As of July 2025, the North Rim is closed due to fires that are in the area and expected to be closed for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, the only National Park lodge on the North Rim burned down. While the North Rim is shut down in the park, Toroweap Overlook is still open.
Did you know that you can take a short drive from the North Rim to an intimate setting at Toroweap Overlook and have spectacular views of the Grand Canyon without the crowds?
There’s no doubt about it; the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the star of the Grand Canyon show. It has a village featuring hotels, shops, campgrounds, and outfitters. And all those amenities bring along crowds, you know, the whole “if you build it” thing. Of course, the views are just fantastic, I guess that helps a little! But if you head on over to the North Rim, you will get the same spectacular views with less crowds. You’ll have to give up some of the comforts that the South Rim offers, but you’ll have a less crowded experience. If you want to really cut down on crowds you can venture over to Toroweap Overlook and walk right up to the edge of the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon North Rim
While it may not be as crowded as the south side, visiting the north side of the Grand Canyon does have a drawback. The North Rim is only open from May 15th to October 15th and is completely shut down in the winter. So, if you wanted to take in the snow-covered canyon views from the north side, you’re out of luck.
The North Rim isn’t as well equipped for big crowds as the South Rim, but it does have a lodge, visitor center, a campground, and even a saloon. The lodge and campground fill up quickly so be sure to make reservations for your trip well in advance. You can make reservations on the park website up to six months in advance. If the campground is full, there are other campgrounds in the area that you can stay at, and they don’t fill up as fast. There’s a handy list of them here.
The North Rim Elevation is over 8,000 feet. You can hike down to the bottom or until you feel like turning around from the North Rim. If you want to do the rim-to-rim challenge, it’s 21 miles to the top of the South Rim. Either way it’s strenuous, so make sure that you don’t overexert yourself. There are also easier trails that you can go on that will give you a great view of the canyon. Trail information can be found here.
Toroweap Overlook
Toroweap Overlook is in the Tuweep region, the longtime home to the southern Paiute people, who named the area. The Tuweep region is the epitome of remote, the last 61 miles is down a gravel road that features sharp rocks, washboarding, and dust, plenty of dust. When you finally reach the ranger station, there’s another 4 miles that require a high clearance vehicle, preferably a four-wheel drive. In the rainy season it can be impassible, and it’s recommended that you have a way to patch and inflate tires if needed. Did I mention that there is no cell service, and if a tow truck is needed, and you somehow are able to contact them, it could be over a thousand-dollar charge.
The payoff for all that risk is the dramatic view in a tranquil setting. No crowds, in fact, you might be the only one there. You can walk right up to the edge. The Toroweap website says to watch your step due to the “fragile biological soil crust”, but really you should watch your step due to the three thousand foot drop off to the Colorado River. It’s called slickrock for a reason!
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Get awesome adventure ideas to help plan your next vacation!
There is a campground there if you’re so inclined, it’s primitive with no electric or water, and you must reserve a backcountry permit through the National Park Service website.
Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of traffic to Toroweap. It’s not theme park level crowded, but it’s enough for the National Park Service to restrict traffic. So now you have to obtain a Private Vehicle Day Permit, which is pretty easy, you can apply for one here. They also have a limit on how many vehicles in a group (the answer is 4), so adjust your group accordingly. Don’t be like Phil, who left a 1-star review because they wouldn’t let in his group of 9 vehicles.
There are also max people per group limits (11), and vehicle length limits (22 feet), and the cost per permit is $2.00. That’s just the fee to get there, another fee is charged for entry into the Overlook. You can use an America the Beautiful pass, or the entrance fee receipt from the Grand Canyon. If unsure, check at the park ranger office.
During monsoon season, July – September, the roads can get muddy and impassable, so be aware of the weather conditions before, during, and after, your visit. As was said above, it could be an expensive rainstorm if you get stuck.
Hiking at Toroweap Overlook
You could spend most of the afternoon just scrambling over rocks and taking in the views at Toroweap Overlook and be happy. If you want to explore the area more, there is hiking available.
There are two official hiking trails at Toroweap Overlook, one is a short 45-minute hike, and the other is a day hike. Shade is scarce and the terrain can be rough, so be sure to take plenty of water, and a good pair of hiking shoes. The trailheads are marked with signs and the trails have cairns dotted along the way.
Saddle Horse Loop Trail
A walk through a native plant garden leads you to fantastic views of the Colorado River 3,000 feet below. You’re able to walk right up to the edge of the canyon. The trail can be accessed near campground number 5.
Tuckup Trail
This easy to moderate 3-mile trail that was once a prospector’s path, takes you across slickrock and spits you out at Cove Canyon. Once there, listen for the Colorado River, you can actually hear it thousands of feet below while you’re enjoying the spectacular view. On your way there watch out for the cactuses that abound in the area, you probably don’t want to take a cactus spine in your foot home as a souvenir. Access this trail from campsite number 10.
No pets, bicycles, or vehicles are allowed on the trails, so leave Rusty and the Schwinn at home.
Camping at Toroweap Overlook
Camping at Toroweap Overlook is about as remote as you can get. No water or power, and the only facilities that you get are composting toilets and a picnic table.
There are nine small campsites available, and two vehicles are allowed per camp site. There is one large group campsite that allows up to four vehicles. Capacities are 1-6 people per small campsite and 7-11 people in the group campsite. The maximum length of vehicle allowed is 22 feet, so if you were envisioning four wheeling your 33′ Airstream to get there, think again.
Arrive to the campground by sunset, leave the charcoal grill, and firewood at home, it’s not allowed here. Pack out all trash, and 7 nights are the max stay per trip.
Backcountry permits for overnight stays and campground reservations are available online at recreation.gov. Permits must be purchased 5 days in advance of your stay, so don’t put it off until you get there, you might find yourself with nowhere to camp as permits cannot be purchased at Tuweep.
Read about more remote camping at another national park, this one is in a tropical setting. Dry Tortugas National Park is situated 78 miles from Key West and can only be accessed by seaplane or boat!
Getting to Toroweap Overlook
There are two different ways to get to Toroweap Overlook depending on if you’re coming from the east or the west.
If you’re coming from the North Rim, or Kanab, Utah, take the Sunshine Route. You will get on AZ 389 West, in Fredonia, AZ. 8 miles west of Fredonia take County 109 to County 5 to County 115. Once you get on County 109, sit back and buckle up, you’re starting on a 61-mile dirt road trip that ends at the Overlook.
If St George, Utah is your starting point, take UT-9 to UT 59 towards Colorado City, AZ. UT-59 turns into AZ-389 once you get into Arizona. Just east of Colorado City, you will turn right onto County 5, turn onto County 115 just after Broad Canyon, take 115 to the Overlook. Warning about this route, it’s known as the Clayhole Route and it’s impassable when it’s wet.
These routes probably sound confusing, but Google can get you there, just be sure to download the map before you get out of cell phone range.
It’s a challenge to get to Toroweap Overlook, it is a full day trip no matter which way you are coming from, but the payoff in views and experiences is well worth it.
