Lee’s Ferry, Arizona Photography Hot Spot Location
LEE’S FERRY, ARIZONA – TOP PHOTOGRAPHY SPOT
Editorial Update: January 2026
Photography Location Guides & Essential
Are you looking for a place near you to do photography in Arizona? Pamela Goodyer, an internationally acclaimed and renowned photographer, has curated the best photography locations in Arizona and brings you all of the first-hand details.
We delve into outdoor photography here in Lee’s Ferry, exploring this exceptional location to create dynamic pictures. This isn’t just about nature photography; it’s a journey to travel to the best places.
Pamela Goodyer has been traveling to, discovering and guiding photographers to the best photography spots in the world for over fifteen years. This is her first-hand experience.
Lee’s Ferry, Arizona Photography Location
Lee’s Ferry is situated on the Colorado River in Coconino County, Arizona, just south of the Utah/Arizona border. Lee’s Ferry is a well-known fishing and boat launching point, particularly for whitewater rafting trips through the Grand Canyon.
But the most important part here? This is one of our top 10 locations for photography. We go here every year on the photography tour that we run. Canyon National Recreation Area is open 24 hours per day, year-round.
BEST TIME TO PHOTOGRAPH LEE’S FERRY
Go during the Milky Way season. See our Milky Way section for details of when you can see it. We go here every October, and the weather is perfect. We would choose spring or fall. Summer is just way too hot.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PHOTOGRAPH?
Stay overnight for this location if you go during the Milky Way season; otherwise, plan on a few hours here.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Lee’s Ferry is easily accessible from Page and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is in Marble Canyon, just west of the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center. A 5-mile paved road leads to the Ferry area.
IS THERE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEARBY?
Definitely, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and more. See the bottom of the page for links to nearby locations.
HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?
Not very. We’ve been here multiple times in October, and it was never busy.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Camping, dumping, and launching facilities are available here. Marble Canyon has a gas station, store, and post office. More services can be found along Hwy 89A to the west.
RESTAURANTS, CAMPING & WEATHER – SEE BELOW
This is also a great location for Milky Way photography—one of the best in the world. Read about Lee’s Ferry Milky Way here.
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR LIST
- A sturdy tripod will be vital for getting Milky Way and milky water blur shots.
- Bring your macro lens to photograph the vast and intricate details of the surrounding nature.
- Pack neutral density filters for long exposure to milky water effects down by the boat dock.
- WHAT ELSE TO BRING – A PACKING LIST
- Organic bug repellent. (Non-organic is very toxic)
- Organic Sun protection. (Non-organic sunscreen is a cancer cause.)
- Durable hiking boots for any trail or terrain you may encounter.
- A hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the elements.
- A thermos for Milky Way nights.
LEE’S FERRY LODGE
This charming location has captured our hearts, and we have returned to it multiple times. It easily ranks in our top ten favorite spots in the world! Everywhere you look, a picturesque scene is begging to be captured through the lens. The vibrant colors of nature dance together harmoniously, creating stunning visual displays. We highly recommend this spot for seeking unparalleled beauty and inspiration. From sunrise to sunset, every moment spent here is like stepping into a postcard to come to life.
HOTELS
Lee’s Ferry Lodge – Starting at $ 135.00 Night – 541.5 Hwy 89A – Marble Canyon, AZ – (928) 355-2231
This rustic lodge in a stone-and-timber building is a 4-minute drive from Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center’s craft vendors and pedestrian bridge. Ten basic rooms and suites sleep up to seven (7) and are casually decorated, each with a unique theme. Each room opens onto a veranda with seating and includes individual heat and air-conditioning controls. We stayed here, and our room had a country cowboy-type theme.
Lee’s Ferry Lodge at Vermilion Cliffs provides quiet and comfortable lodging for travelers in scenic northern Arizona.
The restaurant is open all day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. The accommodations are the perfect getaway for those traveling to Marble Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Lake Powell, the Colorado River and many other beautiful and exciting places in the Southwest.
Check out The Hopi House
This is a two-bedroom, two-bath vacation home at the base of the Vermilion Cliffs in beautiful Marble Canyon, AZ. Surround yourself with nature and outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding the Colorado River, hiking, mountain biking, repelling, bird watching or just relaxing on the front porch and taking in the incredible view.
Enjoy amazing views by day and excellent stargazing by night!
LeesFerryLodging@gmail.com Tell them Photography Magazine Extra sent you.
AREA INFORMATION 2026
Entrance Fees – Weekly
1-7 Day Vehicle Entrance – $30.00
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers
Annual Entrance – Park
$55.00
An annual pass is a card signed for and held by the owner. Allows unlimited entry for the cardholder and everyone in that person’s private vehicle to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area for 12 months from the date of purchase. Does not cover the vessel’s expanded amenity fee.
1-7 Day Individual Entrance – $15.00
Admits one individual when entering on foot or by bicycle. Not to exceed a $25 vehicle fee. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free.
Entrance Fees – Annual Passes
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Annual Pass – $50.00
CAMPING
Open all year. No reservations. $26 per site/per night. 54 designated sites. No hookups. RV dump station. Grills provided, no open fires. Quiet time 10 pm-6 am. Modern bathroom/comfort station, potable water available, launch ramp 2 miles. Gas and supply store at Marble Canyon, about 5 miles away.
Lone Rock Beach
No reservations. $14 per vehicle/per night in addition to entry fees. Primitive camping is on a sandy beach or in dunes. No designated campsites. Maximum two vehicles per site.
Open fires permitted, must be within four-foot squared area. Four micro flush toilets, six vault toilets, one comfort station/wheelchair accessible, outdoor cold shower, off-road vehicle area, dump station, potable water (seasonal), and day-use area. No launch ramp.
Glen Canyon NRA Backcountry (Including Lake Powell Shoreline)
· No camping fee is required
· Primitive Camping
Note: Additional developed campgrounds, operated by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, are available at Wahweap, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing. For details and rates, call 1-800-528-6154.
Backcountry use in the Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon requires a backcountry permit from Canyonlands National Park
RESTAURANTS
Cliffdwellers Restaurant in Lee’s Ferry
Mile Post, 547 N US-89A, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
Conveniently located in Cliff Dwellers Lodge, just 12 12-minute’ drive from the Lee’s Ferry Launch Ramp on the Colorado River. You can eat outside on a covered patio in full view of the majestic cliffs or grab an inside table that offers the warmth of a crackling fire while enjoying impeccable scenery.
Their website does not have hours – Call Local: (928) 355-2261
Lee’s Ferry weather can be found here.
PLEASE SHARE
At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.
May my works guide photographers illuminating their path toward creating stunning and impactful images that show the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer
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