The Lonely Dell Ranch is a historic Mormon ranch located next to the Colorado River. It is located just north of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
When we were camping at Lees Ferry Campground, we took a short hike to see the ranch. Lees Ferry campground received its name from the founder of the ranch.
History of the Lonely Dell Ranch
The Lonely Dell Ranch has a significant place in Mormon history in the Southwest.
John D. Lee started it in the 1870s to help with the ferry going across the Colorado River. This ferry across the river was very important for Mormons moving to new places in the south and east.
For years, the ranch provided food and a rest stop for travelers and workers crossing the river.
The Lonely Dell Ranch served as a symbol of the Mormon church’s commitment to establishing self-sufficient communities in isolated areas.
As time went on, different people owned the ranch, and each one added their own story to it.
There are signs of the old ranch life around the abandoned ranch, including the old ranch house, barns, and farming tools.
To learn more about the history of the ranch and the Lees Ferry area, see the book below.
Hike to the Lonely Dell Ranch
The hike is only about ½ mile up a gravel road to the old ranch property, making it a very easy hike for most people.
When we visited the ranch, we ran into a large family that appeared to be members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church) based on their attire.
This Mormon fundamentalist denomination has roots in the Utah-Arizona area and is a proponent of polygamy.
According to the FLDS woman with whom we spoke, her grandfather used to live on this ranch. She last visited the ranch 30 years ago when she was a child and had many fond memories of it.
Pick Fruit at the Orchard
The Lonely Dell Ranch has an orchard with a variety of fruit trees that typically are in season in late summer or early fall.
Visitors to the ranch are allowed to pick up to five gallons of fruit per person per day when it is in season at the remaining orchard on the ranch’s land.
When we visited in early October, there were several pear trees that were loaded with ripe fruit.
We helped ourselves to a handful each and enjoyed eating them. They were delicious!
Launching Area for Colorado River Trips through the Grand Canyon
Lees Ferry was the site of the region’s original ferry crossing. Today it is the launching area for rafting trips down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
The Lonely Dell Ranch and the launching site are within walking distance of each other.
When we visited in October, there were many rafters and kayakers heading south on the Colorado River toward the Grand Canyon.
This is a highly regulated endeavor, so plan accordingly for your whitewater adventure. There is plenty of parking available.
The launching area for boaters heading down the Colorado River heads into the beautiful scenery below the Lees Ferry area.
If you plan to watch them get geared up, there’s a nice covered picnic area by their launching area with restrooms and potable water nearby in the parking lot. It would be a good spot for a picnic after hiking to the Lonely Dell Ranch.
Final Thoughts on the Lonely Dell Ranch
The hike to the Lonely Dell Ranch is easy and there is no charge to enter. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the old buildings.
We also loved the pears from the orchard! Time your visit for late summer or fall so you can pick your own fruit as well.
You can read more about the Historic Ranch on the National Park Service’s website.
