We Drove to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ส.ค. 2023
- There are a number of ways to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. You can walk, take a mule, a raft, or even a helicopter, but few people realize there is a road that you can drive to the bottom and the shores of the Colorado River.
Diamond Creek Road (also known as Indian Route 6) is located on the Hualapai reservation, and will take you from the Route 66 town of Peach Springs, Arizona into the Grand Canyon and to the Colorado River. The drive is about 19 miles each direction, and is on a sometimes rough dirt road.
Despite the ease of being able to drive into the Grand Canyon, very few people take this trip. When we reached the river, we were virtually alone.
In this video we talk about getting the permit to make the drive, show the road and some of the scenery along the way, talk about the road's history, and at least temporarily, become the only car at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
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I made this journey with my late Father about 2008/2009. We drove his Jeep TJ to the Colorado River from Peach Springs. We later became estranged and he passed about two years ago. Miss you, Dad.
Sorry to hear about your Dad...
Blessings to you, bro. Wondering why you two became estranged. Glad you still love him, though. And that you have fond memories of him.
We drove our truck camper down there last year and camped for two nights in that little campground. The colors of the cliffs at sunset and at sunrise are spectacular!!
Here I just AXED the truck/camper question! Duh? Thanks 🙏
I drive a big bus down this road about 3X a week, from April through October, to pick up passengers who have been on river trips. Your video is the best I've seen of the drive. I was also very impressed with your presentation of facts and history. You lucked out that day, being the only car there! Very often, at around 11 a.m. on a summer day, the whole beach is taken up with 3 buses, several vans, and 6 or 7 trucks pulling trailers. We have to jockey our big vehicles around in that small space, and work together! Lots of times, in addition to the Hualapais launching their trips, there will be 3 different rafting groups ending trips here. Each group will have about 6 rafts or dories (wooden rowboats), all pulled up to the shore, with many people running around, busily unloading them into the trucks. It's quite a scene! It's fun to have the beach all to yourself, but it's also interesting to see the rafting groups, if you have a chance to return. I'm looking forward to going back to work in April, driving the big white bus for AzRA. Thanks for reminding me how much I love my job!
That sounds like an amazing job. I actually plan on doing the rafting trip this year. Maybe I'll see you!
That sounds like a super fun job!😮
Hi, could you say if I can make it in a Toyota Camry please? Have my trip planned for April.
I also took a bus ride down there many years ago for a rafting trip on the river. Do you know if you are allowed to kayak on the river, the smooth section of course?
I've backpacked to Phantom Ranch and Havasupai in my younger years which were both spectacular. I'm 65 now, with spine and leg problems that have ended my hiking, but this driving adventure might just be what the doctor ordered! Thanks for the great idea.
WOW this one is truly amazing. I had no idea you could drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
There’s also a way to drive to the bottom of Gunnison Canyon! Met an older fella that told me that it used to be a gravel road, allowing for some to drive down but unable to climb out of the canyon with their vehicle.
Named East Portal Road!
Me either! 😮 Thats some MUDDY water!
That's why it's called the Colorado river
I thought you could only get down by donkey!
@@jalexb503Gunnison road is hard to miss...I had no idea about the grand canyon...would have totally done it when I was there last year.
I rode a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, camped for two nights, then rode the mule back up. It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had.
Your mom rode a mule but it was in Tijuana
@@frostyjim2633And she charged admission! 😂😂
@frostyjoke A jackass will always recognize its own kind.
Me too, in about 1961. Loved going down, but was terrified coming back up, with the male's belly hanging over the edge at every turn & me leaning backwards
OMG! I’m an Arizona native and I’ve seen that road in my atlas, but I didn’t realize it actually made it to the river. The Colorado really lives up to it’s name there! All that sediment. As the old timers would say; Too thin to plow, too thick to drink. Thanks so much for this one, I’m going to check it out when the weather cools a bit. 😎👍🏼
I’ve been down this road with my mom and dad and it is amazing. Once we got to the river we even got to see some rafters going by and stopping for a bit. Great thing to see.
Don't attempt it during Monsoon Season!
@IndridCool54 Wow, I had never thought about the actual meaning of the word 'Colorado until you mentioned the sediment. Churned up sandstone was responsible for that reddish brown hue of the water and Colorado is Spanish for 'red colour'. I've learned something new today, thanks!
after storms it gets its natural color back, most of the time the dams upstream block most of it leaving it a more blue green color
Sometimes the water gets pretty clear at this location.
Did this drive in 1996 in a rental car out of Las Vegas. The road is much better now than it was then! It took us all day to get down to the river and back up, and 2 of the tires were leaking when we finally checked back in with the Tribal Council to tell them we were out. Nice folks, they topped off our tires with air and that got us back to Kingman.
Hello, My name is Alan from Miami and thanks to you we visited the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Went there this weekend and followed your awesome video. The ranger still remembered you. What a Magical and amazing experience. Thank you very much.
Alan
That's great to hear. The ranger was super helpful and great to talk with while we were there.
Thank you, Steve! Thank you, Walapi Nation!
Thanks to your video, we did this drive yesterday 3/3/24!!. No other human for over 3 hours. What an amazing drive. A highlight of our Route 66 journey so far. We are driving Eastbound.
What were those things on the water on the end?
I do not remember having to pay before... back in the 50s! LOVE IT!! Brings back a lot of memories!!!
"...when you think of Kingman, AZ, you think of waves..." Priceless! Thanks for the video, I was not aware of this road to the bottom of the canyon. Didn't expect to see a date palm down there. Love your work.
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you!
Was shocked to see that palm. That's got to be one of the most northerly in the state. It gets very cold up there.
Waves… I don’t get it.
@@pat8988I guess you prefer 'wet' humor....
My husband and I did this drive in 1998, but I don’t think it was open to the public to get permits then. There used to be a geologist/anthropologist who did tours down the road - he had a deal with the tribe - just an old guy in an ancient van with 4-5 seats for paid guests. The tour would stop along the way and he would tell us about the people who lived there historically - pointing out caves - and he explained the geology of each layer as we drove down. Our tour had just one other couple from Australia traveling with us - they let us try vegemite during our lunch break. 😊 It was an amazing experience. IIRC, he was the only one who did tours down there at that time - there was no “picnic area” or raft tours back then!! I am so glad to see they are letting the public go down there - maybe we’ll visit again someday!
A big WOW for your video. I have family who live in Flagstaff who are outdoor enthusiasts and have no idea this road exists. I'm passing the word and I'm sure they will be down to the river before 2024 has ended. Thanks again.
i used to work with a tour group out of kingman to diamond creek, it was all wonderful but when you are down at the beach in the late afternoon, and you are in the shade and the red rocks above you capture the setting sun, it is just amazing.
Thanks for sharing this video. A beautiful way to see the Colorado river.
I found this drive by accident in the mid-90's. Saw the road on a map and thought it would be a cool overlook into the canyon... didn't stop at any visitor center or pay any fees; not sure if that was even a thing at the time. If it was, apologies! Imagine my surprise when I made that last turn and realized I was staring at the Colorado River! Thanks for another great video.
Went down this road as part of a tour group that rafted. The guides mentioned the hotel remains were swept away by a massive flash flood through the access road. It was a definitely rough road in full size passenger vans.
Very cool to know you can drive to the bottom of the Colorado River!!
Thanks for the Adventure!!
🐈⬛🐾🐈🐾👏👍
Until the mid-2000s that road was a stage in the Ramada Express International Rally. I competed in it three times, 2002, 2004, and 2005. In stage rally, the road is closed, cars start a minute apart and race against the clock, and a co-driver sits in the passenger seat to tell the driver about the next turn coming up. In 2002, on the stage driving out of the canyon, we hit some soft sand at the side of the road and rolled the car about 5 miles from the top end of the road. At least we weren't alone; five cars went off on the same corner.
I had an uncle that lived just outside Kingman back in the 90's on I-40 about a mile NE of the Pilot truck stop.
Not once did I ever think of ocean waves wherever I'd visit him.
RIP uncle Clem.
Very nice video and summary. My son and I did this trip and camped at the bottom for a night in April, '23. We were the only campers down there. The view of the sky was amazing with zero light pollution. I definitely want to do it again. In the morning, the tribal rafters showed up to prepare for a float trip down the river from here. Then the old school bus arrived with the rafting guests. That was a good bit of entertainment to watch as they put in. As you said several times, it was absolutely worth the price, even to camp down there.
As a boat launch group usually is....
the real fun is when they return after a full day of dehydrating (or hydrating with beer!)
and then the clown show blooms into all manner of dramedy!!
An AZ resident for 17 years, and as many times as we've been to El Tovar, and had no clue this was possible. My family and I must make this a camping trip. Great video. Thank you.
Steve,
Great video AND memories, thanks.
A number of years ago we did the same trip, but we did it in our 25 foot Motorhome. On the way back up we passed some specially prepared raised Jeep tourist buses. They were in awe ( as I am sure the tourists were told the road was practically impassable except for their Jeeps) and we stated that we were just a Canadian version of a Jeep!
We had permission to camp at the saddle area about half way down (fabulous) and we even assisted the grader operator( Seymour?)connecting him to his grader and Bronco.
Great memories, thanks.
BillyBuzzard
That's the right way to be a good visitor!
Diamond Creek is a normal take out for the white water trip down the Canyon. Always be careful and keep an eye out for rain in the area, a number of years ago a flash flood came down the creek and stranded a number of people. Further down the river you can access the river at Lake Mead since the lake is so low. The permit system should keep the road and take out point from getting overwhelmed.
Great info!
Another "Nugget" from this gentleman!
His videos are casually presented yet very authentic and informative.
Thank you.
This showed up in my Recommend feed. Not only did I not know this, but also the production was wonderful: video, editing, narration , etc. New Subscriber🙂
Thank you, I appreciate it!
I had no idea that you could do this! Thank you for sharing another very special adventure. Astonishing, and saddening about the Tribe and water rights.
Thanks to our current President for signing that bill!
Been watching the channel for a bit and love your content. Informative but you dont drag it out into 40 minute videos for no reason, I love that. Keep up the good work Steve
I second that motion! As the proverbial person with 'champagne taste on a beer budget' Steve helps greatly to maintain a positive mental attitude!
Thank You Steve for sharing this awesome trip with The Sidetrack Posse! A special Thank You to your Wife and Son for their patience while you entertain us! Your research of the history, along with Tips and suggestions for such a Trip are invaluable! The scenery was indeed Stunning! Your humor when detailing the hotel room Artwork is such a bonus to The Fans of this channel. The amount of gratitude for This Family and the Channel is hard to describe...much like The Grand Canyon! Please know that the happiness you all create and bring in these videos is never lost on your Followers! Stay Safe, Keep Smiling and Strutting! WE will be looking forward to the next time you stop by to say HI.....Cheers and Blessings From Ohio 👋
Thank you for all your support!
@@SidetrackAdventures💚🌲💚 Great video 🌲💚🌲 Didn't know you could drive to the Colorado River 💚🌲💚 very Kool 🌲💚🌲
I remember this spot well. A common take-out for many raft trips. The most memorable visit was when Diamond Creek had flash-flooded just prior to our arrival by raft on the Colorado, preventing the truck and trailer that was picking us and the raft up from getting through. That meant we had to get back on the raft for another 6-8 hour trip down the river to Meadview, the next take-out. Most of that was under motor, as the river really flattens out and slows down as you get into what used to be Lake Mead proper. That was back in 2005; maybe even Meadview is no longer a suitable take-out now, the way Lake Mead has been dropping in recent years. Fun times!
Nicely put together and the historical facts and images made this one EXCELLENT VIEWING. Thx for your efforts and due to your presentation will have something rewarding to do next time we are in the area.
Wow, I live in Kingman, and travel through Peach Springs all the time, but never knew about this. Thanks for sharing Steve, great episode as usual.
We lived in Peach Springs for three years in the early 1970’s. Made many trips to the river, did some swimming and those hot days. A great drive. Thanks for the memories.
We visited the Grand Canyon in May this year (2023) just jaw dropping. Love your content. Thank you. Respect ✌🇬🇧
Seeing the Grand Canyon from the bottom up is just as pretty as from the top down.
I wish I knew this way down before. In 1988 I had a holiday in the USA and of course a visit at the Grand Canyon. Going down I ignored the first warning and went down to a second stage. Going up was so exhausting I feared never making it to the top again.
Definitely worth the admission Steve. Amazing to think that they have just got the water rights.
We’ve had this pinned for a while. Next time we’re in the area we’ll pay a visit. Thanks for the great trip.
It's totally worth it if you are in the area.
We drove the road last March and it was amazing. It took over an hour each way and we wouldn't advise driving it in a car based on our experience. Since we went on a Saturday, the place was closed to get a permit. We thought there might be somewhere to leave some money but there wasn't. We went later in the day so it got dark on the way back up. Seeing the moon and stars over the cliffs was very beautiful. Highly recommend this road to anyone in that area. That part of Route 66 is also a nice drive. Fantastic channel BTW. Keep doing what you do!!!
I drove that road as a driver for the Road Scholar program a few years back. I didn't know citizens could do it. Very remote, quite an experience.
Thanks Steve for this little tidbit of information. I’ve driven that section of Route 66 many times & really enjoy the slower pace of being off interstate 40 , but I had NO IDEA you could take that side trip “ Detour “ you so kindly showed us all here . I’ll be checking this one out myself hopefully in not too distant future . As a Fellow San Diegan myself I really do Appreciate all you do & share with everyone to help others get out & enjoy what’s all around us & are mostly hidden Gems . 😎👍
Thanks, I appreciate it.
@@SidetrackAdventures with a permit, could you mountain bike down to the Colorado and back from the permit office (like in wintertime, maybe)?
@@ReVoltaire I don't know. None of the paperwork mentions bikes at all.
Great video. I spent 3 years in Tucson for school and never knew you could drive into the canyon. Maybe someday I hope to return to the USA and take this drive, thank you for this adventure.
woww weve been down the grand canyon every way possible..except by car... thanks..we ll try it
8/11/2023.....Beautiful video imagery. Thank you for doing this, I enjoyed your comments and observations. I live in the flattest part of Ohio, I'm in Columbus, Ohio. I am digging all the Grand Canyon stoney outcroppings. I've never been "out west", to these parts of our magnificent country. (Though I have visited San Francisco, a couple of times, and one time to Austin, Texas.) Peace, to y'all.
Thank you very much for your videos. It is truly appreciated from Colorado.
Oh Steve, you're making me miss Northern AZ. I lived in Prescott for 6 years a lifetime ago. I love the geology right on the surface.
This was the trip I was supposed to take, then the pandemic hit! By the time the tour company finish the delays, I had gotten injured and disabled! So thanks for taking me on the trip that I should have gone on had Covid been properly managed!!
At 8:15: "and looks like we have arrived at something over here on the right." Ha ha. I'm on the edge of my seat! All joking aside, I really enjoy these Sidetrack Adventures!
Awesome Steve. I took a Chinese bus tour (yes ha) to the Hualipai ranch about 10 years ago. The people were so friendly we stayed in quaint little cabins at the top. This side of the canyon is quiet and charming. I didn’t realize this road existed and even a local rafting tour. Isn’t this how it should be respecting the natives and experiencing the Grand Canyon in a pure and humble way! I’d love to ride my GS down there and camp. It must be amazing. Thanks again! 🫶🌵
I didn't know you could drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Great video as always!
This is really cool! I didn't know it's possible to drive to the bottom of the Grand Cay before watching this video. Thanks for posting!
Lee's Ferry is a bit more accessible. It's absolutely awesome.
It would be nice to hit both spots on a tour of the area.
The continuity of seeing both ends would be satisfying.
Seeing it from both
Thanks Steve, that was a fun trip. You drove by the grader that keeps the pieces of the road organized. The river doesn't look that big when you consider how many faucets are attached. Great Job.
What an amazing drive! Definitely worth a drive west to be able to get to the Colorado River!! Thanks for all your lessons!!
Been to Grand Canyon many times, didn't know this was possible, THANKS.
Glad to help
I just did this (4-10-24). I had done the Skywalk the day before. Viewing the river from on high, then putting my toes in it. Way cool! Your video was spot on. THANKS. I really enjoyed it.
This just made it into my list of "must do" back country roads! Thanks so much for making us aware of this awesome journey!
Wow, great stuff MrSteve👍👍😎
Glad you enjoyed it
What a tremendous post!!!!!!!! I will definitely keep it in mind next time i visit Las Vegas. Thanks so much for sharing.
After hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, I totally want to drive to the bottom instead. Thanks for making this video!
Another great video, Steve! Never knew this road existed. Very cool! Thanks for all the information.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for sharing this adventure👍🏼!! Seeing the river was a bucket list item so I hiked the canyon.. as gorgeous as it was, uh won’t do that again but this is a must for me!!
Yeah, driving back up is a lot easier than walking for sure.
I'd never even heard of this drive! Your video and editing is top notch! Not too long, not too short. Thats definitely gonna be my first camping trip when I get back to AZ in a couple months! 😍
Hooray! Stanley and I will try to make it down dere. Thank you SO much for this wonderful opportunity 😊
An online writer named Wes Boyd, set some of his books on the Canyon. The rafting company in the story ended their rafting tours at Diamond Creek. So I should have known this was possible, but until your video, I never contemplated driving to the bottom. Although 22 miles @ 10 MPH seems like it could get tedious, I know it protects the habitat to drive slowly on dirt roads, especially in the desert.
A truly amazing road, I’m from the UK and have had the privilege of driving down that road twice, first time in 2009 and again in 2015. In 2009 you bought your permit from a ranger sitting in a pickup at the top of the road, his name was Seymour, a nice guy who we met again on our second trip. It would be a shame if the road became too popular and you ended up with queues of cars waiting to go down. Thank you for the video and reminder of the fantastic Diamond Creek road. PS: you should try the road to Death Valleys Race Track Playa, that is epic and costs nothing.
We could not help but got gripped with WONDER when we went to the Grand Canyon National Park years ago. YES, SPECTACULAR is the word! Will visit again one of these days, God willing!❤🎉
I bicycled down that road way back in the 1980s. Nice video, and now I want to drive my Jeep down there!
I love your sense of humor, Steve. Wave paintings, lol! This looks like an interesting drive, and is closer access for people from Southern California. I've been twice to the south rim, driving with my family up from Prescott, but first we had to drive to Prescott. Talk about a crazy altitude change...the drive on AZ 89 from Congress on the desert floor, up past the Hot Shots Memorial, and into the Prescott National Forest is gorgeous, but very steep. I like how you provide such precise and respectful information about the tribal lands where this road is located. I too enjoy a less 'touristy' option. Thanks for scoping out the sidetracks for us. :)
Thanks for bringing back some great memories. Did you know, toward the end of your drive, as you approach river level, some of the oldest (basement) rocks on earth (in the form of Schists and Granites) are exposed, and they can easily be seen in your video near the river. The first flat, well layered strata above this, the Tapeats Sandstone, is ~1-1.5 billion year younger than the rock seen at river level. The gap in time between these two rock bodies is often referred to as the Great Unconformity. Love your work, thanks again.
Oh man regrets I have a few always wanted to raft the canyon couldn’t get away.
Went for a road trip our early 60’s - didn’t know we could get to the bottom by road waaaah 😢
At least I got to go there virtually with you-thanks for that ❤
Lugar lindo! ☺️👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🇧🇷
This looks like a neat spot to visit! But it’s probably a good idea to call ahead to check on road conditions, especially in winter or spring-that creek looks like it would mess up the road pretty often, any time there’s more water flow.
...and during Monsoon in the summer as the thunderstorms will create deadly flash flooding!
This is fantastic. I've been to the Grand Canyon many times but had no idea you could drive to the Colorado River in the Canyon. Thanks very much for enlightening all of us. Already planning a trip.
First time I've been on the bottom of Grand Cayon, thanks 😊
Hi! How long did the drive take each direction? What was the temperature at Peach Springs versus the river? People don’t realize it is warmer at the lower altitude.
Ooooh, I am definitely going to drive this later this year. Thank you so much for sharing!
The esplanade is where the real magic is.
The wife and I did an extensive 4 week exploration of Route 66 back in 2017 on a Honda Goldwing trike. There was no way I was going to do that road on that motorcycle. But this video has got me to thinking I might just have to go back over there (from the Houston, Texas area) in my truck and drive down there. Thanks!!
I really like your channel. We have ridden all the lower 48 states and Alaska on Goldwing trikes. This is an amazing country. Lots to see! You’re doing a good job!
That's stunning! Thanks for sharing!
Incredible video and views! Thanks for the tip.
I visited the Sky Bridge and paid for the professional photographers there to take some pics of my family. Sadly, I was unable to download the photos from their server as I lost my receipt and code almost immediately afterwards in a rushed, emergency move.
Guess I'll just have to go back and visit again for some more pics 🥳🥳🥳
Fantastic addition to your adventures! Thank you!
You absolutely ROCK. Thank you for your videos. They have inspired me to visit many of the places you have shown us. Good day sir, well done, keep the videos coming.
Peach springs and Meadview is one of my favorite drives in Arizona.
Love your adventures off the beaten path. Thank you for sharing!
We had always wondered about this. Amazing! Thanks for sharing the adventure!
Thanks for the drive. This was fascinating!
Thxs for taking us!
That is so cool. Another bucket list item. Thanks for bringing us here!
Right on Mr. Steve another great video.
This is one of your absolute bests! Thank you!
Great trip Steve. That’s going on my list. Thanks
Another gem video. That is such a cool drive. On my road trip list now
That sounds like driving on a flash flood plain - and one needs to hope that no rains come down ... !
I expect it is probably a different experience after some rain.
Thank you Steve for giving us the great video of the drive down to the river! I have wondered about what it looked like since I learned about it. Beautiful scenery!👍
Amazing trip. And thanks for including a history lesson.
THANK YOU STEVE,FANTASTIC!
One of your best trips.... thanks
We are so going here! Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Awesome video and experience. Thanks for sharing. Safe journeys!