Navajo Bridge, Route 89A, Marble Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon East: Navajo Bridge (Route 89A, Marble Canyon, Arizona)
Navajo Bridge on the east side of the Grand Canyon. It's located in Marble Canyon near the Vermillion Cliffs. If you're traveling on Highway 89A between Bitter Springs and Jacob Lake, AZ, you’ll see Navajo Bridge - actually, there are two bridges: one historic and one new.
The historic toggle screw used in the bridge's construction helped maintain vertical elevations and lower bridge sections into place. Numerous storyboards here provide a bit of history and the story behind the bridge. You will see the mighty Colorado River, often referred to as the “Lifeline of the Southwest.” The Colorado River has gradually carved through sedimentary rock, revealing beautiful, colorful formations on the canyon walls.
In the 1870s, pioneers from Utah aimed to settle in northern Arizona but faced nearly 600 miles of deep canyons along the Colorado River. The mouth of Glen Canyon was one of the few places where wagons could reach the river from both sides. In 1873, Lees Ferry was established, named after its first operator, John D. Lee. It became essential for settlers. By the 1920s, cars used the ferry, creating a need for a safer crossing. On January 12, 1929, the bridge was opened to traffic and was christened with a bottle of ginger ale. When this bridge opened, the Flagstaff newspaper called it the biggest news in Southwest history. At the time, it was the highest steel arch bridge in the world. Today, the historic bridge serves as a pedestrian bridge, with the Colorado River 467 feet below.
One fascinating feature here is the chance to spot California Condors. These birds survived the Ice Age but were nearly wiped out by human activities, including shooting and pesticide use, particularly lead poisoning. The entire population was reduced to 22 birds in the 1980s. To save the species, biologists initiated a captive breeding program and released the birds into the wild. Each released bird has a radio transmitter and number tags for tracking.
Navajo Bridge served the area well for 66 years. However, as vehicles became larger and heavier, a stronger, wider bridge was needed. The old bridge was only 18 feet wide and had a 40-ton limit. A new bridge was built just downstream, with new approaches on each side. The historic bridge remained as a pedestrian bridge, offering breathtaking views of the Colorado River. Construction of the new bridge began in May 1993, and it was dedicated on September 14, 1995, christened with a bucket of Colorado River water.
A roadside observation shelter, built between 1938-41, showcases the architectural style of the Depression era, with rustic indigenous stone masonry and natural logs blending perfectly with the surroundings. This new bridge is in perfect harmony with the original bridge and the landscape.
After the new bridge was completed, the old rest area was remodeled and expanded. The Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center opened, featuring a bookstore, outdoor exhibits, and self-guided walks across the historic bridge.
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