Crossing the Colorado River
The Colorado River can be a challenge to cross, especially in regions of rugged desert, deep canyon walls, and swift waters. These four stories highlight historical and contemporary crossing points.
Crossing of the Fathers
With the help of their Native American guides, Spanish Franciscan priests Atanasio Domínguez and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante made a difficult crossing of the Colorado River.
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Hite Ferry at Dandy Crossing
For the first half of the 20th century, Hite Ferry at Dandy Crossing was the only way across the Colorado River along hundreds of miles along the northern edge of Glen Canyon.
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Kaibab Bridge (Black Bridge)
Kaibab or Black Bridge crosses the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, connecting South Kaibab Trail to the North Kaibab Trail. The bridge makes the crossing of the Colorado River safe and possible for hikers and mules headed for Phantom Ranch.
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Navajo Bridge
Navajo Bridge spans the width of Marble Canyon along the Colorado River. Constructed of concrete and steel, the bridge is tied for ninth highest in the United States. Ralf Hoffman of the Arizona Highway Department (AHD) designed it, and in June of 1927, AHD contracted Kansas City Structural Steel…
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