Little Colorado River Confluence

The confluence of the Little Colorado River into the Colorado River is a sight to behold. The confluence marks the end of Marble Canyon and the beginning of Grand Canyon proper, having been so since Powell’s voyage of exploration in 1869. The canyon walls soar 4,000 feet up to the rim high above and the Little Colorado, when unstained by floodwater, is a stunning turquoise blue color.

To reach the confluence you’ll need to secure a spot on a rafting trip through the canyon, or embark on a multi-day backpacking trip.

If hiking in, you’ll likely take the Tanner Trail down from the South Rim, then follow the Beamer Trail as it traverses, sometimes precariously, high above the Colorado River.

You’ll then reach the confluence. Hopefully you’ll time it when the Little Colorado isn’t brown with spring floodwater like when I was there, but even if you do it’ll still be a spectacular sight.