One of the least-visited places in the Southwest is the Arizona Strip, which is cut off from the rest of Arizona by the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Marble Canyon is a long drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, making a visit north an over-night event well worth the effort. On the way, US 89A spans the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell at Lees Ferry---the site where most of the river rafting trips begin. Near the put-in point, several old but clean and funky motels serve as base camps for Marble Canyon visitors. Marble Canyon is also the foot of the Vermilion Cliffs, a red rock mesa.
Cliff Dwellers Lodge
Cliff Dwellers Lodge is a funky hotel. Although it has just 21 units, it's a favorite with travelers and those needing a base camp overnight. It's motif is "U.S. Road Trip." The Lodge is close to fishing, hiking, hunting, and Lake Powell boating. The Lodge offers professional fishing guides for anglers.
Cliff Dwellers Lodge
Mile Post 541.5 N Highway 89A
Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
(928) 355-2261
www.cliffdwellerslodge.com
Lee's Ferry Lodge
Lee's Ferry was the only crossing on the Colorado River from Arizona into Utah in the late 1800s. The lodge, located about three miles west of the Navajo Bridge, has a couple dozen rooms, but is large enough to accommodate families and groups. There are suites for up to seven people.
Lee's Ferry Lodge
Mile Marker 541.5 Highway 89A
Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
(928) 355-2231
www.leesferrylodge.com
Jacob Lake Inn, Jacob Lake, AZ
The Jacob Lake Inn has modest accommodations in a log-style building, yet is the epitome of a rural mountain lodge. It covers the normality of the rooms with a wonderful bakery and old-time lunch counter that seems to be packed all day and all night. The Lodge is the next closes lodging to Marble Canyon.
Jacob Lake Inn
HWY 89A & AZ-67
Jacob Lake, AZ 86022
(928) 643-7232
www.jacoblake.com/
About The Author
Eric Jay Toll has been writing since 1970, influenced by his active lifestyle. An outdoorsman, businessman, planner and travel writer, Toll'is work appears in LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow, travel guides for the Navajo Nation and "TIME" and "Planning" magazines. He studied broadcast marketing and management at Southern Illinois University.
