Overlanding the Grand Canyon: Gear, Grit, and Going Off-Grid

Where the road ends… the trail begins.

The Grand Canyon‘s hiking and off-road trails are a dream for anyone passionate about exploring the outdoors. Home to some of the most breathtaking views in the world, it’s no wonder that Grand Conyon National Park is a major international tourist destination. Toroweap Point, one of the Canyon’s most famous vistas, is accessible only by a 60-mile dirt road that’s crisscrossed with cattle guards and marked by signs that read, “Caution: Unimproved Road Surface.” This is a feature unique to the Canyon’s North Rim, a much more isolated and untamed area of one of the nation’s most popular national parks. And the best part? Anyone can go explore it… as long as they’re properly prepared.

Overlanding newbies, here’s where we take a break to tell you that if you’re going to take an adventure in Grand Canyon National Park, you need to be aware that everything you do has an impact. If we don’t treat it with respect, the Grand Canyon won’t stay isolated and untamed for long. Keep Tread Lightly Principles in mind, make sure your lights are Dark Sky Park approved, and try your best to fly under the radar. The overlanding community wouldn’t exist if we didn’t have respect for our Mother Earth, and when you go out there, you represent all of us. Taking our trucks into the park is a privelige, not a right – and we’d like to keep that privelige. Please, don’t ruin it for everyone else.

There’s a Chase Bank and a grocery store less than half a mile’s walk from the edge of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The mule deer that wander the campgrounds next to the resort are so domesticated, they’ve been known to look both ways before crossing the street – using the crosswalk. We’re not saying that sticking to the South Rim isn’t adventurous. It is. You’re still free to camp, hike, and enjoy the views from the safety of civilization. It’s the best of both worlds.

But if you want more…

In our opinion, if you go Grand Canyon hiking or overlanding or even just vacationing but don’t hike down, you’ve missed out. You don’t have to go far; even just a mile or so will do. But if you want the full experience, hike down as much as you’re able.

It’s sort of a myth that you can’t drive down into the Grand Canyon. Actually, you can, but only by one road. It’s called the Diamond Creek Road, and it offers a unique Grand Canyon travel experience. On the other hand, driving down usually only takes two or three hours on well-traveled and well-regulated road. If you walk, you can take as much time as you want – and explore wherever you want.

Who Will You Meet on Diamond Creek Road?

Diamond Creek Road is a bit of a paradox—it feels remote, yet you’re rarely alone. As you wind your way down to the river, don’t be surprised if you cross paths with a whole cast of characters heading off for their own adventures. You’ll likely see a few rugged overlanders dusting off their rigs, families in Subarus lining up for the photo ops, and the occasional cluster of commercial rafting buses shuttling eager folks down for a day on the water.*

It’s not uncommon for the road to draw outfitters like OARS or Arizona Raft Adventures, along with fellow explorers, all sharing that narrow ribbon of dirt. While it’s nothing like rush hour on the strip in Vegas, be ready for the odd traffic jam (translation: a couple of vans wedged between some boulders—or a herd of bighorn sheep showing everyone who’s boss). The sense of camaraderie is real, though; a passing wave or a quick chat at one of the scenic pullouts is all part of the experience.

In short: yes, you’ll meet fellow travelers and the occasional tour group, but that’s half the fun. There’s plenty of canyon to go around.

Exploring at River Level

So, you’ve bumped down Diamond Creek Road or scrambled your way along the North Rim and finally rolled up to the bottom of the Grand Canyon—what now? Don’t just park the rig and call it a day. There’s a world to explore at river level.

You can stroll along the metal catwalks hugging the river’s edge, perfect for a high-water wander—no climbing over boulders required. Want to kick off your boots? Find a sandy beach tucked beside the Colorado, prime real estate for a mid-afternoon nap or skipping stones while the sun slips behind the walls.

Campsites down here are more than just dirt patches, too. Wooden ramadas offer some much-needed shade from the midday blaze, and if you’re lucky, you’ll snag a spot with nothing but the sound of the river for company. Nighttime brings a kind of peace you can’t buy—no crowds, just the steady rush of water and a sky full of stars.

In the morning, don’t be surprised if you catch sight of rafting crews launching out, ready to ride the rapids downstream. Whether you’re hiking the water’s edge, soaking in the scenery, or just enjoying a calm night by the current, the bottom of the Grand Canyon delivers a flavor of adventure all its own.

How Long Does It Take to Drive Down Diamond Creek Road?

So, how long does it actually take to make the drive from Peach Springs down to the Colorado River along Diamond Creek Road? Once you’ve found the start and hit the dirt, you’re looking at about an hour or so behind the wheel before you’re at river’s edge. Of course, that’s if you don’t stop every five minutes to snap photos, marvel at towering cliffs, or yield to the odd free-ranging cow (trust us—it happens).

The real adventure, though, lies in simply finding your way to the start of the road—a task that can sometimes feel like its own mini-expedition as you navigate tribal land and the web of unmarked byways. But once you’re on Diamond Creek Road proper, count on winding your way through remote scenery and descending to the bottom of the canyon in under an hour.

Getting to Diamond Creek Road (and What You’ll Need)

If you’re itching to actually drive down to the river—yes, it’s possible—it all starts in Peach Springs, Arizona, a dust-blown outpost along the storied Route 66. To reach Diamond Creek Road, you’ll want to head into Peach Springs via Kingman from the west, or Seligman from the east, depending on your approach. The turning point is easy to find once you’re in town: cross Route 66 and look for Diamond Creek Road as it snakes its way out toward the rim.

But here’s the catch: the entirety of Diamond Creek Road winds through Hualapai tribal land, so you’re required to pick up a permit before venturing down. These permits are available right in Peach Springs—usually at the tribal or local lodge—and fees change depending on whether you’re heading down for a day trip or setting up camp overnight at the bottom. We recommend securing your permit before you leave town, just to avoid surprises at the trailhead. Once you’re set, you’re looking at 19 miles of true backroad adventure leading you straight to the Colorado River.

In this guide, we’ll recommend all of the best gear you’ll want and give all the advice you’ll need to hike down and around on the Grand Canyon hiking trails from a basecamp on the less-explored North Rim. Keep in mind that putting the car in park doesn’t stop the adventure. Taking a hike just allows you to take the plans into your own hands.

Before You Go

First of all, we need to warn you about the dangers that come with adventuring to the hiking trails on the Canyon’s North Rim. There is absolutely no cell service and it’s near impossible to get a GPS signal with your phone. Additionally, the campsites at Tuweep campground are primitive – no running water, no wifi, no nothing. On top of that, you’ll need to acquire a backcountry camping permit through the National Park Service to camp out there.

It’s possible to take a day trip out to the North Rim, but we don’t recommend it. (And neither does the National Park Service.) The drive out is 60 miles, but due to the nature of the road, it will likely take you at least three hours. If you’re smart, that is. Trying to move any faster might result in flat tires or worse, making your trip even longer.

That said, there are also far too many pros to spending the night at Tuweep campground to ignore. The Grand Canyon is one of very few International Dark Sky Parks, meaning that all of the artificial light sources in the park are modified so as not to create light pollution. It makes the skies at night an absolute can’t-miss.

There are also some incredible views of the Canyon that you can only see from the North Rim. Some are great 4×4 adventure trails, but we’d recommend tackling others on foot. Hiking instead of driving keeps the Canyon as it should be: quiet, peaceful and untouched by pollution.

Getting Out There On Toroweap Overlook Trail

This wouldn’t be a full overlanding/hiking North Rim guide if we didn’t mention this trail. It is accessible to 4×4 vehicles, but we like a different strategy. There’s about 3.5 miles of decently driveable road before you’ll hit a parking lot. From there, you can walk about another 3-mile stretch out to the hiking trails on the very edge of the Grand Canyon.

Scenery Along the Trail

Set out on the Toroweap Overlook Trail and you’ll quickly realize this route is more than just a means to an end—it’s a visual feast in its own right. The drive keeps the pace slow, allowing you to soak in expansive canyon vistas in every direction. Craggy walls rise and fall along the horizon, and certain bends grant a preview of the massive drop-offs that make the Grand Canyon world-famous.

As you venture farther in, the landscape does its best to keep things interesting. Dry washes crisscross the route, often edged by rough stone that tells you, in no uncertain terms, that this is no place for low-clearance sedans. It’s wild country, with rock-strewn gullies and surprises for both your tires and your senses.

Draw closer to the river and water starts making a cameo. Streams begin to carve their way across the trail, some flowing gently, others leaving behind beds of glistening stones. If you time your visit right—especially after rains—a handful of small waterfalls tumble just off the roadside, cascading over slickrock ledges and adding a soundtrack to the already staggering views.

It’s a landscape where the walls seem to close in, the skies stretch wider, and the hush of the remote North Rim swells to fill every moment with a sense of true escape.

The Toroweap Overlook Trail is your first destination once you’ve survived the long and lonely road out to Tuweep campground. The road you’ll take out there is the one mentioned before: 60 miles of dusty gravel and the occasional tumbleweed. Like we said, there’s absolutely no service out there, so be prepared with paper maps on hand. The rocky road is dangerous game for tires. Roll over the wrong spot at the wrong angle going just a bit too fast and your trip is cut short. If and when that happens, be sure you’re familiar with your vehicle’s tire change kit, and maybe even have a tire repair kit on hand.

Beginning in July 2022, the National Park Service will be charging a fee of $2 per vehicle to discourage large groups of vehicles from staying at the campground. Their goal is to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the Canyon hiking trails, and caravans of large trucks can disrupt the silence and pollute the air. Of course, that should be our goal, too. Just be respectful of the nature around you and you should be good to go.

Trekking Out To Point Sublime

Point Sublime, while one of the most challenging destionations when in comes to Grand Canyon hiking, is also one if its most stunning. It’s really all in the name with this one. The sunrises and sunsets here are quite literally… sublime. While you can absolutely drive out there, the road isn’t suitable for rigs too big or too small. The rough road requires high clearance, but the stretch out to the point also gets pretty skinny. Jeeps, you win the Goldilocks prize for driving out to Point Sublime.

For everybody else, we want to tell you to step out of your comfort zone. Get out from behind the wheel, grab a backpack and hike it. You’ll leave behind the anxieties of maneuvering your rig across the tight path up to the point and just enjoy the views.

For a quick overnight camp, throw together the bare essentials. Tent and tarps, sleeping gear, lighting, camp chairs, emergency gear, water. That’s about it. Eat before you head out so that you don’t have to worry about packing out leftover food and trash. You’ll want to wake up early to see the sunrise anyway, so worry about breakfast when you get back to base camp at Tuweep.

Be Careful Out There!

Now is a great time to talk about recovery gear for your rig and first aid for you. Getting out to Point Sublime and many other Grand Canyon hiking trails is known to be tough, but the views and isolation are worth it as long as you’re prepared.

If you choose to head out in your vehicle, be extra careful. Check with the park ranger before you head out to make sure the trail has been cleared recently, or you might be stopped by a fallen tree, mud or other unpassable obstacles. If you do get stuck, recovery boards and a winch along with exposed tow points will be helpful in getting you unstuck. The only tow service out here is the park rangers, and if they’re around to help, they can charge over $1,000, so keep your MAXTRAX or other recovery boards on hand. (They’re not a failsafe, though. Don’t come crying to us if your rear-wheel Beemer gets stuck out there and you can’t get it out. Use your common sense.)

Hikers get injured just as easily as vehicles get stuck heading out to Point Sublime. Prevention is the bet way to stay safe – wear good socks to prevent blisters, have good boots that support your ankles and keep good maps so you don’t get lost.

Hiking Down On The North Kaibab Trail

The only trail down into the canyon from the North Rim is the North Kabiab Trail. The best part about a hike down is that it’s up to to decide you how far you go and what you see. Remember, though, just like the trail signs say: “Down is optional. Up is mandatory.” The key to success is knowing your limits and being prepared.

Grand Canyon hiking is some of the most unique in the world. Hiking down into the canyon is really the only way to truly understand its size and grandeur. As much as you can appreciate the views from the rim roads and trails, hitting the dirt of the Grand Canyon hiking trails totally changes that perspective.

Camping at the Bottom: What to Expect

So, you’ve made it to the bottom of the canyon—now what? Good news: there are actual campsites waiting for you near the river’s edge. These spots aren’t just a patch of dirt, either. You’ll find some basic amenities, like sturdy wooden shade structures at each site—priceless when that sun is blazing or the afternoon storm rolls in.

Access is a little adventure in itself, usually involving a quick crossing of a small stream (don’t worry, nothing Indiana Jones-level). For those wanting to stretch their legs, there’s a nifty metal catwalk hugging the side of the canyon that lets you stroll alongside the river—even when the water is running high. There’s even a sandy beach not far from camp, giving you a fantastic spot to relax away from the rocky riverbank.

If you time your trip right, you might just have the place to yourself, with only the roar of the Colorado River keeping you company at night. Come morning, you’ll likely catch the river rafting crews as they gear up for a day’s adventure. Not a bad way to finish off your own journey into the heart of the canyon.

Sleeping by the Colorado: What It’s Like to Camp at the Bottom

Camping overnight at the bottom of the Grand Canyon is what we’d call peak “pinch me” status—equal parts awe and tranquility, with a dash of “how did I get so lucky?” Once you’ve made your way down (whether by boots, trek poles, or sheer stubbornness), you’ll find the campsites tucked just above the river’s reach. It’s the kind of spot where the soundtrack is all natural: just the relentless rush of the Colorado below and maybe a soft breeze rustling through your tent.

You won’t be bumping elbows with crowds—this is solitude, Grand Canyon style. At night, it’s just your group, the Milky Way overhead (plot twist: it’s way more vivid down there), and the river’s white noise to lull you into one of the best campground sleeps you’ll ever have. In the morning, rafters and hikers start to stir, but for a while, it’s all yours.

Each site typically offers a little shade structure and easy access to shallow streams—perfect for cooling tired feet or topping off your water. There’s even a sandy patch or two if you want to ditch your boots and channel your inner beach bum before heading back up. And let’s be real: the climb out is every bit as scenic as the way down, so save a little awe for the return trip.

To that effect, here’s our quick list of things you need to hike North Kaibab and links to some of our favorite products:

• Good quality, broken in boots. Wear them around for a couple of days before you do anything strenuous in them or you will get blisters.
  • Our rec: Columbia Newton Ridge Boot (men’s here, women’s here)
• Wool or synthetic blend socks. These will wick moisture away from your feet.
  • Our rec: Smartwool or Bombas
• Lightweight hiking pants.
  • Our rec: Cotopaxi has great options in multiple styles for both men and women.
• Long or short sleeve shirt that will wick away sweat. Really any shirt will do as long as it’s breathable and you feel comfortable. Stay away from cotton.
• Poles. You don’t think you’ll need them until you need them.
  • Our rec: Black Diamond from REI for the dedicated hiker, but these ones from Amazon are a more budget-friendly option.
• Water; more than you think. The same rules that apply for gas apply for water.
  • Our rec: a Camelbak. Get one that has its own backpack, or a reservoir for your pack.
• Bandanas. They’re the ultimate multipurpose tool, protecting from the sun, cleaning up messes and more.
  • Our rec: Find one that fits your style and buy a bunch. Amazon is a great place to start.
• Trail food: granola bars, sandwiches, G.O.R.P.
• Liquid IV, GU Gels, Gatorade Energy Chews. For emergencies; yours or someone else’s.

Getting Back To Civilization

Once you’re over by the North Rim, the closest civilization you’ll be able to find will likely be St. George, Utah. It’s a bustling little metropolis that’s got everything an overlander might need, stranded or not. When you’re done with your Grand Canyon hiking and adventuring, it’s also a great stopover point about 45 minutes from Zion National Park.

The Desert Rat is one of the best gear shops in St. George if you’re willing to spend a little extra to support a local business. They’ve got a prime location for replacing broken gear or picking up those couple of things you realized you forgot while out on the trail.

Gear Guide

No matter what season you decide to go Grand Canyon hiking, it presents some tough challenges. Packing the appropriate gear for the trip you have planned can make or break your adventure. Even if you go out during more mild and temperate months, like May, the temperatures can change way more than you might expect. A day spent hiking in 80 degree heat might be followed by a 25 degree night.

Here are some of our essentials for handling the changing temps of the Grand Canyon while hiking, overlanding and more.

Nemo / Switchback Sleeping Pad

rei.com

MSRP: $44.95

This double-sided sleeping pad is a great compromise piece for when you’re unsure of the weather. It packs up small and is lightweight for backpacking. It’s also double-sided, so that you can add more insulation to your sleeping setup for warmth if needed. As an added plus, it’s also super budget-friendly.

Nocs Provisions / Zoom Tube 8 x 32 Monocular Telescope

rei.com

MSRP: $75.00

What would spending the night at an International Dark Sky Park be without a telescope? If you’re interested in learning more about constellations, bring one along. Of course it’s also useful for checking out distant wildlife during the daytime, too! This one is tiny and lightweight, so it packs easily.

Trasharoo / Spare Tire Trash Bag

amazon.com

MSRP: $48.99

Heading out to primitive campsites means there’s not a safe or sustainable way to throw out trash or food scraps. With that in mind, bringing along a way to dispose of trash without stinking up your vehicle or summoning every raccoon (or worse) in a mile radius is probably smart. This option from Trasharoo is tried and true among overlanders.