallow sea that blanketed this desertscape roughly 250 million years ago. When sunlight hits the canyon walls, the fine layers of limestone and sandstone create what the park describes as a tapestry of colors along the canyon walls.

The river itself has a long journey before it reaches this dramatic finale. The Little Colorado begins at Mount Baldy in the White Mountains of Arizona, running northward through St. Johns, Joseph City, Winslow, and past Wupatki National Monument and Cameron before emptying into the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

The park offers a picnic ground and overlook as its central visitor hub, along with waterless restrooms, ramadas, interpretive panels, accessible parking spaces, outdoor exercise equipment, and hiking trails. Local vendors at the site sell authentic Navajo jewelry and crafts.

Hikers seeking to explore beyond the viewpoints can obtain backcountry permits on request at any Navajo Nation Tribal Park location. The fee is $15 per person, with the possibility of additional fees depending on the hike. The park asks that all visitors pack out their trash and leave no trace, keeping the area clean for the travelers who follow.

Viewpoints may close without notice during emergencies or inclement weather. In any emergency situation at the gorge, contact the Tuba City Police Department at (928) 283-3111.

For trip planning and permit inquiries, reach the Cameron Visitor Center for Navajo Parks & Recreation at P.O. Box 459, Cameron, AZ 86020, or by phone at 928-679-2303. The Navajo Nation Parks main office in Window Rock can be reached at (928) 357-6291, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.