Why Yes, You Can Drive to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is known not just across the country but indeed around the globe. It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Established as a National Monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, Grand Canyon National Park was formed by Congress 11 years later in 1919. Today, the Grand Canyon National Park encompasses more than 1.2 million acres, stretches 278 miles, and is visited by nearly 5 million people annually.

While the bulk of Grand Canyon visitors head to the ubiquitous Grand Canyon Visitor Center located at the canyon’s south rim to bask in its grandeur, others choose a more adventurous route. In 2023, about 200,000 people rode through the canyon on the Colorado River, nearly the same number ventured in by rail, more than 70,000 adventurous spirits grabbed a backpack and spent a night under the stars, and a brave 10,000 rode in on the backs of mules.

Still, the most unique way to experience the Grand Canyon isn’t by mule, boat, or even helicopter—it’s by a truck like our yearlong review 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2. And there’s only one place it can be done.  

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It's Called Diamond Creek

While there are a few overlooks that are accessible by vehicle—Mt. Trumbull Road and Toroweap Overlook, for example—Diamond Creek Road is the only way to drive right up next to the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Also known as Indian Reservation Route 6, this 22-mile road is found in the town of Peach Springs, Arizona, off of the historic Route 66. This remote track heads north out of town before descending into the Grand Canyon and ending on the shore of the Colorado River. Prior to the rise of YouTube and TikTok, this road was one of the area’s greatest secrets. It’s open all year for everyone to enjoy.

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Permission to Trespass Required

Diamond Creek Road is located on land held by the Hualapai Tribe (pronounced Wal-lah-pie, despite Google’s insistence). Hualapai means "People of the Tall Pines," and members of this federally recognized native tribe are the direct ancestors of the people who inhabited the northwest corner of what we now call Arizona, its territory south and then east of the Colorado River.

To drive Diamond Creek Road, you must purchase a permit from the Hualapai Game and Fish office. Located next to the Walapai Market (885 E Highway 66, 855 AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434), the Game and Fish office is open most days and issues the last permit one hour prior to closing. Permits to drive the road cost $15 per person, plus tax.

In addition to collecting the necessary fee, this is also a time for visitors to be reminded that they are exactly that—guests of the Hualapai people. It is important to know and follow the rules, show respect to the people and the land, and be good stewards. We believe in following the practices of Leave No Trace and encourage everyone to embrace these, as well. While traveling Diamond Creek Road, it’s important to maintain a safe speed, watch out for wildlife and other travelers, remain on the marked road, and pack out more trash than you brought in.

Diamond Creek Road is closely monitored by Hualapai Rangers for compliance with the permit system. Rangers can be found anywhere along the journey and will ask to see the permit. Should you choose to forgo the required permit and drive the road anyway, Rangers can issue a trespassing citation of $500. It’s worth it to get the permit. It’s also worth noting that neither motorcycles nor UTVs are allowed on the road.

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The Road to the Mighty Colorado

Looking to check this adventure off of our ever-growing bucket list, we saddled up our 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 and headed east. After arriving in Peach Springs, we gathered up the necessary permit and filled up on diesel and the requisite snacks at the Walapai Market before heading north out of town. Conveniently, the market and Game and Fish office are at the corner of Diamond Creek Road and Route 66.

A quick drive through town brings you to the start of the 19-mile-long dirt road, which descends from 4,850 feet in elevation to just 1,340 feet at the river’s edge.

Although the surface may be dirt, Diamond Creek Road is truly a road. It has some rough spots and errant rocks to watch out for, but on a clear, sunny day just about any high-clearance vehicle will be able to traverse it without issue. The greatest danger on the road would be some sort of tire damage. Having a spare tire, the tools to change it, and a good repair kit (along with knowing how to use it) are a must. Airing down tires isn’t necessary for traction, but for the sake of comfort, dropping wouldn’t hurt as long as you have provisions to return to normal pressure. We opted to leave the Silverado’s Goodyear tires at their normal street pressure of 38 psi and instead let the Multimatic dampers smooth out the road’s imperfections.

The drive starts in what appears to be stark desert scrubland. However, it quickly begins dropping in elevation, treating adventurers to spectacular canyon views. Each turn offers a different angle view of the stunning beauty of the land. Despite being on the shallower southern end of the Grand Canyon National Park, the views from Diamond Creek Road do not disappoint.

As you near the bottom of the canyon there will be water flowing from the Diamond Creek, a small tributary feeding the Grand Canyon that flows year round. Crossing the creek at these points is generally harmless, as it’s easily passable. However, we’d avoid the area like the plague if and rain is in the forecast. Flash floods are an ever-present danger in Arizona and can happen miles away from the storm. Since the lower third of the road is essentially Diamond Creek Wash, you could be in a great deal of trouble should you get caught in a flash flood.

The road culminates on the bank of the Colorado River at Diamond Creek beach. This area is used as a takeout location for those rafting the river, so it’s important to park well out of the way. Equally important is resisting the urge to dip a toe in the Colorado. Aside from not being allowed, swimming or playing in the river is highly discouraged due to the strong, fast-moving current and the rapids that lie just downriver. The Colorado River claims several lives every year.

From the time we departed the Walapai Market until we reached the bottom of the canyon, our journey took just a touch over an hour, including stops to take in the scenery. And the drive back was about the same. It’s worth budgeting extra time at the bottom to take in the wonder. We also packed a picnic lunch to enjoy by the river’s edge. Additionally, any traffic (tour buses frequent the road) may slow your pace.

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You Can Camp, Too

If merely visiting for an afternoon isn’t your jam, camping is also allowed. For $20 per person, per night, you can stay at one of the designated campsites along the Colorado River. Several ramadas are available complete with picnic tables, including a couple on the beach. Reservations aren’t required, but all camping areas are first-come first-serve. So arrive early.

An Epic Adventure… Continued

Although the drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is worth the trip all by itself, there’s a natural bonus in the fact that Peach Springs is located along Route 66. Traveling from the west, we had plenty of historic sites to check out along the Mother Road. Having recently driven the entirety of Route 66, we stuck to the main attractions. However, you could easily fill several days with all the history along the route. From the hometown of Snoopy’s brother Spike in Needles, California, to the wild asses in Oatman, Arizona, we easily kept ourselves entertained along the nearly 400-mile journey. And if you’re heading into Peach Springs from the east, the journey is just as amazing. 

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have the right vehicle for the job. Our 2024 Silverado ZR2 is just as comfortable and quiet cruising down the highway as it is on dirt trails. The truck soaks up the miles with ease. And we’re still in awe of the truck’s 3.0-liter Duramax diesel I-6 and its astonishing range. The truck can easily go more than 500 miles between fill-ups on just a 24-gallon tank, and on road trips such as these we find ourselves comfortably meeting, and beating, the EPA’s estimated highway economy. The only question now is, where to next? 

For More on Our Long-Term 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2:

• Is This Diesel-Powered Silverado ZR2 GM’s Best Off-Roader?