Lonely Dell Ranch: A Short Hike to Pick Fruit at a Historical Mormon Ranch in AZ

0
85
Lonely Dell old structures
Lonely Dell old structures

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.

Lonely Dell Ranch Historic District sign
Lonely Dell Ranch Historic District sign

History of the Lonely Dell Ranch

The Lonely Dell Ranch has a significant place in Mormon history in the Southwest.

Lonely Dell ranch house
Ranch house

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.

Old wagon at Lonely Dell ranch
Old cart at the ranch

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.

Bell at the Lonely Dell ranch
Bell at the ranch

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.

Old farming equipment at Lonely Dell ranch
Old farming equipment at the ranch

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.

Lonely Dell ranch hike sign
Hike entrance sign

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.

FLDS children visiting the Lonely Dell ranch
FLDS children hiking to the ranch

This Mormon fundamentalist denomination has roots in the Utah-Arizona area and is a proponent of polygamy.

FLDS visitors to the Lonely Dell ranch
FLDS visitors to the ranch

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.

Lonely Dell old structures
Lonely Dell old structures

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.

Lonely Dell Ranch orchard sign
Lonely Dell Ranch orchard sign

When we visited in early October, there were several pear trees that were loaded with ripe fruit.

Lonely Dell ranch orchard
Orchard at the ranch
Pears at the Lonely Dell orchard
Load of ripe pears in the orchard

We helped ourselves to a handful each and enjoyed eating them. They were delicious!

Pears picked at the Lonely Dell orchard
Pears picked at the Lonely Dell orchard

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.

View of the rafters' loading area into the Colorado River
View of the rafters’ loading area into the Colorado River

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.

Parking area for boat ramp
Parking area for boat ramp

The launching area for boaters heading down the Colorado River heads into the beautiful scenery below the Lees Ferry area.

Colorado River at the boat launch area
Colorado River at the boat launch area near the Lonely Dell Ranch
Rafters prepping for the Colorado River
Rafters prepping for the Colorado River
Rafters on the Colorado River in the Lees Ferry area
Rafters on the Colorado River in 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.

Picnic tables at the boat launch area
Picnic tables at the boat launch area

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.