Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook
November is the ideal month to explore this desolate, lesser-visited canyon rim, where the cooling desert air invites long, meditative hikes along the edge. The dramatic, vertical drop-offs and sweeping views of the arid river gorge provide a profound sense of solitude away from the crowded tourist paths.
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The Little Colorado River is a tributary of the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona, providing the principal drainage from the Painted Desert region. Together with its major tributary, the Puerco River, it drains an area of about 26,500 square miles (69,000 km2) in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. Although it stretches almost 340 miles (550 km), only the headwaters and the lowermost reaches flow year-round. Between St. Johns and Cameron, most of the river is a wide, braided wash, only containing water after heavy snowmelt or flash flooding.
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I really believe this is the beginning of the grand canyon. It's on Indian land so none of the passes will work. Entry fee was only $5, but nobody was at the both when I got there, which was ok, I planned on staying a while. There's 6 vault toilets, handwashing outside, covered n uncovered picnic tables, some place to leave your trash, n plenty of parking for RVs of any size, besides cars n trucks. There's a small playground for kids, n a hiking path. The views are out of this world! It's unbelievably beautiful. There's was a lady in the both when I left around noon, so I have her a ten. They've done an excellent job of upkeep n maintenance. She gave me a park reusable bag "for being honest." There's were quite a few cars that came n left while I was there.
Anyone visiting Grand Canyon National Park should definitely stop at this well-maintained viewpoint – it offers a taste of what awaits you further north. The Little Colorado River canyon is as spectacular as it is impressive! The viewpoint is managed by the Navajo Nation. There is no entrance fee, but donations are appreciated. The parking area, viewpoints, and restrooms (dry toilet) are all well-maintained. Along the path to the viewpoint, there are stalls where you can purchase traditional Navajo crafts and jewelry, but you don't have to. As it was not too crowded during our visit, we were able to enjoy the view in peace and at our own pace.
It's a pretty unique spot where you can peek into the canyon and see the Little Colorado River, which was totally dry then. We'd love to go back and check it out when it's flowing. The admission fee is $5 per person.