Grand View of the Little Colorado
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
For some people, the viewpoint of the Little Colorado are as close as they get to seeing the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Oh, there are a few viewpoints along the East and West Rims where you can see bits and pieces of the river, but I'm willing to bet most tourists don't see them.
What Are They?
This grand view isn't that huge, but in the middle of the Arizona desert they are pretty unusual. You'll find a viewpoint on Highway 64, a spur from Cameron, AZ that leads to the east entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. Trust me, there's not a lot on this road, so you'll probably want to stop and take a break at the scenic overlook where you can view the river. The Little Colorado breaks off from the main Colorado River, and travels through Navajo country in Northern Arizona. The view isn't as spectacular as the Grand Canyon, but gushing over the black rocks, surrounded by flat sandstone, the river is a sight to see.
Other Features
About the only other thing you'll find on this lonely road is Navajos selling Native American jewelry and trinkets. If you shop at several different booths, you can find some good values. The drive between Cameron and the East Entrance to the Grand Canyon takes about 2 hours, but remember, Cameron is at least an hour north of Flagstaff. The area is so remote, but if you're traveling around Northern Arizona, make a point to stop here and gawk for at least a few minutes.
Cameron Trading Post
Be sure to stop in Cameron at the Trading Post for a Navajo Taco. If you haven't had one, you'll be pleasantly surprised, and if you have, well, you'll know why you should stop. Trust me, I still dream of Cameron and Navajo Tacos! The Trading Post is an historic stop that you shouldn't miss, anyway. There's a lodge there, and the post itself has been in the area since 1911 when it served the Navajo Native Americans of the area. Today it's an important stop between Flagstaff and Page, and a great place to rest your legs and get a GREAT Navajo Taco!
If you have the time when you leave Grand Canyon, try to take the East Rim road out to Cameron, and then on up to Lake Powell and Page. It's a beautiful drive through some rugged desert country, and worth seeing on your trip through Northern Arizona. Every time I drive through that area, I'm reminded of why I love the desert so much. It's not what you think--just sand and more sand, and this drive will show you some of the nuances that make the desert such a hauntingly beautiful place.
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