Warning sign to Toroweap Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Just getting to Toroweap, or Tuweep (which means dry valley in Paiute), proved to be a major part of the adventure.  Allow more than extra time.

Sunshine Route to Toroweap Bureau of Land Management Arizona

After an hour and a half drive on pavement from the North Rim we hit one of the three gravel roads for getting to Toroweap called the Sunshine Route. 61 miles (98 km) of washboard and dust.

Sunshine Route to Toroweap thru Antelope Valley BLM Arizona

This “route” took us through Antelope Valley.

Mt Trumbull west of Sunshine Route to Toroweap BLM Arizona

Past Mt Trumbull…

Lava flow along Sunshine Route to Toroweap BLM Arizona

…which has erupted about a dozen times causing lava to flow across the land and into the canyon.  But that happened millions of years ago.

Toroweap Valley BLM Arizona

Then we drove into Toroweap Valley.

Schultz Ranch in Toroweap Valley BLM Arizona

Where there is evidence of ranching.

Sunshine Route to Toroweap BLM Arizona

Seems like we’d never get to the canyon.

Sign for Toroweap Ranger Station Grand Canyon National Arizona

Finally, we approached the boundary into Grand Canyon National Park.

Toroweap Ranger Station Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Where the Toroweap Ranger station is located.

Sunshine Route to Toroweap Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The road deteriorates along the last six miles of slick rock as the scenery just gets better. No choice but slow down even more.  The Toroweap brochure warns that 25% of vehicles get flat tires on this section particularly.

Old road grater along Sunshine Route to Toroweap Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Guess this old road grater hasn’t been in operation in many years.

Tuweep Point from Sunshine Route Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

We could finally see Tuweep Point.

Turn off for Toroweap campground Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

And after five hours from our North Rim home arrived at the turn off for the Toroweap campground.