Ever watch Matt's Recovery on YouTube? Out in Utah. He makes a lot of money off rental cars.
Great narrative and photos! I've spent a lot of time in the Southwest and paranoid about fuel. I always top off every chance I get. That country can be unpredictable and unforgiving. Worked on the Navajo Rez when I was young and drove 60 mile commute on a dirt road.Once we bought a Bronco Sport, it made a trip out to Toroweap even more attainable. I had been wanting to go since 2007 when I had visited the Southwest for the first time. After a year of ownership, it was time to make the trip. Everywhere you read about the road, it is described as extremely hazardous and not casual drivers. I read as many trip reports and watched any video to be as prepared as possible. I left from Phoenix with a college buddy who flew in that morning around 10am. We stopped in Flagstaff for some gas and snacks before quickly getting back on the road. We took a quick break at the Historic Navajo Bridge and made our way to Fredonia and boy was I glad we filled up the thank at Flag. The gas station was closed, and we learned from a few others that the entire region was without power. I had hoped to top off, get more ice and cold drinks but was out of luck. A young group of guys pulled up in a truck and one told us people drive terrible out there and probably ran over a power line.
With about half a tank we decided it was enough for a round trip to the campground as I put it in Eco mode. A few miles west of Fredonia and we hopped on the dirt road to Tuweep. It was a little washboard to start out and my friend asked how long are we on this road? He did not look amused when I said 60 miles. Fortunately for him the road smoothed out and I was able to go 45mph for a good chunk of time. A few dips and rock patches after about 30 miles and I slowed down to 35mph, and then 25mph before finally reaching the Tuweep Ranger Station. Ranger Todd came out to greet us and after inspecting our permits, told us staying a few days is the way to do it. We headed out and from the station to the campground was mostly 10mph. There were a few drops, but nothing resulted in bottoming out. The Badlands was more than capable of handling the road. There was only one drop on a bend that required a few seconds of thought to approach.
Reaching the campground, we decided to go straight into camp 3 as it afford a spectacular view. If you were to drive around the campground there were a few more drops. The bigger trucks seemed to have issues that I think the Bronco Sport would have not had issues with due to its short wheelbase. From the campground we walked to the rim. It was about 8.5hr. trip with the last 2.5hr on the dirt road so we were both in need of exercise. If you were to consider a day trip, the road from the campground to the overlook has a few more drops. Honestly, it was easier to walk it than to drive given how slow you’d have to go.
The next day we hiked in the morning, rested midday, hiked in the afternoon. In the evening I went to the rim and stayed late for some astrophotography. We logged 20miles hiking. When we woke the next morning, we could already feel it was going to be a hotter day. Following the same schedule but different trails, we logged in 16 miles of hiking and spending another sunset at the rim. Then the next morning we packed up and headed back.
When I first started out, I was in normal mode going up some rocks. I decided to back out and then put it in rock mode and easily made it over all the ledges we dropped down on the way in. Once we reached the ranger stations, I put it into eco mode and we trailblazed our way back to pavement. We did cross paths with 2 does and 3 fawn pronghorns as they easily ran faster than we were driving. We had no more dirt roads as we visited Wahweap Bay, Horseshoe Bend and then got stranded on I17 has a semi’s brakes caught fire and then his refrigerated haul went up in smoke.
All in all, it was a great trip. One I was glad to have the Badlands and would gladly return. I may visit some other sights and trials in that region for a week-long trip given the time it takes to get there. We saw about 10 or so people in the 3 days we were there.
Yeah I knew we’d have enough for out and back but still. A full tank would have been reassuring. There’s some other roads to explore and it would be necessary to have a full tank before trying that.
Great photos, thanks!I went there as well in my Badlands a couple of weeks ago. No issues although I'm glad I picked Campsite #1. The ones past 3 required going down a significant rock drop. I was the only one there. I didn't even see a ranger at the station.
These are amazing photos! Thanks for sharing them with us.I went there as well in my Badlands a couple of weeks ago. No issues although I'm glad I picked Campsite #1. The ones past 3 required going down a significant rock drop. I was the only one there. I didn't even see a ranger at the station.
