Lee's Ferry – Grand Canyon, Arizona

Lee's Ferry is the beginning of the Grand Canyon National Park, and the place where nearly all river trips launch from. Originally a ferry point across the river started by Mormon pioneer John D. Lee in the 1870s, many a young couple would cross this point and continue on to St. George, Utah to be married. The aptly-named "Honeymoon Trail" crosses this point and up into the red rocks of the Moenkopi, where wagon ruts from the 1800s can still be seen today. At Lee's Ferry you can go left into Glen Canyon National Recreation Area for nearly 15 miles before the Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell, or go right for 277 miles to the end of the Grand Canyon at Lake Mead. The brown water you see entering the Colorado River just below the boat ramp is a flash flood of the Paria River, starting in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. These are famous gold water trout waters and a popular fishing spot for anglers.