Navajo Bridges
Around Page - Arizona
Our visits: So far 2 visit in October 2012 and October 2014
Navajo Bridges
Description: The old and new Navajo Bridges are two steel arch bridges. They span the Colorado River over Marble Canyon near Lee's Ferry. Increasing traffic and the sharp curves entering and exiting the old 1929 bridge became a safety hazard because of poor visibility. So in 1990, officials decided a new solution needed to be found.
In May 1995, the new bridge, which now met safety standards, was opened. The old bridge remains open for pedestrians and allows a beautiful view of the new bridge.
The bridges are located in the territory of the Glen Canyon NRA.
Our rating: Nice stopover if you are just in the area. There are a few nice photo opportunities. Also, with a little luck, you can see one of the rare California Condors.
The California condor was considered extinct in the wild until 1992. As a result, the largest conservation breeding program in the U.S. was started to reintroduce the animals into the wild. This project succeeded and so you can see one of these great birds from time to time. If you are lucky also here at one of the Navajo Bridges.
Cliff Dwellers
Description: Driving a few miles north on Highway 89A from Navajo Bridges, you will reach the Cliff Dwellers Stone House.
The story of the Cliff Dwellers Stone House began in 1927 when Blanche Russell and her husband Bill settled here during the Great Depression and subsequently operated a restaurant.
Our rating: Nice stopover if you are just in the area. Besides the remains of the restaurant, the most interesting thing for us are the huge balancing stones. It's almost surreal how they stand there on top of each other.
