Dam Site Route to Little Colorado River
Vital Statistics
Mileage
App. 1 mile
Maps
15’ Coconino Point Quad
Elevation Change
4920’ to 4025’
Trailhead Access
This route begins near the Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook on Hwy 64 about 8 miles west of Cameron. About 1.3 miles to the east of this point is Chief Yellowhorse’s Stand where a dirt road takes off to the north from mile marker 287. Follow this dirt road about 3/3 mile bearing to the west as much as possible. (The route begins at the top of the drainage about 1 mile southeast of the words “Cable Crossing” on the USGS Coconino Point Quad.
Trail Description
West of the parking area is a major drainage leading north to the Little Colorado River. The bottom of his drainage ends in a major pouroff. Several hundred feet to the west of this pouroff is a fault leading directly to the Little Colorado River. The top of this fault is capped by a short, but steep cliff. It is possible to climb directly down this cliff (about 25 feet). From here it is easy to scramble the rest of the way to the Little Colorado.
Water Availability
The Little Colorado River, though if it is flowing the water is usually salty and muddy. WARNING: THIS WATER IS KNOW TO CONTAIN HIGH CONECENTRATIONS OF RADIOACTIVE RADIUM!
Campsite Availability
The Little Colorado River drainage. Be careful of flash floods. This is on the Navajo Reservation and a tribal permit is required.
Notes
This is the quickest route into the Little Colorado River Gorge. The cliff at the top of the drainage is vertical and somewhat loose. Climbing skills are required as a fall would result in injury. A rope would be handy to belay packs.
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