Last updated: March 3, 2021
Thing to Do
Lonely Dell Ranch Historic Site
NPS
To the pioneer missionary, it was an isolated settlement offering small comfort during the Great Mormon Migration deep into Arizona. To the families who lived here, the ranch was the centerpiece of daily life where hard work was required to tame and survive the rugged yet beautiful desert. For some it offered employment in a hardscrabble setting, and for later owners it promised rustic peace and quiet. Today, Lonely Dell Ranch still serves its main purpose as a place for the traveler to rest a while, enjoy variety of nature, and bask in the shade of the trees.
Lonely Dell Orchard
Walk among the fruit trees in the orchard and search for a ripe snack. Collection of fruit at Lonely Dell Ranch Orchard is permitted for personal consumption only and not for purposes of sale or exchange. Fruit collected at Lonely Dell Ranch Orchard shall not exceed 5 gallons per person per day.
Details
Duration
1-8 Hours
From sunrise to sunset you can spend as little or as much time as you would like there. No overnight camping.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Walk the 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip self-guided walking tour of the orchard, log cabins, stone ranch house, and pioneer cemetery beginning 700 feet (213 m) up the dirt road from the trail head. The walk consist of mixed terrain includes gravel, sandy, and rocky uneven surfaces with normal elevation change.
Age(s)
All ages welcome.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on a leash six feet or shorter. Pick up after your pet.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Lonely Dell Historic Ranch
Lees Ferry is 42 miles (61 km) from Page via Hwy 89 south and Hwy 89A west. It is 85 miles (125 km) from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon via Hwy 89A and Hwy 67. The Lees Ferry Junction and Park Entrance is in Marble Canyon, just west of Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center. A paved road leads 5 miles (8 km) to the Ferry area.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
During summer months temperatures can be extreme, reaching over 100 ° F (38°C) by early afternoon. Do not hike during the warmest parts of the day. Bring plenty of water, Take breaks in the shade near the main ranch house.
Be flash flood aware if you continue hiking up the Paria River Trail.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The road leading back to Lonely Dell Ranch is a improved dirt road. Two uneven dirt trails lead down into the orchard and main ranch building areas. The orchard has a hand dug irrigation system. Feel free to walk through but watch your step. The road leading to the pioneer cemetery and Paria Canyon Wilderness trailhead are uneven and exposed to direct sun.