Visit Marble Canyon: Things To See & Do

Marble Canyon is located just southwest of Page, Arizona, and boy is it a sight to behold. Rather, there are sights to behold. Whether you’re taking a drive on the 104 mile stretch of the Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway or fishing the Colorado River, there’s a wealth of things to do. Let’s dive in!

Marble Canyon: SEE

We all know that southern Utah and northern Arizona contain some of the most showstopping views in the country. However, do you know where to find all of them. It can actually be quite overwhelming. But no worries, we’re here to help guide you. If you’re flying from somewhere to see Marble Canyon you’re most likely flying into one of these cities: St. George, Utah or Las Vegas, Nevada. If you don’t want to worry about a rental car or relying on a friend to pick you up, the best solution is to book one of our Salt Lake Express Shuttle buses. You could ride one from the airports in Las Vegas or St. George directly to the Marble Canyon region. Once here, there’s an enormous amount to see. Let’s break it down for you.

Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway

If you happen to be riding one of our shuttles from Las Vegas or St. George you’ll be fortunate enough to ride along Highway 89A. Also known as the Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway. It has to be one of the most amazing drives in the country. You’ll see huge sandstone cliffs in the Vermillion canyons.

The Navajo Bridge

You’ll also get to see the Navajo Bridge, which rises over 465 feet above the Colorado River below. According to the National Park Service, the older, historic bridge was completed in 1929. The newer, modern bridge was completed in 1995, effectively retiring the historic bridge after 66 years of service. Not only are the views breathtaking, but hearing the difference in the cost of the bridges is as well. In 1929 the historic bridge cost just $390,000 to construct, while the modern bridge cost $14,700,000 in 1995! Whoa, that’s a lot of dough. There’s also the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center that you can visit as well. There’s a seasonal visitors center, bookstore, and an area for Native American craft vendors.

Marble Canyon

Only about two hours from Flagstaff, Marble Canyon is magnificent. Popular sites are the Glen Canyon Dam, Lee’s Ferry, and the Navajo Bridge we mentioned above. Imagine everything you love about Zion National Park but just a little less crowded. Marble Canyon is not only beautiful, providing cinematic views everywhere you look, but it’s also full of activities. Which brings us to our next section: Do.

Marble Canyon: DO

While the views are incredible, sometimes you just need to do more than look at something. You need to get out there and explore, touch, and experience. And believe us, there’s plenty of that in the Marble Canyon region.

Fishing The Colorado River

There is a wealth of guides and outfitters in the area if you’re not sure where to start. Whether you’re utilizing one of the many guides and outfitters or if you know what you’re doing, there’s hardly a more beautiful place to commune with mother nature. Fly fishing or bait fishing, you can do it all. And as the sun sets and you’re in the half-light of the canyon, you’ll have more than one pausing moment of awe.

Kayaking The Colorado River

While you can choose a variety of transportation methods down the Colorado River, we’d recommend kayaking.  It’s such an intimate way to experience the river, the canyon, and all that they have to offer. There are dozens of companies that can rent you all the equipment you need to safely experience the river. And even though we’re partial to kayaking, if it’s not your thing there are options for canoes, boats, and even stand-up paddleboards.

Exploring The Historic Cliff Dwellings

Not far from the Navajo Bridge you’ll find the Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge, also known as the Blanche Russell Rock House. It has been restored and still maintains its 1920s charm. Travelers can stay there as they rest from all their activities. There are cabins onsite that offer TVs, coffee, and private bathrooms. There’s even a restaurant that serves but barbecue and sandwiches on a patio that overlooks the desert below. This unique place is actually listed as a National Historic Site in Marble Canyon.

Marble Canyon: GO

Now that we’ve pitched you on just a fraction of the fun things to see and experience in and around Marble Canyon, it’s time for you to book your trip. Just keep it simple by hopping on one of our buses that takes you out to the area where you can leave worry behind and adventure ahead. Simply enter your travel dates where you book a trip and see what’s available. And you never know, you might get lucky and snag one of our $19 fares!