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Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most incredible places on Earth. Imagine gazing upon a vast canyon that’s up to a mile deep and 18 miles wide.
Introduction to Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park encompasses the entire Grand Canyon, which is cut by the Colorado River It spans from Lees Ferry in the east to Grand Wash Cliffs in the west. 277 miles (446 kilometers) of the river flow through the park, which covers an area of nearly 1,902 square miles (4,926 square kilometers). It’s considered one of the Wonders of the World and is also one of the most visited national parks on earth.
Spanish conquistador García López de Cárdenas y Figueroa (b. c. 1500) was the first European to lay eyes on the canyon. He set off on an expedition in September 1540 after Pedro de Tovar (1501-after 1563) reported rumors of a large river north of their location. He arrived somewhere between present-day Grandview Point and Desert View in about 20 days, but was unable to descend into the canyon to reach the river.
Establishment of Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon became popular with tourists as early as the 1880s, when railroads began to make it more accessible. The first bill to establish it as a national park was in 1882 by then-Senator Benjamin Harrison but it failed. He was unsuccessful again in 1883 and 1886, but established the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve in 1893 as President.
Theodore Roosevelt created Grand Canyon National Monument on January 11, 1908. Further bills to establish a national park were defeated in 1910 and 1911. Finally, Woodrow Wilson signed the Grand Canyon National Park Act on February 26, 1919.
Creation of the park thwarted proposals to dam the Colorado River within the park’s boundaries and protected more sections of the canyon. In fact, Grand Canyon National Monument, a completely separate park to the west, was established on December 22, 1932, by Herbert Hoover. To the east, Marble Canyon National Monument was created by Lyndon B. Johnson on January 20, 1969. Both were incorporated into Grand Canyon National Park on January 3, 1975. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on October 26, 1979.
Planning Your Trip to Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is split into two different sectors. The South Rim is open year-round while the North Rim is typically open May through October. Despite being directly across the canyon from each other, these two sections require about a four-hour drive from one section to the other.
I spent one full day at the North Rim and another two at the South Rim. The South Rim is the more easily accessible, more developed, and more crowded. If you despise crowds, the North Rim can give you a somewhat quieter experience. I didn’t plan to hike into the Grand Canyon on my trip but hope to do so in the future.
Before getting into some of the trails and highlights of the park, here’s some essential information to help you plan your trip:
Entrance Fees to Grand Canyon National Park
The entrance fee to Grand Canyon varies depending on your mode of transportation. Prices are current as of September 2025:
- For private vehicles, it’s US$35.
- For motorcycles, it’s US$30.
- For visitors entering on bicycle or on foot, it’s US$20 per person.
- Holders of any interagency pass are covered for one vehicle or four per person fees.
Entrance fees are good for seven days to access both the North and South Rims.
Visitor Centers at Grand Canyon National Park
There two main visitor centers at the park. A handful of other small museums and visitor centers are located at Grand Canyon Village and elsewhere.
- The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is at the South Rim and open year-round. There’s a good 20-minute film about the park, exhibits, a huge relief map, and a gift shop. The blue and orange shuttles leave from there.
- The North Rim Visitor Center is generally open from May through October. There’s a gift shop, water bottle station, and rangers on-hand to answer questions.
Lodges at Grand Canyon National Park
There are seven lodges within the park. You’ll find five on the South Rim and one on the North Rim. Four of the South Rim lodges are located at Grand Canyon Village. Each lodge in the park has food services except Kachina and Thunderbird.
- El Tovar Hotel opened in 1905 and is the most famous lodge on the South Rim. It’s a great option if you value luxury, location, a room with a view, and timeless elegance.
- Bright Angel Lodge opened in 1935 and is aimed at budget travelers. The complex consists of a rustic central lodge surrounded by cabins.
- Kachina Lodge opened in the late 1960s and is an upper mid-range hotel. It’s modern and comfortable with a great location on the rim.
- Thunderbird Lodge is similar to Kachina Lodge.
- Maswik Lodge is a modern hotel ¼ mile from the rim. Hotel wings opened in 1972 and 1981, and it was completely renovated between 2019 and 2022. It’s popular with budget travelers and families.
- Yavapai Lodge opened in 1958 and was renovated in the 2010s. It’s a mid-range hotel between Grand Canyon Village and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. You won’t get any views but it’s near a shuttle stop.
- Grand Canyon Lodge is the only lodge at the North Rim. It’s located at Bright Angel Point and typically open between mid-May and mid-October. It opened in 1928. 23 deluxe cabins and 91 standard cabins are also part of the complex. (Note: the lodge was destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Wildfire on July 12, 2025.)
Camping at Grand Canyon National Park
There are a few developed campgrounds at Grand Canyon National Park. If they don’t work for you, a few more are located outside both the North and South Rims. Prices are current as of September 2025:
- North Rim Campground is the only developed campground at the North Rim. There are 87 total sites, and it’s typically open from June to the end of October. Reservations are required, but it’s currently closed due to damage from the Dragon Bravo Wildfire.
- Mather Campground, where we stayed for two nights, is a popular campground at the South Rim with 327 total sites. It’s open year-round but reservations are recommended from March through November. The rest of the year, it’s first-come, first served. It costs US$30 for the night.
- Trailer Village, which is specifically for RVs, is near Mather Campground. Check the official website for more info and prices.
- Desert View Campground is typically open from mid-April to mid-October. It’s located at Desert View Point, about 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. It has 49 reservable sites costing US$30.
Shuttles on the South Rim
The South Rim has a free shuttle service that takes visitors to different parts of the park with less hassle. It’s also a big help for hikers not wanting to hike the entire Rim Trail. Shuttles run every 10 to 15 minutes. There are three routes:
- The Village Route (blue) connects the Grand Canyon Visitor Center with Grand Canyon Village, all the lodges and Mather Campground. The entire round-trip route takes 50 minutes. It runs year-round.
- The Kaibab Rim Route (orange) connects the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to viewpoints between Yavapai Point and Yaki Point. The entire round-trip route takes 50 minutes. It runs year-round.
- The Hermit Road Route (red) connects Grand Canyon Village with nine overlooks to the west. The entire round-trip route takes 80 minutes. The shuttle is in service from March 1 to November 30. The rest of the year, private vehicles are allowed on Hermit Road.
Activities at Grand Canyon National Park
Hiking, photography, biking, horseback riding, boating, and other outdoor activities are available. Check the official website for more information on these activities. Information about ranger guided programs can be found at the visitor centers and on the official website.
Safety at Grand Canyon National Park
One very important piece of information is to take care near the edge of the canyon. It’s a long way down. Also, please don’t throw anything down the canyon. It could injure a hiker or animal below.
Seek shelter in the event of lightning. Lightning strikes are a common occurrence at the Grand Canyon. Read the park’s page on lightning danger for more info.
Of course, take plenty of water and use sunscreen. Fill up your water bottles at the visitor centers and make sure you have enough with you before hiking.
Map of Practical Info for Grand Canyon National Park
South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
The South Rim is the more accessible and more developed section of Grand Canyon National Park. It’s where you’ll find the great majority of accommodation, services, and tourist facilities. There are park entrances to the south and to the east.
Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village is the focal point of the South Rim. Originally settled by pioneers in the 1890s, its sole purpose is to accommodate tourists visiting the Grand Canyon. It also contains housing for park employees, Grand Canyon Elementary School, Grand Canyon High School, and several service buildings. The entire village was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 20, 1975, and the boundaries were expanded on October 24, 1995. It was also designated a National Historic Landmark District on February 18, 1987.
Grand Canyon Depot
Starting on the east side of the village is the Grand Canyon Depot. It’s 330 feet from the rim. The depot was built between 1909 and 1910 to serve the Grand Canyon Railway, which was completed in 1901 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. It’s one of only three remaining railway depots in the country built with logs. The railway is still in operation to this day, with trains running daily from Williams.
El Tovar Hotel
El Tovar Hotel, just behind the depot, opened on January 14, 1905, as the first luxury hotel at the Grand Canyon. It was built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and designed by architect Charles Whittlesey (1867-1941). It combines the Western Swiss and Mission styles.
The Fred Harvey Company operated the hotel and named it after Spanish explorer Pedro de Tovar (1501-after 1563), who was the first European to hear about the existence of the Grand Canyon. The hotel stands just 20 feet (6.1 meters) from the rim.
Hopi House
Along the rim east of El Tovar is the Hopi House, designed by Mary Colter (1869-1958) to resemble a Hopi pueblo. It was built by the Fred Harvey Company as a living museum for Native American artists to create and sell their crafts. It opened on January 1, 1905, just two weeks before El Tovar. The building was the first of eight projects at Grand Canyon National Park designed by Colter.
Scenic Locator
At a viewpoint outside Hopi House, there’s a scenic locator placed by George Crosby in April 1922. It’s fixed to a concrete wall and indicates several natural features found in the canyon.
Verkamp’s Visitor Center
Verkamp’s Visitor Center opened in 1906 as Verkamp’s Curio Store, and the Verkamp family lived upstairs until 1978. The National Park Service purchased the building from the family. It reopened in November 2008 as a visitor center and museum.
The museum features an exhibit on life in Grand Canyon Village and a park timeline on the floor. Among the artifacts on display is the pen used by Woodrow Wilson to establish Grand Canyon National Park on February 26, 1919.
Canyon Views
Heading west along the rim from El Tovar are the Thunderbird and Kachina Lodges. From this area, you can enjoy some amazing views of the canyon. Looking down, you’ll spot some cabins and structures at the bottom. There are also great views of the Lookout Studio to the west.
Bright Angel Lodge
A tent camp and the small wooden Bright Angel Hotel, built by James Thurber in 1896, originally occupied the site of the Bright Angel Lodge. Thurber sold his business to Martin Buggeln in 1901, and, after El Tovar opened, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway bought out Buggeln in 1905. The railroad built cabins to the replace the tents and continued operating the hotel, but renovation was necessary by the 1930s. To freshen up the property, they hired Mary Colter to design the lodge you see today. It was completed in 1935 and marketed as a middle-class alternative to El Tovar. The complex consists of a central lodge surrounded by cabins.
Lookout Studio
Continuing west along the rim is Lookout Studio. Also built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and designed by Mary Colter, it opened in 1914 as a photography studio to compete with the nearby Kolb Studio. It’s meant to blend in with the environment and has a three-tiered lookout with telescopes. The studio currently operates as a gift shop.
Buckey’s Cabin
Buckey’s Cabin, behind Lookout Studio was built in 1895 by Buckey O’Neill (1860-1898). It’s the only remaining building from the early pioneer settlement at Grand Canyon Village. O’Neill lived there with his wife while they ran a hotel nearby. In addition to promoting tourism to the canyon and improving the Bright Angel Trail, he was instrumental in the construction of the Grand Canyon Railroad. O’Neill was killed in action in Cuba in 1898 during the Battle of San Juan Hill, fighting with Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.
After O’Neill’s death, James Thurber purchased the cabin and incorporated it into the Bright Angel Hotel. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway eventually acquired the cabin in 1905. When the Bright Angel Lodge replaced the Bright Angel Hotel in 1935, Mary Colter decided to renovated Buckey’s Cabin and incorporate it into the property. It’s still one of the lodge’s guest cabins today.
Kolb Studio
Finally, on the west end of Grand Canyon Village is Kolb Studio. It was built starting in 1906 by Ellsworth (1876–1960) and Emery Kolb (1881–1976), two brothers who had arrived at the Grand Canyon in 1901 and 1902, respectively. The studio displayed the Kolbs’ films and photographs of the Grand Canyon and also functioned as a family home.
The home was slated for demolition in the 1960s but eventually saved by the National Historic Preservation Act passed by Congress in 1966. Today, it serves as an art gallery and bookstore run by the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Tours of the Kolb family private residence and studio are available on select days at 1pm. They cost US$30 per person and last an hour. You can register online.
While visiting the studio, you’ll be treated to some incredible views of the canyon from either side of the building.
Maswik Lodge
A short walk south of the rim is Maswik Lodge. It was originally built in 1927 by the Fred Harvey Company for tourists arriving in their own cars. The cabins were demolished in the 1960s and replaced by modern hotel wings in 1972 and 1981. The hotel is named for a Hopi Kachina figure believed to watch over the Grand Canyon.
Shrine of the Ages
The Shrine of the Ages is on the east side of Grand Canyon Village. It was built as a multi-purpose building to hold religious services and private functions. Ranger programs are often held there as is the Grand Canyon Music Festival every August and September.
Pioneer Cemetery
Next to the Shrine of the Ages is the Pioneer Cemetery, which is the final resting place of about 400 people. Officially dedicated in 1928, the cemetery has been in use much longer. Many of the park’s important early figures are buried there, including park administrators, guides, and residents of Grand Canyon Village. Among them are the Kolb brothers and John Verkamp, as well as the remains of 29 unidentified passengers who perished in the 1956 TWA-United Airlines aviation disaster. The cemetery closed to new burials in 2017.
Hermit Road
Hermit Road runs west from Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim. There are nine overlooks along the road while the western half of the Rim Trail follows the edge of the canyon.
The Hermit Road shuttle bus (red route) stops at all nine overlooks. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes from March 1 to November 30. During the rest of the year, you can drive to the overlooks in your own vehicle.
Hiking the Rim Trail
The Rim Trail is a 13-mile (21 kilometer) trail from Hermits Rest to the South Kaibab Trailhead. It’s on a mostly paved surface with an elevation change of about 200 feet. If you decide to hike, take plenty of water and snacks. There’s no water available along the trail except at Hermits Rest and Grand Canyon Village. I hiked from Hermit’s Rest to Powell Point, which is just under 6 miles.
Hermits Rest
I jumped on the red shuttle at Grand Canyon Village and rode it to the last stop, Hermits Rest. The structure was built by the Fred Harvey Company and it opened in 1914. Architect Mary Colter (1869-1958) designed it to look like a natural rock formation.
Hermits Rest is named for Louis Boucher, a prospector who staked a claim just below the current building. He lived alone nearby for about 20 years and built the Hermit Trail, which is a difficult trail into the canyon providing access to the Colorado River. Boucher was also a popular guide and rented his own cabins.
Hermits Rest originally functioned as a rest area for tourists on their way to Hermit Camp, which was at the bottom of the canyon and no longer exists. They would reach it by taking an 8-mile (13 kilometer) carriage ride down Hermit Road. Today, there’s a gift shop and snack bar, and visitors can have a seat next to the giant fireplace. As expected, there are fantastic views of the Grand Canyon from there.
Pima Point
From Hermits Rest, I walked 1.1 miles to Pima Point. Along the way, I enjoyed the views and met a furry eight-legged friend.
At Pima Point, I was able to get a good look at the Colorado River and the Granite Rapid. On a quiet day, it’s possible to hear the rapids
While admiring the views, I watched a storm pass through the canyon, revealing a rainbow at the end. After the storm passed, the scenery started to clear up a bit. In the matter of just a few minutes, the colors in the canyon dramatically changed along with the visibility.
Monument Creek Vista
Next I walked 1.7 miles to Monument Creek Vista. Most of this part of the trail was inland away from the rim, so there weren’t many opportunities to look into the canyon.
At Monument Creek Vista, it’s possible to see small sections of the Colorado River. You can also spot the Granite Rapid as well as Monument Creek flowing into the Colorado.
Monument Creek Vista to the Abyss
The Rim Trail continues another 0.9 miles to the Abyss. This is one of the more scenic sections of the trail.
The Abyss
After a little over two hours of hiking from Hermits Rest, I finally reached the Abyss and enjoyed the view from there. The name is fitting as it sits atop the longest drop on the South Rim at 3,000 feet (914 meters).
Mohave Point
Next, I walked 1.1 miles to Mohave Point. On the way, it started to rain a bit, but once I reached Mohave Point, the storm had pretty much passed through the canyon.
Mohave Point turned out to be one of my favorite overlooks at the South Rim. There are great views of the Colorado River, including the Granite and Hermit Rapids. You can also spot several impressive rock formations. The rainbow that followed the storm definitely added to the scenery.
Hopi Point
From there, it’s 0.8 miles to Hopi Point. It’s another phenomenal viewpoint that’s also popular for sunrise and sunset. This overlook juts out further into the Grand Canyon than any other along Hermit Road.
Hopi Point was originally named Rowes Point after Sanford Rowe. He was the first person to lead guided trips into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. Several fire towers stood there in the 20th century.
At Hopi Point, five patches of the Colorado River are visible. An interpretive panel points out how the river has carved the canyon over the past five million years.
Powell Point
Finally, I walked 0.3 miles to Powell Point. A uranium mine called the Orphan Mine was located there from 1956 to 1969. The mineshaft dropped 1,500 feet (460 meters) and it was one of the richest uranium mines in the country. The mine actually dates back to 1891, when an orphan named Dan Hogan discovered copper there. He built a trail to his lode 1,100 feet (330 meters) below. Hogan gave up mining in 1936 and built a lodge and trading post that eventually became the Grand Canyon Inn in 1947.
Powell Point is named for Major John Wesley Powell (1834-1902), who led the first documented expeditions through the Grand Canyon in 1869 and again from 1871 to 1872. A monument to Powell and his crew was erected there in 1912.
And of course, the views of the Grand Canyon are amazing.
From Powell Point, I caught the shuttle back to Grand Canyon Village. Had I continued hiking, I would have reached Maricopa Point in 0.5 miles and the Trailview Overlook in another 0.7 miles.
Kaibab Rim Route Shuttle
The Kaibab Rim Route shuttle bus (orange) takes visitors along a section of the South Rim. Two stops on the route are inaccessible to private vehicles.
The main shuttle stop is at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. It’s the only stop along the route where you can hop on a shuttle going in either direction. It takes 50 minutes round-trip to do the loop without getting off the bus.
Mather Point
Mather Point, the first westbound stop, is just a short 5-minute walk from behind the visitor center. It’s named for Stephen Mather (1867-1930), the first director of the National Park Service. There’s no parking at Mather Point, but walking there may take less time than waiting for the bus.
Mather Point features some of the best views of the Grand Canyon. There are a few different overlooks and each one is incredible. It’s also a popular place for sunrise and sunset.
On a clear day, you can see over 30 miles (48 kilometers) to the east and over 60 miles (96 kilometers) to the west. Looking down into the canyon, it’s possible to see the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch as well as several different trails.
Yavapai Point
Next on the loop is Yavapai Point, which is the westernmost stop on the shuttle route. You can also take a short 0.7-mile (1.1 kilometer) walk along the Rim Trail from Mather Point. From Yavapai Point, you can enjoy the expected spectacular views of the Grand Canyon.
If you look carefully, you can spot small sections of the Colorado River as well as the Kaibab Suspension Bridge at the bottom of the canyon.
The small Yavapai Geology Museum, where visitors can learn about the geology of the park, is also at Yavapai Point. The building was designed by architect Herbert Maier (1893-1969) and opened in July 1928.
From the museum, you can take the Trail of Time west along the canyon rim to Verkamp’s Visitor Center at Grand Canyon Village. The trail represents two billion years of the Grand Canyon’s geological history, with each meter representing one million years. Rock samples from the bottom of the canyon to the rim are on display along the way.
Yaki Point
The Kaibab Rim Route shuttle continues eastbound from Yavapai Point and makes a stop at the visitor center before continuing to the South Kaibab Trailhead, then Yaki Point.
Yaki Point is popular for both sunrises and sunsets, and is the only overlook along Desert View Drive that’s not accessible with a private vehicle.
Pipe Creek Vista
The final stop before completing the loop is Pipe Creek Vista, which is also on Desert View Drive. From there, you can also walk back to the visitor center via Mather Point on a 1.4-mile (2.3 kilometer) paved section of the Rim Trail.
Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive is a 25-mile scenic route at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It runs from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to Desert View Point. We stopped at four developed viewpoints, three unmarked viewpoints, and an archaeological site.
The first stop on Desert View Drive is Pipe Creek Vista, which is also served on the Kaibab Rim Route shuttle. We tried to stop at the Duck on the Rock Viewpoint but it was too crowded.
Unmarked Pullouts #1 and #2
On the morning we left the park, we stopped at two unmarked pullouts after Pipe Creek Vista to enjoy the views. They’re just east of the Duck on the Rock Viewpoint.
At both pullouts, we were able to see low clouds passing through the canyon.
Grandview Point
Next is Grandview Point, which is one of the highest viewpoints along the South Rim at 7,400 feet (2,250 meters) above sea level. It’s also one of the most popular viewpoints on Desert View Drive, and is the starting point for the Grandview Trail. The 3-mile one-way trail was built by miners in 1892 to reach a copper mine on Horseshoe Mesa, 2,500 feet (760 meters) below.
Interpretive panels chronicle the story of Pete Berry. He claimed the Last Chance Mine on Horseshoe Mesa in 1890, then built the Grandview Hotel in 1897, boosting tourism at the Grand Canyon well before it became a national park. It was the most popular tourist destination at the canyon until the railroad was finished in 1901. The depot was 14 miles away from the hotel and too far away for most tourists to venture. Berry left the area in 1919, and nothing is left of the hotel. As for the mine, it went bust in 1907.
Moran Point
At Moran Point, it’s possible to spot all three main rock groups that make up the canyon. They include the Vishnu Basement Rocks, which are the oldest; the Grand Canyon Supergroup; and the Layered Paleozoic Rocks.
Moran Point is named for Thomas Moran (1837-1926), an artist known for his landscape paintings of the West. His work was instrumental in the creation of several national parks. Moran was on the 1873 expedition of the Grand Canyon led by John Wesley Powell, and in 1874 Congress purchased his painting The Chasm of the Colorado, which hangs in the National Gallery of Art, for US$10,000. It became the second of his western landscapes to hang in the United States Capitol after The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which he painted in 1872.
Tusayan Pueblo
Continuing west, we spent a few minutes away from the canyon rim to see the Tusayan Pueblo. It was a small u-shaped farming village occupied by the Puebloans for about 25 years starting around 1185. The site was excavated in 1930 by members of the Gila Pueblo and preservation work took place in 1948 and 1965.
A 0.1-mile (200 meter) accessible loop trail takes visitors around the site with another unpaved loop through the farming site. Interpretive panels along the trail give more details on the ruins and life in the village, which contained a living area, storage rooms, and kivas. At the entrance to the site, there’s a museum built in 1928 by Herbert Maier (1893-1969). It was closed the day when we passed by.
Unmarked Pullout #3
Just past the ruins, we stopped at an unmarked pullout for some more excellent views.
Lipan Point
Next is Lipan Point, which has some of the widest views along the South Rim. From there, it’s possible to see Grand Canyon Supergroup rocks. It’s also popular for sunrise and sunset.
On a clear day, you can see the Vermillion Cliffs 45 miles (72 kilometers) to the northeast as well as the Colorado River entering the canyon. We also witnessed a couple taking their wedding photos at this spectacular viewpoint.
Navajo Point
Desert View Drive continues with Navajo Point, which is the highest overlook on the South Rim at 7,461 feet (2,275 meters). From there, we were able to get a good look at the Desert View Watchtower. It’s also popular for sunsets.
Desert View Point
Desert View Point is at the east end of Desert View Drive, just inside the park’s east entrance. In addition to a watchtower, there’s a trading post, market, gas station, and campground.
Desert View Watchtower
Desert View Point is highlighted by the Desert View Watchtower. This 70-foot (21 meter) high stone building was completed in 1932 by architect Mary Colter (1869-1958). It was designed to resemble an Ancestral Puebloan tower.
The main space on the ground floor is the Kiva Room, which contains a fireplace and a large picture window. It served as a gift shop for many years but was returned to its original function as a rest area in 2015.
Heading upstairs, on the first landing you’ll find murals by Hopi painter Fred Kabotie (c. 1900-1986). The tower also contains its original furnishings.
On the upper floor of the tower, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Canyon.
The viewpoint at the base is just as spectacular. You can easily spot the Colorado River below as well as several buttes. The views are fantastic in every direction.
TWA-United Airlines Disaster Marker
You’ll also find a historical marker and interpretive panel dedicated to the TWA-United Airlines aviation accident that occurred on June 30, 1956. A United Airlines DC-7 and a TWA Super Constellation collided in mid-air at an altitude of 21,000 feet above Temple and Chuar Buttes, killing all 128 passengers and crew. It was the deadliest crash in American commercial aviation history at the time, and was the primary reason for the creation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on August 23, 1958.
The remote area where the disaster occurred has been closed to hikers since 1956, and the remains of 29 unidentified passengers are buried at the Pioneer Cemetery near Grand Canyon Village.
Map of the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
The North Rim is the more remote section of Grand Canyon National Park. It’s closed every year from December 1 through May 14.
The North Rim is accessible via U.S. 89A, then heading south on Highway 67. We drove in from the north, from Kanab, Utah, and spent a day there.
Grand Canyon Lodge
Grand Canyon Lodge is one of the highlights of the North Rim. The beautiful Main Lodge was built by Gilbert Stanley Underwood (1890-1961) between 1927 and 1928. 23 deluxe cabins and 91 standard cabins are also part of the complex. (Note: the lodge was destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Wildfire on July 12, 2025.)
Bright Angel Point
Bright Angel Point is a spectacular scenic viewpoint and the most popular on the North Rim. It’s on a short ½-mile round-trip trail from the Grand Canyon Lodge. Bright Angel Point is over 1,000 feet (300 meters) higher than the South Rim.
The paved trail is short but steep, taking hikers along a narrow ridge. There are some great views of the Grand Canyon on both sides of the ridge.
The views from Bright Angel Point give visitors an appreciation at the vastness of the Grand Canyon. It’s possible to spot the South Rim about 10 miles across the canyon. You can also see portions of Cottonwood Campground, which is 4,000 feet below the rim.
Cape Royal Road
Cape Royal Road is a scenic drive at the North Rim ending at Cape Royal. The entire length of the road is about 20 miles one-way.
Point Imperial
After turning onto Cape Royal Road from Highway 67, you’ll come to fork called the “Y”. If you turn left, 2 ½ miles at the end of the road is Point Imperial. It sits at an elevation of 8,803 feet (2,683 meters) and is the highest point on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Of course, there are phenomenal views including the Painted Desert and the eastern end of the canyon.
Vista Encantada
Turning right at the “Y”, the road curves several times until it reaches Vista Encantada. In addition to more great views, an interpretive panel explains how Spanish conquistadors couldn’t comprehend the immense size of the Grand Canyon when they visited for the first time in 1540.
Roosevelt Point
The third stop on Cape Royal Road is Roosevelt Point. It’s named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt for his efforts towards preservation of the Grand Canyon. You’ll find a plaque of the President before the short trail to the overlook.
Again, the views of the canyon don’t disappoint. It seemed that at this point, it was easier to make out the different colors of the rock layers.
Cape Final
Next is the Cape Final Trail, which is a 4.2-mile (6.8 kilometer) round-trip hike through a lovely forest to Cape Final. Most of the easy to moderate hike is in the forest until you reach the edge of the canyon a little past the halfway point.
At the very end of the trail is Cape Final, where there’s a rock you can climb for panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. Among the visible rock formations is Jupiter Temple. Cape Final was named by geologist Clarence Dutton (1841-1912) in 1880.
Pay close attention and you’ll spot a marker on the rock placed by the US Geological Survey in 1903. It indicates an elevation of 7,919 feet above sea level.
Walhalla Overlook
Continuing along is the Walhalla Overlook, which, like the other stops, has some great views of the Grand Canyon. Vishnu Temple is one of the visible rock formations. There’s also a short trail to the Walhalla Glades Pueblo, an Ancestral Puebloan village, but it was closed for maintenance during our visit.
Angels Window Viewpoint
The penultimate stop on Cape Royal Road is a viewpoint for Angels Window. It’s a natural arch with a viewpoint on top. To get to the top of the arch, you can hike the Cape Royal Trail.
Cape Royal
Cape Royal is located at the very end of Cape Royal Road. From the parking lot, you can take the short Cape Royal Trail, which is only 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) round-trip. The entire trail is paved and very easy. Once you reach the viewpoint, there are some more spectacular views of the Grand Canyon.
Interpretive panels can be found along the trail, and it’s one of the only spots on the North Rim from which it’s possible to spot the Colorado River down in the canyon. Vishnu Temple and Freya Castle are also visible.
Angels Window
A spur trail takes you to the top of Angels Window for even more incredible views of the canyon. It’s perfectly safe with railings and fencing. You can spot Angels Window from the trail.
Cape Royal Picnic Area
On the west side of the parking lot, there’s a picnic area with the most amazing setting. We actually had a nice relaxing lunch before setting off on the trail. Gönül made some of her delicious gourmet sandwiches and of course we had some potato chips and fresh fruit to go along with them. Martin and I helped clean up (a bit). After lunch, we rested while we enjoyed the fantastic scenery.
