Toroweap

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF TOROWEAP

Toroweap is truly one of the most amazing places you will ever stand!

There is an 8-mile section on the north rim of the Grand Canyon where the Colorado River cuts a fairly straight path (with no major curves or turns), allowing you to have an unobstructed view of the Colorado River and inner canyon in all its glory. The Toroweap Overlook is in the middle of this section. This provides you with a stunning bird’s-eye views (both east and west) 3,000 feet above the floor of the canyon. This extremely remote spot, which is 61 miles from nowhere, offers one (actually 2) of the most magnificent views of the Grand Canyon possible, which makes it a photographer’s dream.

Like most great things, this shot is not easy to come by. The Toroweap Overlook is one of the most remote places in the lower 48 states and the 120 mile round trip takes between 2 ½ to 3 hours each way. The first 55 miles of gravel road is filled with bumps, holes, and washboards, and is notorious for flats (I got a flat tire the first two times I went). The last 3-5 miles of the road are treacherous with boulders, deep holes, cutting rocks, and very difficult turns. I would strongly suggest a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle for this trip.

But if/when you finally arrive and stand on the ledge overlooking the Grand Canyon, it is simply breathtaking.

Images and location summary by Tim Wier

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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH TOROWEAP SUMMARY

Trail Difficulty - EXTREME

I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The walk from the parking area to The Toroweap Overlook is an easy 100 yds., but the 60 mile drive there is extreme and very taxing on you, your vehicle, and especially your tires.

Photography Tips

Again, there are two shots at Toroweap: sunset and sunrise.

Sunset – It is almost impossible to get a great shot without clouds! The place to get the best view of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River is on the rock ledge overlooking the canyon. The ledge you will be standing on is just a few feet from certain death, as there are no guardrails or protection of any kind. Caution is of the upmost importance. If you are afraid of heights, this is not the place for you.

Sunrise – Just 50yds. to the east of the sunset shot location …

What Lens(es) Do You Need

You can use lenses ranging from 16mm – 50mm. The above shot was taken with a 24mm lens.

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

xx°27'5.80"N xxx°50'16.64"W

4,631 Ft. Elevation

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