News Release

Pioneer Day Picnic Celebrates Lonely Dell Ranch History

Picnic at Lonely Dell Ranch for Pioneer Day

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 16, 2018

Contact: Pam Rice, 928-608-6207

Bring a lunch to Lonely Dell Ranch Historic Site for a Pioneer Day Picnic on Tuesday, July 24, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The National Park Service and Glen Canyon Natural History Association are hosting this event under the shade trees at Lonely Dell Ranch, a former pioneer homestead at Lees Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Lees Ferry is named for the Lee Family, Mormon pioneers that began a ferryboat operation in 1873 carrying travelers across the Colorado River. Today, you can reach Lees Ferry via park road north from Hwy 89A at Marble Canyon, AZ. Lonely Dell Ranch is located 1 mile down a gravel road closed to vehicle traffic. Park in the 14 Day Parking Lot and use the special event shuttle to reach the picnic grounds.

Picnic festivities will include crafts, lawn games, live music, orchard tours, and a sourdough cooking demonstration by a guest ranger from Pipe Springs National Monument.

Pioneer Day is a Utah state holiday commemorating the settlement of the Salt Lake Valley by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Everyone is invited to attend the picnic, learn about life on the frontier, and share in Lonely Dell Ranch’s long history as a meeting ground for travelers.