The Long Road To And From Toroweap

Half the fun of photographing a special place like the Grand Canyon is the drive and adventure to get there. Especially when it’s a remote location such as Toroweap. The drive from Southern Utah into Northern Arizona presents some classic western scenes along the highway where I could picture John Wayne mounting a Calvary charge. (He actually filmed some great movies in this area).

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park
On the road to Arizona’s Grand Canyon at Toroweap.

 

A storm appears on the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park
A storm appears on the road to Arizona’s Grand Canyon at Toroweap.

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park
A field of blooming Indian Paintbrush.

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park

 

A Red-Tailed Hawk flies into stormy clouds at the desert envirornment of Northern Arizona
A Red-Tailed Hawk flies into stormy clouds at the desert environment of Northern Arizona.

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park

You can drive up to 45 MPH on this stretch of dirt road.

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park

About 20 MPH here.

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park
About 2 MPH here. The last couple of miles are on something resembling a road.

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park

Zero MPH.  I actually decided to back up here. When you’re 70 miles from the nearest town, you don’t take chances. This was at the end anyways.

 

On the road to Arizona's Grand Canyon at Toroweap at Grand Canyon National Park
On the way back, I almost ran into a deer. For some reason, I couldn’t get my Ford Ranger out of 4-wheel drive low!. I tried everything to do so. So I drove home totally in 4-wheel drive, very slowly. A few days later and after  talking to my mechanic, I was able to disengage the 4-wheel drive by driving backwards for about 75 feet. Something to remember.

 

18 responses to “The Long Road To And From Toroweap”

  1. Susanne Avatar

    I love your adventures and the photos that come from them. The distorted ones are interesting. Make me feel like a dehydrated cowboy, alone and lost.

    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar

      Thanks Susanne. Glad you liked the somewhat distorted photos!

  2. Tippy Gnu Avatar

    I love the photos. Beautiful country. And thanks for the 4wd tip, I’ll keep that in mind for the future.

  3. Eliza Waters Avatar

    Definitely John Wayne country. Such rugged terrain, I admire your adventurous spirit! Loved the vast field of Indian Paintbrush flowers (of course 😉 ) – that must have been beautiful to see.

    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar

      Thanks Eliza. The paintbrush may have photographed better if it wasn’t so bright out

  4. the eternal traveller Avatar

    It looks like a wonderful area to visit. Did you camp there?

    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar

      Thanks. No I didn’t camp there this time.

  5. katelon Avatar

    Lovely photos. That must have been quite the tedious drive home. Glad you got it fixed.

    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar

      Thanks Katelon. Took me 3 1/2 hours to travel 100 miles.

  6. SwittersB Avatar

    Such beautiful images! Over and over…very inspiring.

  7. Wãshē Kōdä Avatar

    I like Your piks
    little more clearity please

    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar

      Thanks. I purposely reduced the clarity and contrast on some shots to produce a different look

  8. yhealthy2000 Avatar

    I love these pictures. I do plan to visit Grand Canyon soon:).

  9. Key Image Photographers Avatar

    The first monotone photograph is awesome!

  10. vonleonhardt2 Avatar

    What are you shooting with?

    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar

      Canon 5D Mark III and 24-105mm 4.0 lens

      1. vonleonhardt2 Avatar

        Nice! You like it?

      2. Michael Andrew Just Avatar

        Yes, very much.

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