About the Little Colorado River
The Little Colorado River enters the Grand Canyon on river left. At lower water, the Little Colorado River resembles the color of blue Gatorade. This comes from the high concentration of calcium carbonate minerals suspended in the water, which reflect light in such a way that the end result is a beautiful blue shade.
From this confluence, you can hike upriver, but please treat this area with respect – it is a sacred site for the Navajo and Hopi tribes.
Little Colorado restrictions
The Noncommercial River Trip Regulations lists the following restrictions regarding the LCR:
Approximate river mileage of restrictions: River left from 60.9 – 65.5. Description: Little Colorado River (LCR) confluence and surrounding area including the island at the confluence. Restriction: No camping. Boats may not enter or park in the LCR. To protect native fish habitat, spawning, and endangered young, the southern half of LCR (mid-stream to south shore) is closed to river runner swimming and wading from March 1st to November 30th. Crossing is allowed approximately 0.2 miles upstream of the confluence at the established crossing (marked by cairns).
