A long valley (25 miles) leads to Toroweap or Tuweap Overlook on the Grand Canyon’s north side. Looking down from Toroweap one can see the cataract Lava Falls. Undoubtedly, the overlook is one of the most impressive anywhere in the Grand Canyon region. Looking from the edge, the river flows 2,500 below. The Lava Falls Trail, west of the overlook, leads hikers to the river in a distance of 1.5 miles.
A park service structure located a few miles from the rim provides housing for one park employee and his or her family. Park Ranger John Riffey spent the better part of four decades overseeing the Toroweap Valley and Overlook. Riffey, “one of a kind” in they eyes of all who knew him, had a large group of friends in the ranching and river running communities who appreciated him for his exceptional kindness and care for the land he managed. Riffey lived and worked at Toroweap until he died in 1980.
Vulcan’s Throne, an extinct cinder cone, stands tall along the edge of the canyon west of Toroweap Overlook.
The lower Grand Canyon, as traveled by Western's 3 or 4 day expedition begins at Whitmore Wash (mile 188) and finishes at Lake Mead (mile 277).
This comprehensive PDF guides include river maps, overview, full itineraries, camping and weather information, details on physical requirements, packing lists and more.
