What if we told you there were scenic overlooks in Arizona with views that rival the Grand Canyon? One of them can be found at the Little Colorado River Gorge, located on the Navajo Nation in Cameron. Just 10 miles from the Grand Canyon, this tribal park is a hidden gem that will surely drop your jaw. The best part? Almost nobody knows it exists.
It's easy to pass up the Little Colorado River Gorge if you aren't specifically looking for it.
Why? Because this little-known geological wonder is a mere 10 miles from the Grand Canyon, so almost nobody knows it exists.
A quick roadside stop on Desert View Drive (just off Highway 89), the gorge makes the perfect standalone destination or addition to a Grand Canyon vacation.
You'll practically have the place all to yourself, and it only takes a few minutes to admire the stunning rock formations.
If you didn't know any better, you'd think this was a picture taken at Toroweap Point on the North Rim, right?
That's the beauty of this hidden gem. It offers views almost identical to those at the Grand Canyon with only a fraction of the crowds.
Perhaps the best thing about the gorge is that it requires zero hiking.
A short walk takes you to a scenic overlook that showcases the rugged landscape in all its glory.
Seeing the Little Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon is truly amazing - especially when you consider how its waters formed this entire gorge eons ago.
Mother Nature is so incredibly powerful.
There is also an on-site market where you can purchase authentic Navajo goods such as woven rugs and handmade jewelry.
Not only will you leave with souvenirs to remember your trip by, but you'll also be supporting the indigenous people who call this wonderous place home.
Hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The entrance fee is $5 per person, or $12 if you'd like to explore the area further on a backcountry hike. Click here to learn more about the gorge.
Have you ever visited the Little Colorado River Gorge? If so, what did you think of the views? Tell us in the comments! For more breathtaking scenic overlooks in Arizona, check out our previous article.
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