Navajo Bridge

A gentle meander from Lees Ferry turned into the first rapid near Paria Beach. The speed of the water flowing downstream over a combination of hard and soft rocks created a mild turbulence in the water. The gentle ripples, small waves and minimal obstructions made for an easy rapid and a great first experience.

For the next 1.5mi (2.4km), I rafted quietly on the river taking in the magnificent canyon with low lying plants and scrubs dotted along its banks.

Another mile further (1.6km) I had my first glimpse of the Navajo Bridges, two steel-arch bridges connecting the rims of the canyon. Once in full sight I marvelled at their structure. The two bridges almost identical in design were a mere 330ft (100m) apart. The original bridge built in 1929 was the only vehicle crossing until it became too narrow for modern-day traffic. To alleviate the problem a second bridge was built in 1995, converting the original one into a footbridge.

Large chunks of rock were carved out of the canyon’s walls to make way for the bridges’ footings. During construction the engineers installed a large mesh screen to catch any loose rock from blasting. One particular guide recalls that for some time they could pass under the bridge only between 11am and 1pm, the time when the engineers were at lunch.

It took a staggering 6.3 million pounds (2.9 million kg) of steel to construct these sleek and uncomplicated looking bridges. Integrating into the landscape, the bridges continue as an overland link whilst below its shadow provided me with temporary relief from the sweltering heat.

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Lees Ferry

The Grand Canyon is located in northwest Arizona. It is the largest canyon in the United States and designated a World Heritage Site. A result of tectonic uplift, the layers of visible rock are between 2 billion years to 270 million years old. Snaking its way through the canyon for 280mi (450km) is the Colorado River. Calm as it may seem, the river is a wild ride through more than 200 rapids making its way into Lake Mead.

 

The first people to live in the canyon were Ancient Puebloans. Exploration through the canyon only began in the late 1800s when geologist John Wesley Powell, with a crew of 10 men, launched a river expedition that would last three months.  

The journey begins at Mile Marker Zero - Lees Ferry, so named after John Doyle Lee, an American pioneer who set up a ferry service in 1873. It was an ideal location for a ferry crossing as the river was accessible from both sides. Operations ceased in 1928 when construction of the Navajo Bridge was completed 4mi (6.4km) downstream.

 

Today, Lees Ferry is the launching site for river rafting expeditions and considered the official start of the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River journey. 

 Boarding the inflatable raft, I settle down taking in the Echo Cliffs to the east and Marble Canyon to the west. The river is wide and calm and reflective. The landscape is a vermillion hue with vegetation protruding from the river’s edge. The atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil. I push off heading west. Outwardly, I am calm and relaxed but inside I am anxious and nervous as I ride into the unknown of the Colorado River.

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The team at The Conqueror Challenges
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