We're going back to the North Rim in a few weeks, and the #1 thing on my list is to shoot at Toroweap. However, I'm getting conflicting info on the road out there. The consistent piece of advice is to not even try it if it's wet (I guess the mud is unreal). Otherwise, advice is all over the place. High clearance, stock clearance, 4wd, 2wd, etc, etc. I think some folks here have been there recently (last year or so), so...I'm taking a STOCK Jeep Liberty. Good enough to make it, or not?
Thanks!
Posted by Jack Garrett on June 19, 2013 at 2:09 AM
Jeep Liberty will be just fine. I agree don't drive it if the road is wet. We went 45 miles in and hit some snow and mud and believe me it was not fun. Slid across the road and into the ditch. The mud was up to the axles but thankfully we got out and made it the rest of the way in.
No problems with a stock Liberty. The only bad part, requiring some clearance, is at the very end, after the ranger station.
The rest is just a LONG washboard.
I drove it after it had been freshly graded, so I never did have the "complete" driving experience.
Others have reported that every screw and bolt in their car had been loosened, with various pieces falling off !
Be sure to stay for at least one sunset and sunrise.
I took my former Liberty there 2 Novembers ago. It was stock outside of more rugged tires. The road had been recently graded, so it wasn't bad at all. The final stretch did require some 4 wheeling, but nothing too crazy. DO NOT go if it is raining. Some friends and I were going to go last year during labor day week, and it turned into a potentially bad situation. It flash floods out there very easily. Good luck!
Posted by Bob Falcone on June 19, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Thanks guys....that's the quality advice I was looking. Bill, my plan is to drive out there in the afternoon, catch sunset, camp overnight and get the sunrise.
Posted by Richard Olsen on June 19, 2013 at 11:50 AM
I have a brother who lives in Kanab and is very familiar with the road. He says the most common issue people have is flat tires, especially on freshly graded road where the grader kicks up sharp rocks. When I went there, we saw 2 vehicles on the side of the road changing tires. One truck had 2 flats! My brother will never go there unless he has 2 spares on the vehicle and has used them both on one occasion.
I'll echo what others have said, that the only place requiring and technical driving is the short distance from the ranger station, to the campground. I drove that in 2wd with a camper on the back of my truck. The trip did shake a few screws loose in both my head and the camper
I think Jack and Josh have been out there more recently than I have, but I've been back there three times in a Subaru Outback. I imagine a Liberty would be better. I would echo Richard's caution about flat tires, and emphasize that the "road" gets progressively worse as you go, to the point where the last three miles are the worst. I think most people get into trouble because they run out of patience at the end and don't give the last section past the ranger station its due.
I would say, though, that if you're taking the time to get back in there, I'd stay two nights.
Also, if you're planning on shooting the evening you are there, allow LOTS of time to get there as lot of the last 3 miles is 2mph travel. I was pushing hard to get there before the sunset, and did ugly things to my camper
Hey Bob,
Remember the last mile into Marlboro Point? That's what the last few miles into Toroweap Point resemble. It's slab rock and you should have no problems with your Jeep. Great advice from Richard (above), too.
Thanks again everyone! Now I have to figure out how to put a second spare on Lib!
Posted by Scott Fricke on June 21, 2013 at 12:30 AM
An option to consider if you are really concerned about tire punctures is to air down your tires to allow a little give in the tire to lessen the chance of a puncture. There are some inexpensive small portable compressors available that run off the 12V plug in the car to air back up if there are no service stations close by the highway to the road. You could also bring a tire plug set to take care of a small puncture.
Excellent suggestion, Scott. I have used one of those in the past and it works fairly well. Airing down even 5-10 pounds will make a difference. I'm eyeing an on board compressor to bolt onto my Rubicon.
Discussion
12 repliesThanks!
The rest is just a LONG washboard.
I drove it after it had been freshly graded, so I never did have the "complete" driving experience.
Others have reported that every screw and bolt in their car had been loosened, with various pieces falling off !
Be sure to stay for at least one sunset and sunrise.
I'll echo what others have said, that the only place requiring and technical driving is the short distance from the ranger station, to the campground. I drove that in 2wd with a camper on the back of my truck. The trip did shake a few screws loose in both my head and the camper
I would say, though, that if you're taking the time to get back in there, I'd stay two nights.
Remember the last mile into Marlboro Point? That's what the last few miles into Toroweap Point resemble. It's slab rock and you should have no problems with your Jeep. Great advice from Richard (above), too.