Scrape marks on the slick rock that’s called road, not ours
After the five hour drive over washboard then slick rock road we pulled into a full campground at Toroweap around 5pm.
A fellow camper offered us parking in his large space as rules allow two vehicles per site. He pulled out the next morning.
Had a quick spaghetti dinner then walked the 1 mile (1.6 km) to the Toroweap overlook for sunset.
No disappointment here looking upstream.
Then we boulder hopped along the rim towards the west looking straight down about 3000 feet (914 meters) into the Colorado River.
By the time we got to a good overlook downstream the light was gone, but the view sure wasn’t.
We walked back to camp by flashlight and saw this darkling beetle scurrying across our path. Sure glad it wasn’t one of the many snakes reportedly seen by the camphost.
The next morning after breakfast we walked back to the rim again.
Toroweap sits at an elevation of 4600 feet (1400 meters) on a landform known as the Esplanade, a flat shelf situated about halfway between the coniferous forests of the North Rim and the hot canyon bottom.
A chaparral community thrives in Toroweap Valley with juniper and pinyon, sagebrush and saltbush, Mormon tea and other woody shrubs, and various grasses.
Nearer the Esplanade succulent cacti, yucca, and agave predominate.
Upstream
At less than one mile across the canyon to the Hualapai Indian Reservation on the South Rim, this is one of narrowest and deepest segments of the inner canyon.
Sandstone bedding planes and erosion
The colorful redrock from the Hermit shale and Supai sandstones to the east…
…contrasts with the black, basaltic lava flows to the west.
More than a dozen times in the last 7 million years lava spilled over the canyon rim damming the Colorado River.
The river eroded these lava dams and continued its downward cutting to where it is now 50 feet (15 meters) deeper than the base of the ancient dams.
Downstream
As the sun rose higher so did the temperatures.
We just couldn’t hang around during the heat of the day.
Eroded sandstone
So we headed back to camp for lunch in the afternoon shade of a large boulder next to our site.
On the way we saw water pockets in the slick rock. When moisture fills these pools fairy and horseshoe shrimp, tiny frogs and microscopic organisms emerge from the muddy bottoms.
It is important to walk only on the trail as the surrounding ground supports a rare and sensitive crusty black cryptobiotic soil. This complex community of lichens, algae, and bacteria takes years to grow.
Downstream
After hanging out in camp being lazy all day, we once again headed to the rim for sunset.
Upstream
I just couldn’t stop taking photos.
Nor did I want to leave.
But in the morning we hit the dusty road for the long drive back.
At least we didn’t end up like this.
TUWEEP!!! we gotta go back and next time the hang glider is coming along… 🙂
A long way but worth it. I don't know if our rig would make it, so I am so glad you have shared.
so many great shots! Love the lone tree, sandstone and the crust (love that stuff!). Looks like great light too, fun stuff. Really like the banner shot with the storm clouds, too 🙂
I would never want to return. I am not surprised you could not stop taking pictures thay are amazing. Diane
Great photos as suspected. Funny that the so far down a long not good road that the campground is full.
I'm really intrigued by the cryptobiotic soil.
Awesome pics! What could be more special than a pink sunset over the GC?
So beautiful, thanks for these images. I doubt that I will see it in person; I think the drive would shake every fitting loose on the Roadtrek!
I've been catching up; your images of the southwest keep getting better and better though that seems impossible as they have always been great. I'm awestruck.
As usual, the pictures are awesome!! Thanks for sharing.
Oh WOW!! What startling beauty!! I just love it there and think I will run away from home and go and stay there instead. How could one ever get sick of those wonderful views.
I am pleased Mike like his birthday. 🙂
Your views Rock….I mean, your views sand.
Looking forward to visiting your wondrous outlooks of Arizona once more.
Wow! That is worth the drive for sure! What an amazing spot. I guess I did not realize that there was a spot that was so narrow and deep, what a wonderful perspective! You got so many beautiful pictures too, what a great way to remember your time there. Just beautiful!
Beautiful photos of Tuweep! The sunlight on the canyon is just beautiful. Love the view, the lone tree and the rock wall with the holes. Did you see any swallows in the holes?
Wow. For someone who has never been there, this is a good look at what we have missed. Thanks for sharing.
I wouldn't want to leave either. In fact, we're thinking "wheelestate" is a great idea. This post took my breath away.
Hi Gaelyn, there is so much to enjoy in this one post. The views are astonishing and I love the green color of the water.
Wonderful photos! And wondeful memories for you and Mike. What a gorgeous place.
What magnificent views you had!
I'm glad you didn't end up permanently parked like that old truck…
This is a stunning spot. Sitting up there with the spectacular views down the valleys and gorges must be an aweinspiring experience.
I can imagine that there are many visitors who doesn't really look where they walk and in the process causes a lot of damage to the surrounding geology and vegitation.