Guide To Toroweap (Tuweep) Overlook Grand Canyon!

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In April 2022, we tackled one of our most epic dirt bike adventures yet… A 120-mile ride out to Toroweap (also called Tuweep) on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The roads were gnarly, the views were unreal, and it was hands-down one of the coolest long-distance rides we’ve ever done.

To make it work, I had to carry 20 pounds of premix in my backpack to make sure I had enough fuel for the day (RIP to my back, but honestly, worth it). Snacks were packed, spirits were high, and the ride was filled with laughter (mostly at my truly awful singing over the Sena Bluetooth).

If you’re looking for epic Grand Canyon views without the crowds, Toroweap Overlook is where it’s at. It’s remote, rugged, and absolutely stunning. In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about getting to Toroweap, including what to pack, details about the primitive campground, and tips for handling the lack of services (because there’s no gas, water, or food nearby).

Table of Contents

About Toroweap (Tuweep) Overlook

Toroweap Overlook sits at an elevation of 4,540 feet on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Though it’s one of the canyon’s lower viewpoints, the sheer 3,000-foot vertical drop to the Colorado River below is breathtaking (and humbling). There are no railings or barriers here, so caution is a must. The name “Toroweap” comes from the Paiute word for “dry or barren valley,” which perfectly describes the rugged, arid landscape.

Centuries before it became a national park, Southern Paiute Indigenous people lived here, growing crops and hunting game. In 1869, John Wesley Powell’s crew floated down the Colorado River and became the first white men to see the area, mapping it and naming the features we know today. Later, prospectors came sniffing around for gold and silver but they found nothing.

On top of the history, Toroweap is one of the best places to see geology in action. Millions of years ago, lava from over 60 volcanic vents flowed into the valley, creating the flat-bottomed landscape you see now. Over time, the Colorado River carved through the rock, forming the massive cliffs and canyon walls. You can also spot cool volcanic features like Vulcan’s Throne, Mount Trumbull, and the Uinkaret Mountains.

How to Get to Toroweap Overlook

You can get to Tuweep by one of three rough, single-lane dirt roads. These roads are unmaintained and can take 3 or more hours to navigate. The last 2.7 miles are very rocky. It’s definitely not a drive for everyone. A high-clearance vehicle is required, and four-wheel drive is highly recommended. And don’t rely on GPS, be sure to download your maps ahead of time, or bring a printed map since there’s no signal out here.

Sunshine Route: The Sunshine Route is the most reliable route from AZ 389. You can reach AZ389 from either eight miles west of Fredonia or six miles east of Pipe Spring National Monument. This 61-mile road features sharp rocks, washboard roads, and dust. (This is the route we went!)
Clayhole Route: Another way to access the scenic overlook is via county road 5 from Colorado City, Arizona. This route is 56 miles long and unfortunately impassable when wet.
Main Street Route: From St. George take BLM Road 1069 to County Road 5. This road winds through the desert for 90 miles. However, it is important to note that this road is also impassable in winter due to snow and mud.

Tip: Reduce tire pressure and drive under 30 mph to avoid flats. Tow services, if available, cost $1,000+. According to the park, 25% of visitors end up with at least one flat tire on the way to or from Tuweep. That means having good tires and at least one solid spare is a must. Make sure you’ve also got a car jack, a portable air compressor, and tools to fix a flat!

Ride an ATV or Side-by-Side to Toroweap

If you don’t have a capable off-road vehicle, don’t worry, you can still experience Toroweap! Renting a side-by-side or joining a guided ATV tour is a great option.

Companies like ATV Rentals Utah and Kanab Tour Company offer rentals and tours that handle the rugged roads for you while letting you enjoy the scenery along the way. It’s a great way to reach the overlook without stressing about your vehicle.

Things to Do at Tuweep

Soak in the Views at Toroweap Overlook

The main draw here is Toroweap Overlook itself, offering stunning, (and vertigo-inducing) views of the inner canyon and Colorado River. The dramatic vertical drop and lack of guardrails make it one of the most thrilling viewpoints in the Grand Canyon. Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning times to visit.

Be careful near the edge! The drop-offs are massive, and the rocks can be slippery.

Hike Above the Rim

The hikes above the rim were totally on our radar, but we didn’t get to do them since we were in full-on dirt bike gear (seriously, have you ever tried to hike in dirt bike boots?) Next time, we’ll be back with proper gear to check them out! There are a couple of short trails near the overlook:

Tuckup Trail: A 3-mile out-and-back hike on slick rock that leads to Cove Canyon with stunning inner-canyon views. Access it north of Tuweep Campground or from site 10 if you’re camping.
Saddle Horse Loop Trail: A 45-minute loop with amazing views of the Colorado River and a walk through native plant gardens and fragile micro-biotic soils. Start near campsite 5 or along the road between the overlook and campground.
Vulcan’s Throne: A 2.0-mile hike with 675 feet of elevation gain that takes you up a volcanic cinder cone right off the road to Toroweap.

Hike Below the Rim

Standing on the edge of the canyon is epic, but hiking into it? That’s a whole new adventure. Just don’t forget, what goes down has to come back up!

Lava Falls Trail: For a serious adventure, this steep and rugged trail descends to the Colorado River. It’s only 2 miles round trip, but the terrain is challenging, with loose rocks and an elevation change of over 1,500 feet. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for it, the reward is a close-up view of the river and the infamous Lava Falls rapid.

Note: There’s no water or shade along these trails, so come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Stargaze at Tuweep

With no light pollution for miles, Tuweep is a certified Dark Sky area, making it one of the best places in the Grand Canyon for stargazing. On a clear night, you’ll see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even distant planets! Bring a blanket, some hot drinks, and enjoy the night sky.

Camp at Tuweep Campground

The Tuweep Campground is about as remote as it gets, making it best for tent camping, pop-up tents on trucks, or maybe a small teardrop camper. The rough, narrow roads are NOT RV-friendly, so it’s definitely not the spot to bring your big rig (vehicles longer than 22 feet aren’t allowed).

Located just a few miles from the overlook, this primitive campground features nine individual sites and one group site. Since it’s so remote, you’ll need to make sure you arrive by sunset.

Reservations: Permits are required for camping and must be obtained in advance. The cost is $10 plus $8 per group per night.
Amenities: There are picnic tables and composting toilets available. Fires and charcoal grills are prohibited, but fossil fuel stoves are allowed. Also, there’s no water here, so make sure to bring plenty!

Things to Know Before Visiting Tuweep

Entrance Fees: The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass, and it must be purchased ahead of time. If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, we highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass for $80. It’s good for a whole year!
Permits: A backcountry permit is also required for both day use and camping at Tuweep. (Not available on site and must be purchased prior to trip).
Ranger Station: Is located 6 miles north of the overlook, it’s only staffed during the peak season. During the off-season, there’s no ranger on duty.
Navigation: Cell service is spotty at best, so bring a printed map or GPS device to avoid getting lost.
No Services: There’s no water, food, or gas at Tuweep. Bring everything you’ll need for your visit, including plenty of water, snacks, and a full gas tank..

When to Visit Tuweep

We visited in April (spring), and it was perfect! The weather was mild, the roads were in decent condition, and there were no crowds. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Spring (March-May): The weather is mild, and the desert blooms with wildflowers if you catch it at the right time. It’s one of the best times to visit, but be prepared for occasional windy days.
Summer (June-August): This is the hottest time of year, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Also, its monsoon season which brings heavy rains and flash flood risks. Not ideal unless you’re extremely prepared.
Fall (September-November): Late September and October are especially nice as the summer heat fades. It’s one of the best times to visit, with warm days and crisp nights.
Winter (December-February): It’s quiet and peaceful, but winter temperatures can be cold, especially at night. Snow is rare at Tuweep, but be sure to check the weather before heading out, as rain can make the dirt roads impassable.

What to Pack for Toroweap

Since Toroweap is SO remote, you’ll need to come fully prepared. There are no services nearby, so forgetting something essential could make or break your trip. Here’s what we recommend:

Plenty of water: At least 1 gallon per person per day, plus extra in case of emergencies.
Food and snacks: Enough for the entire trip, including high-energy options like trail mix, protein bars, or dehydrated meals.
First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Tools for vehicle repairs: Tire plugs, a portable air compressor, a car jack, and a spare tire in good condition.
Recovery equipment: Tow straps, a shovel, and traction boards for sandy or muddy conditions.
Flashlight or headlamp: With extra batteries.
Detailed map or GPS device: Don’t rely solely on your phone; GPS signals can be spotty.
Layers for changing temperatures: Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers, a warm jacket for cooler evenings, and a rain shell if rain is forecasted.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots: With good traction for rocky terrain.

Even if you’re visiting for just a day, pack as though you might need to spend the night unexpectedly. Being overprepared is always better than being underprepared in a remote location like Toroweap.

Toroweap overlook grand canyon

We stayed in Kanab for this trip (we love it there!) and used it as our base for exploring Toroweap. If you’re looking for more adventures nearby, Kanab has so much to offer with hiking, slot canyons, and Coral Pink sand dunes! Be sure to check out our guide to Kanab for more ideas.