Toroweap Overlook

[jstaffon]

We're currently staying in Kanab, UT and have enjoyed places such as Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP and the Grand Staircase-Escalante. We aren't able to see the North Rim of the Grand Canyon due to snow conditions. That part of the Grand Canyon opens in mid-May. I noticed a place on the map called "Toroweap Overlook". Temperatures seem to be very close to the temperatures in Kanab. I'm thinking it may be open this time of year (March). The road into it is gravel/dirt and it looks like it's a long ride...40 - 50 miles one way. We would like to take a day trip from Kanab to visit. It's an unpaved road that heads south of highway 389 between Colorado City and Fredonia, AZ. Has anyone taken that trip? Are there any surprises such as bad road conditions, possible snow, etc? Thanks in advance!

[LenSatic]

We ran into a couple at Walmart in St. George (fellow Casita owners ;)) who were both BLM rangers there. I asked them about Toroweap and they said that BLM carries an extra spare tire on their vehicles out there because the rocks are so sharp. Still on our to-do list.

To add to 2gypsies extra gear suggestion, we also carry an AC/DC air pump, floor jack, and plug-gun tire repair kit.

LS

[2gypsies1]

What a neat volunteer gig you have! That place is awesome!!! Thank you for doing that.

[jstaffon]

Thanks all! Contacting the Ranger would be a good idea. They've had a lot of rain this spring so washouts on the road are a good bet.

The reason we're here to begin with is because of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. We volunteer there twice a week during the month of March. Even if you don't want to volunteer, the tour is well worth the time. BF is a very unique and magnificent place!

We have ATVs with us this year. We may consider taking them instead of driving the GMC. Kind of depends on the condition of the road. All good advice from you guys! Thanks!

[profdant139]

If I recall correctly, some of the forest roads in that area have locked gates during the winter -- the ranger would know where the closures are. There may be a way around the closures, because the roads in that area have many cross-connections.

[agesilaus]

It's on our 4WD list for this summer. Last time we were there we talked to a FS ranger at the Jacob Lake ranger station and she warned us that the road was washed out and even rangers could not get thru. I would absolutely check with someone with local knowledge before heading out on that road. It's a long way down an isolated road and getting stuck out there could be a problem, depending on how much traffic there is on the road.

[2gypsies1]

Here's a site worth reading for the trip. There's also a YouTube on the road.

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2015/01/07/explore-toroweap-overlook-offers-stunning-vista...

If you like animals be sure to go to Best Friends in Kanab and take their tour. Also, Coral Pink Sands State Park is a beauty.

Good luck with the drive if you do it. Be safe and carry extra water, food, blankets, etc..... just in case. You might also want to contact the NPS to let them know you'll be driving that day or to get a heads up on the road condition. Someone should always know where you're going when doing those remote drives.