Toroweap Overlook, Grand Canyon National Park

Heading out to Toroweap is an adventure in itself. The notorious dirt roads are a natural filter that keep most away — but once at the parking lot the views are extraordinary. I drove a Subaru with KO2 tires and found the road manageable. The last 2-3 miles on the sandstone esplanade require high clearance and good tires. Park gate opens 30 min after sunrise, closes 30 min after sunset. We mustered up the time and energy to arrive just before sunset.

Spectacular to see the view from above and ponder the time I was down on the river in a pack raft after Cove Canyon. We didn't get the best sunlight but caught some decent sun on the mesas just as we were leaving. Drove off and found a beautiful dry lake filled with flowers for final photos. Toroweap is a must for anyone canyoneering in the Toroweap region — park at the bathroom and walk a few minutes to the overlook.