We were back at Lees Ferry the next morning to hike the Spencer Trail before driving home. Lees Ferry had a ferry crossing site that operated from 1872 until 1928 and there are still some historic buildings here. This was also the site of an attempted gold mining operation by Charles H. Spencer in 1910. He needed fuel for his mining machinery and two men built a trail up the side of a sheer cliff to access a coal mine thirty miles away at Warm Creek Canyon. Pack mules would carry loads of coal down this rough trail. The trail remains today for hikers to ascend to the top of the Paria Plateau. It is short, only 4.4 miles round trip, but steep as it gains over 1750 feet in elevation. The trail is well built with switchbacks snaking their way up the cliff side. This is definitely one of those trails where you look at where you are supposed to go and wonder how in the world you will get there. Many people on All Trails mention not to do this trail if you are afraid of heights and that is probably accurate - the trail hugs the cliff sides. I don’t like exposure, but was not bothered by this trail as it was always wide enough and comfortable.

You don’t have to go far to get terrific views, which were constant as we ascended the trail. We noticed what appeared to be fresh bighorn sheep droppings, both big and small ones, and kept an eye out for bighorn as we climbed. About 75% of the way up we spotted some bighorn sheep on the trail and watched as the moms and babies scampered directly up the cliff face. While we were at the top, the same bighorns also topped out and were probably wondering why the people they were trying to get away from were also there. Sorry ladies! They were a little skittish as they ended up running by us to find an unoccupied space on the plateau. Those were the only other “hikers” we saw on the trail. After enjoying the views from the top and the beautiful morning, we retraced our steps back down and headed for home, with one stop in Cameron for roadside Navajo burgers and tacos. It was a great weekend!