If
you enjoy campgrounds that are secluded, Toroweap
Point Campground is just for you. This might be
one of the most secluded campgrounds in the country. Toroweap
is approx. 140 miles west of North Rim and 80 miles southwest
of Fredonia. Just being secluded isn't the reason you come
to Toroweap Point, it is the views! Toroweap Point site
atop a 3000 foot drop into the Grand Canyon. Two campsites
sit right on the edge of the gorge (Update 6/5/2007,
You may no longer camp at these two campgrounds. There is
a fine for doing so. The area is day use only)!
Eleven campsites about a mile back up the road from the
Grand Canyon makes for a minimum amount of campers in the
campground. If the campgrounds are full, you will need to
obtain a backcountry permit. You can get permit information
here:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/permit_procedures.htm
The
National Park Service keeps the dirt roads relatively unkept
leading into the campground to keep the number of people
down in the area. A high clearance vehicle would definitely
be a plus if you plan on making the trip on the long rough
dirt road. The last few miles can get pretty slick when
it gets wet, so if it is raining, be extra careful.
When
traveling to Toroweap Point, Make sure you fill up on gas
and supplies, because it is a long, long way back to civilization.
There is a ranger station just north of the campground that
has emergency water. Whatever you do don't forget to bring
your camera.
For
those looking for a tough hike, look no farther than the
Lava Falls Trail. The Lava Falls Trail is the shortest one
way trip (and a 3000 foot drop) to the rivers edge in the
entire National Park. It is not easy either. On the hike
you must watch out for sliding lava rock, rattlesnakes and
scorpions. Oh, did I mention there is no water along the
way. Once at the bottom, you can witness the roughest whitewater
rapids on the river. River guides commonly rate Lava Falls
rapids at a 10+ on a scale from 1 - 10.
Directions
From
Fredonia travel west on U.S. 389 for nine miles to the unpaved
road marked Route 1 (or Mt. Trumbull Loop). Stay on this
road until you reach Mt. Trumbull. When you reach Mt. rumbull,
turn onto Toroweap Road and head to the campground.
