Irrigation

Irrigation ditch sending water into the orchard.

NPS / Amanda Rich

Quick Facts

Location:

Lees Ferry, AZ

Significance:

Lonely Dell Ranch Tour

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

1872

Every Lonely Dell family struggled to water their fields through various dams, tunnels, and hand-dug ditches. The Paria River’s muddy flows and unpredictable floods caused problems, but ferryman Warren Johnson worked tirelessly to grow crops and food for his family. Constant rebuilding and digging meant tremendous labor, but the payoff of 100 tons of hay each year was worth it. Later owners added flagstone to the mile-long ditch for stability. Today water is pumped from the Colorado River.