Lee’s Ferry, Arizona Milky Way Photography Location
Pamela Goodyer, internationally acclaimed photographer, has curated some of the best photography locations around the world. She puts this location on the top ten Milky Way Photography spot list.
Where to Do Milky Way Photography in Arizona
Lee’s Ferry, Arizona, is a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and home to some of the Darkest Skies in the lower forty-eight. Again, it is one of our Top Ten Milky Way Photography Locations.
Lee’s Ferry is a site on the Colorado River in Coconino County, Arizona, in the United States, about 7.5 miles southwest of Page and 9 miles south of the Utah–Arizona border.
It’s best known as a launch point for rafting and canoeing trips down the river, but there’s much more to this little town than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Lee’s Ferry and some of the things that make it such a special place.
Photography at Lee’s Ferry, Arizona
If you’re looking for fantastic photography opportunities, Lee’s Ferry, Arizona, is the perfect spot! With its red rock cliffs and beautiful Colorado River views, there’s no shortage of scenery to photograph.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a complete novice, you’ll be able to find plenty of photo ops at Lee’s Ferry. So grab your camera and get ready for some incredible shots!
Milky Way Photography
One of the best places in the country to photograph the Milky Way is Lee’s Ferry. The clear, dark skies and lack of light pollution make for incredible images of our galaxy.
If you’re new to night photography, don’t worry—we’ve covered everything. Below, we will teach you everything you need to know about photographing the Milky Way. You’ll learn about camera settings, composition, and all the basics.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and join us for an unforgettable night under the stars!
Attention, All Milky Way Photographers
For the Rustic Milky Way Adventure of a Lifetime! We almost want to keep this location to ourselves, but we are not in that business. We travel, share, and explore just for you. We’re showing you this image of Lee’s Ferry Lodge so you can see the Milky Way shining bright in front of your hotel room, even through the lights. This location is so good for Milky Way photography that we are returning to get it just right. We run a photo tour based out of this location, emphasizing Milky Way photography.
This is one of the best spots in the country to do Milky Way Photography. When we scouted the area, there was construction on the road. We are going back to get more insanely great milky way images, and we run a photo tour here.
Lee’s Ferry, Arizona, Photography Location
Not just for night photography! This is also an insanely cool daytime photography location and a great place for the whole family to experience.
AREA INFORMATION 2026
Entrance Fees:
1-7 Day Vehicle Entrance – $30.00
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers
Entrance Passes:
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Annual Pass – $55.00
Allows unlimited entry to Glen Canyon for 12 months from the date of purchase.
| Type | Available to | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Pass | US citizens and residents | $80.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Pass | Non-US residents | $250.00 |
| Senior Annual Pass | US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $20.00 |
| Senior Lifetime Pass | US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $80.00 |
| Military Annual Pass | Current US military and dependents | Free |
| Military Lifetime Pass | Gold Star Family members and veterans | Free |
| Access Pass | US citizens and residents with permanent disability | Free |
| 4th Grade Pass | US 4th graders | Free |
| Volunteer Pass | Federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours | Free |
Visitor Centers Find what you need here.
Operating Hours
Find out when visitor centers and facilities are open. Launch ramps are open all day, year-round, when the water level allows.
Fees & Passes
How much does it cost to get into the park and to camp here?
Webcams
Take a gander at those launch ramps before you get here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Glen Canyon National Recreation Area tick? Find out here!
Advisories
Information about regulations and important safety concerns.
Road Conditions
Is that dirt road you want to explore passable today? Find out here.
Ranger Programs
Enjoy a ranger-led hike or talk. These programs are seasonal.
Permits & Reservations
Looking to do business in the park? Make sure you have all your papers in order.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Even though Rainbow Bridge is its own unit of the National Park Service, we take care of it from here at Glen Canyon. Find out more about this amazing site.
CAMPING 2026
No reservations. $26 per site/per night. 54 designated sites. No hookups. RV dump station. Grills provided, no open fires. Quiet time is 10 pm-6 am. Modern bathroom/comfort station, potable water available, launch ramp 2 miles. A gas and supply store is at Marble Canyon, about 5 miles away.
Off Hwy 89A on the Lee’s Ferry road.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Lee’s Ferry Lodge
Visit Lee’s Ferry Lodge Website
Call them at (928) 355-2231
Seven days a week to make a reservation
(Please call between 7 AM and 8 PM MST)
Room Capacity:
Single Rooms: 1 – 5 guests
Suites: 1 – 7 guests
Lee’s Ferry Lodge is located 120 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, at the edge of the Vermilion Cliffs National Wilderness Area, on Hwy 89A, 3.5 miles west of the Navajo Bridge, which spans the Colorado River.
They’re just 10 miles from Lee’s Ferry, the entry point for Grand Canyon river trips. We are also one of the nearest hotels to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Lee’s Ferry offers incredible scenery, access to the Paria Wilderness Area, a launch ramp and walk-in fishing areas, as well as historic buildings and trails.
The Lodge’s location makes for an easily accessible day-trip fishing entry point inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park.
Other Places in Arizona to Do Photography
