I was at Toroweap for a few days last month. It's a long drive out there, but the roads were great. I came in on the Mt Trumbull Loop from St George and left through Fredonia. Based on previous descriptions I was prepared for the worst in road conditions, but they must have done a lot of road work!! Short of paving it, I couldn't imagine better road conditions - until you get to the park boundary. I think the worst conditions are in the campground.
BTW, the campground has some great sites - I especially liked #7, #8 and #9.
If you have time, stop at the Nampaweap Petroglyphs - a short detour on the Mt Trumbell road.
I hiked a short distance down the Lava Falls Trail. You get some great views of the Toroweap fault and associated volcanic cinder cones. I found the views different enough from the Toroweap Overlook area to make the short drive worthwhile. Caution on the Lava Falls route to the river. The lower portion is quite steep, on volcanic scree, and most people have problems staying on the trail - and you really don't want to be trying to find the trail on the way back up. The comments about the near death experiences are a great read at the trail head register.
In two weeks, Toroweap might be a bit hot.
I think the North Rim will be officially open, however, it was snowing heavily on the rim as we were hiking up Nankoweap Creek a few weeks ago from the river. So, I'd recommend giving them a call just to be certain.
Have fun! I hope you have a few clouds to cool things down.
I was there several years ago in January and seem to remember wishing I was there in the summer to get better sun angles. So I think this should be a good time to visit. If it rains a lot beforehad, the clay roads could become almost impassible. Otherwise, it should be fine, especially in your 4wd.
I had some insults and wisecracks for you, but they're just not as fun when you request them.
Discussion
4 repliesI'm going to be shooting in that general area in two weeks and will spend a couple of days there unless this is a lousy time to go.
Assuming that this time of year is as good as any other, does anyone have any recommendations/tips/wise cracks
Thanks!
BTW, the campground has some great sites - I especially liked #7, #8 and #9.
If you have time, stop at the Nampaweap Petroglyphs - a short detour on the Mt Trumbell road.
I hiked a short distance down the Lava Falls Trail. You get some great views of the Toroweap fault and associated volcanic cinder cones. I found the views different enough from the Toroweap Overlook area to make the short drive worthwhile. Caution on the Lava Falls route to the river. The lower portion is quite steep, on volcanic scree, and most people have problems staying on the trail - and you really don't want to be trying to find the trail on the way back up. The comments about the near death experiences are a great read at the trail head register.
In two weeks, Toroweap might be a bit hot.
I think the North Rim will be officially open, however, it was snowing heavily on the rim as we were hiking up Nankoweap Creek a few weeks ago from the river. So, I'd recommend giving them a call just to be certain.
Have fun! I hope you have a few clouds to cool things down.
I had some insults and wisecracks for you, but they're just not as fun when you request them.
Bill - I'll definitely have to check out those petroglyphs while I'm there.