~ Glen Canyon ~ Lees Ferry ~ Page Arizona
Type of Hike : Up and Down, Out and Back
Length: 4.4 Miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: Steep switchbacks, Primitive trail
Elevation Gain: 1700 feet total up and down
Dog Friendly: Yes – Leash
Park Pass/Permit Required: National Parks or Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Pass
Directions to the Trailhead
Take Lees Ferry Road off of Scenic Highway 89A and travel 6 miles to its end. The dirt parking area is located just beyond the bathrooms and launch ramp. The trailhead is on the upstream side of the parking area.
Spencer Trail Hike Description
This vertical switchback hike is a challenging two-star trek with a breathtaking five-star view. Begin by exploring the historical buildings and machinery along the River Walk for about 400 yards. At the Charles H. Spencer boat site, marked by signage, take a left onto the trail.
The trail ascends for two miles, following a zigzagging path up the line of least resistance. The lower half is well-maintained with rock stair steps, but as you near the top, the trail becomes more primitive, with sections of easy slick rock scrambling and sandy spots. At this point in the hike it is hard to imagine that a century ago some grizzly prospectors used to bring mules and wagons up this trail to retrieve coal from a distant deposit for their gold mining operation.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with two stunning panoramas. To the southwest, you’ll enjoy the view that has accompanied you throughout the hike. For an additional perspective, continue over the ridge for a few hundred yards to see the northeastern view, which showcases the dramatic 700-foot walls of Glen Canyon, the town of Page, and the striking dome of Navajo Mountain.