Spencer Trail Hike Vermilion Cliffs

This Spencer Trail hike with my sister involves following the signs as one walks upstream. The trail divides as one path leads along the north side of the Colorado River, while the left branch heads up the Spencer Trail. After a hundred yards of slight incline, the next mile is continual switchback climbing. During this climb, one can view the Echo Peaks to the south of the Colorado where John Dellenbaugh fired his pistol in 1872 in an attempt to use echo to determine distance from the peak to the river. The thousands of returning echoes lead him to just estimate elevation and name the 70 mile long cliff system the Echo Cliffs. Also, the Vermilion Cliffs with Powells Monument on top are in full display. If an early morning hike is involved, the morning sun delivers the namesake colors. Also, the muddy waters of the Paria River can be seen entering the emerald green water of the Colorado. Below the painted desert colors of the Chinle Formation is also visible. After considerable climb, Lees Backbone, the early ferry road up the southern bank of the river, can be seen.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Spencer
• Trail
• Vermilion
• Cliffs
• hike

[captainron619]

getting ready to go do invasive species clean up down there, looks awesome!