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Lava Falls Route - 6 members in 10 triplogs have rated this an average 4.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
10 triplogs
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Dec 27 2024
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 Routes 5
 Photos 435
 Triplogs 119

female
 Joined Mar 26 2022
 Flagstaff, AZ
Toroweap wanderings, AZ 
Toroweap wanderings, AZ
 
Backpack avatar Dec 27 2024
shelby147Triplogs 119
Backpack85.00 Miles 12,700 AEG
Backpack85.00 Miles7 Days         
12,700 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Conditions were still perfect so I squeezed one more hike into winter break. I couldn't get my car all the way out so biked ~25 miles out and back on that washboard road (really not comfortable with a road bike and 45lb pack). I wanted to hike a loop from Toroweap to Tuckup but there was no water - so I did a 35+ mile water carry on the Esplanade before bailing down to Lava Falls for my plan B hike. Plan B was to use Whitmore as my river access point and explore on the Esplanade from there. I camped out on Lone Mountain, which feels very remote and offers fantastic panoramic views. I found seven mylar balloons in my last three days.
 
Apr 15 2024
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Toroweap, AZ 
Toroweap, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 15 2024
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking12.53 Miles 4,273 AEG
Hiking12.53 Miles   7 Hrs   56 Mns   2.00 mph
4,273 ft AEG   1 Hour   40 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I was in the Toroweap area for about twenty-four hours total and completed three separate hikes. The first two involved yet another hike down and back to/from the Colorado River, an intervening sandwich and beer, and then an ascent of an inactive volcano, which together I’m blithely dubbing Hole to Hump(s). Yes, I know how difficult the actual H2H is to complete. And yes, I realize these two challenges really don’t compare, besides the river and exticnt volcano aspects. I’m almost certain I’ll never compete the real deal. So, please spare us any unnecessary snarky comments about only a playful comparison. The third hike was a Saddle Horse loop with a few side trips added on. It was an enjoyable stay after not visiting for a few decades.
  24 archives
Dec 30 2018
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 Guides 37
 Routes 556
 Photos 10,872
 Triplogs 1,052

43 male
 Joined Jan 21 2013
 AZ
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 30 2018
FOTGTriplogs 1,052
Hiking3.56 Miles 2,857 AEG
Hiking3.56 Miles
2,857 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
chumley
John9L
Second time for this one for me, but still fun. John was not feeling it and turned around about 2/3 of the way down. Chumley and I continued on to the rapids for a little IG photo shoot and a quick break before heading back We both agreed that this is a really scenic section of the Colorado River and that the rapids were robust and a little scary looking. We climbed out pretty quickly for the steepness and loose nature of the climb and I think we finished in just over 3.5 hours.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Warm Springs Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
This is a robust spring and it was really flowing. Not sure of water quality though, as it is on the opposite side of the river.
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  4 archives
Dec 30 2018
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 30 2018
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking3.56 Miles 2,758 AEG
Hiking3.56 Miles   3 Hrs   43 Mns   1.30 mph
2,758 ft AEG      59 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
FOTG
John9L
I've wanted to hike Lava Falls to the river for a while, but the isolation of this one has always been a challenge.

With four days off over the holiday break I suggested the option a few weeks back, secured permits and decided to keep an eye on the forecast. A potential Christmas storm fizzled from the early models and other than some bitterly cold temps we figured it was good to go.

I'm not really sure I'd want to do this at any other time of year. It was in the 20s when we set off, but even at the end of December, the Arizona sun baked the south-facing slopes of black lava rock, and even on the descent it wasn't too long before I was in shorts and a t-shirt. The forecast called for a high near 50 at the river, but up top I never saw it over 42, and I can't imagine doing this on a day where the temps are 70 or even 80!!? at the river! It would be brutal!

Lee suggested hiking poles, and I grabbed them from the truck at the last minute. I'm glad I did. The descent is steep and loose and the poles helped a lot. At one point a loose boulder moved under foot and I decided to send it downhill to get it off the route where others might encounter it. As we all stood and watched, it was a bit unnerving to see and hear this 100-lb rock as it bounced and rolled for several hundred vertical feet below us before finally coming to rest.

We continued on, negotiating a couple of little scramble-climbs before crossing over a little ridge near the river. On the backside the slope was scree-covered and the route undefined. I lost my footing and began to slide down the slope, managing to arrest before the 15-foot drop that I only noticed after I'd stopped. This turned out to be the most dangerous part of the hike. Easily avoidable, but also an easy error to make.

A few minutes later, we were at the river and made the short traverse downstream to observe the rapids up close. They really are something to behold. I'm not a rafter, but I can see how this is an infamous challenge for those who are!

After some photos and a snack, we turned back and headed up. With the relatively cool temperatures, we made excellent time, climbing out in about 90 minutes. I carried two liters of water, and only drank one of them. From everything I've read, this is extraordinarily unusual and it must be stressed that the highest temperature we experienced was in the 40s. Much of the river was shaded with the low angle of the December sun and we actually sought out sunny areas to warm up. There were record cold temperatures even for December, so I would expect a much different experience even during a normal winter weekend, and certainly during warmer months.

With all those qualifications, I really enjoyed this hike, and would absolutely do it again if the conditions were similarly ideal. :)
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Lava Falls Rapids

dry Prospect Canyon Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Warm Springs Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
Absolutely roaring. Looked like Shinumo Creek-level flow! I wonder if it's really warm!? Other side of the river so no way to know without a raft.
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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Oct 10 2016
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 Guides 37
 Routes 556
 Photos 10,872
 Triplogs 1,052

43 male
 Joined Jan 21 2013
 AZ
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 10 2016
FOTGTriplogs 1,052
Hiking3.23 Miles 2,720 AEG
Hiking3.23 Miles   3 Hrs   5 Mns   1.14 mph
2,720 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
After Kanab Creek Wilderness, we made the short drive up the road to Toroweap. I really don't think the views on the way out to Toroweap can be beat, one really assumes the feeling of driving within the Grand Canyon's walls. Likewise, the sunrise from Toroweap may have simply been one of the best I have ever seen.

This was not a Jackie hike, so she stayed at the trailhead with the pups. I told her give me five hours, but don't be surprised if it takes longer, because I had no idea what to expect. As it turns out, the trail is definitely a little challenge, however, not nearly as bad as I anticipated. For reference, I would equate it to something on the lines of Flat Iron, Picketpost, or Brown's chute in terms of most of the scrambles and climbs, but with the "canyon factors" of heat, nerves, a little more high stakes exposure and its remoteness. Once one gets over these, its really just a quick scramble down to a pretty cool spot with some tremendous views up and down the river.

I did not have any major issues with identifying what I would call the main route, but several spurs and dead end routes have developed along the route, so a little skill is necessary in choosing the right one. There were really only a couple of climbs that got my heart racing, but nothing scary enough to stop me dead in my tracks, as it was a pretty constant hike down once I started. At the bottom it was some quick pictures at the rapids and then a quick return, so as not to keep Jackie and the pups waiting, after all this was just a warm up for Trumbell.

Final Note:

The drive is long, dusty and a little rough at times and there is some real danger of being stranded out there if your vehicle is not up to it (That very thought weighed heavily on me for the two days we explored the Parashant). However, there is certainly enough to do in the area to justify making this drive with the main intention of doing Lava Falls, just make sure your ride is capable and you are physically and mentally up to it. I would probably not make this my first more adventourous canyon hike, if limited in experience.
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  3 archives
May 29 2014
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar May 29 2014
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking3.00 Miles 2,611 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles   2 Hrs   55 Mns   1.24 mph
2,611 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A nearly famous Arizona Hiker recently said to me "nobody hikes Lava Falls twice". Well that may be true for the smarter folks but I had an itch to do this one again.

On the way I was 80 miles north of Flag when my alternator started to give out. I turned back and wasn't sure I would even go thru with the trip. Once in Flag I swapped it out at AutoZone and was back on my way. Add this 160 mile event to the already long trip and it was a 600 mile drive to get to Toroweap from Chandler. :o Yes the smarter ones would likely forgo this one the second time.

Now for the hike! It was as awesome the second time as the first. Sometimes after a tough or challenging hike is over, my mind kicks in and says "awh that wasn't so bad". Well it happened on this one the first trip and it happened again today. During the trip back up however I was thinking man it's HOT, and man this is STEEP! But a short mile and a half later I thought yep that wasn't so bad. :sweat:

I'm not sure what the temps were at the river but it was 94 at noon when I reached the top. After the hike I decided to do the Saddle Horse Loop in the park before heading out. Short little scenic hike that is worth the effort if you are in the area already.

Would I do Lava Falls again? In a heart beat!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/TYDwGt947qI
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Mar 29 2014
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 Photos 161
 Triplogs 2

45 male
 Joined Jun 19 2013
 
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 29 2014
OrangeTriplogs 2
Hiking3.30 Miles 2,857 AEG
Hiking3.30 Miles   8 Hrs   3 Mns   0.41 mph
2,857 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This trip was crazy. I do not recommend it. Several people die trying this 'trail', and each of our group of 5 (albeit at different times) nearly died ourselves...it is no joke. The NPS doesn't talk about this trail (or label it), they don't even post a trail register, and they tell people not to do it. Intense...Intense like no other...especially with the genuine fear added to the mix. Thank God for ice-axes in the desert.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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I survived lightning...it sucked!
 
Oct 20 2012
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 Routes 5
 Photos 34
 Triplogs 210

54 male
 Joined Jul 19 2009
 Phoenix, AZ
Cove Canyon, AZ 
Cove Canyon, AZ
 
Canyoneering avatar Oct 20 2012
markyarchTriplogs 210
Canyoneering21.00 Miles 3,000 AEG
Canyoneering21.00 Miles2 Days         
3,000 ft AEG
Intermediate Canyoneering - Difficult or dangerous; Tech Climb; rope reqd; descent anchor; exit technical;
B - Up to light current; wading/swimming; possible wet/dry suit
V - Average one and a half days
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
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azrocketchick
Vaporman
Very nice canyon with several nice sections throughout the slot. Slept at a sweet location just before the confluence of burro canyon. Pack rafter the Colorado and drank two beers that the rafters offered. Hiked over to lava falls and saw several rafters go through it. Doesn't look packraftable but not as big as I thought. Hiked out on the steep scree slope Lava trails exit.

Got to see a view over Toroweap for the first time. Very nice.
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Sep 25 2012
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 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2012
toddakTriplogs 577
Hiking3.30 Miles 2,857 AEG
Hiking3.30 Miles   3 Hrs   30 Mns   0.94 mph
2,857 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Between the views from nearby Toroweap and the steep but well-marked Falls route to the river, it's probably worth the long drive.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Lava Falls Rapids
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Apr 26 2012
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Lava Falls RouteNorthwest, AZ
Northwest, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 26 2012
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking3.32 Miles 2,693 AEG
Hiking3.32 Miles   2 Hrs   47 Mns   1.23 mph
2,693 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Finally made my way to the much anticipated Lava Falls. Wow what a cool hike! This one takes roughly 7 hours to get to from Phoenix and is near the Toroweap Overlook at the Grand Canyon.

It is the shortest distance from the rim to the river via a trail. It took me 1:25 to make it from the top to the river and then over to the actual Lava Falls Rapids. Unfortunately at the time I went there were no rafters passing by. I would love to see them take from this vantage point.

Right across the river is Prospect Canyon which is part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation. The trail itself is steep and a bit slippery. Think Flatiron from Siphon Draw to the top but with a lose lava rock surface. The views from Toroweap overlook and from the trail are nothing short of spectacular. I'm already thinking about when I can go back and do it again. Loved, loved, loved it!
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Lava Falls Rapids
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average hiking speed 1.31 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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