Photo by Whit Richardson
1. Bright Angel Point
Easily reached via a mile paved walkway, Bright Angel Point has spur paths where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Bright Angel Canyon below and canyon buttes and temples. The South Rim is 11-miles on the other side and far in the distance to the south is the San Francisco Peaks. The path to the Bright Angel begins at the Visitor Center parking area.
2. Point Imperial
This 11-mile (one way) drive from the Visitor Center leads to Point Imperial, the highest rim overlook in the park at elevation 8,803 feet. From here the canyon view encompasses Mt. Hayden, Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon as well as an area of the park that was burned by the 2000 Outlet wildfire. Picnic tables are
located at the point and an interpretive sign describes geologic formations.
3. Walhalla Plateau
Located on the road to Cape Royal, stop at Walhalla Overlook and take in the view of ancient Puebloan ruins located below along the Unkar Delta. The site was occupied from about 850 – 1200 AD and home to native people who farmed in the Colorado River basin. Across the road from the parking area is Walhalla Glades, the Ancestral Puebloan people’s summer home. Inquire at the North Rim Visitor Center about summer ranger talks devoted to Walhalla ruins and what has been learned from a recent archaeological excavation along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon.
4. Cape Royal
Visitors who go the extra distance to reach this scenic point will be rewarded with views and solitude. Drive 23 miles (one way) on the main park road from the Visitor Center to road’s end at the Cape Royal parking lot. Park and follow the paved path for a mile to the natural arch, Angels Window, and then to Cape Royal Point. From this rocky outcrop you can see the Colorado River.
5. Point Sublime
Getting to this remote Grand Canyon vantage point requires a 4WD vehicle or strong legs and a mountain bike. It is 17 miles (one way) to Point Sublime on a bumpy dirt road that is often washed out in places. Or, for a shorter trip, drive 4 miles, park your vehicle or ride your bike another 4.5 miles to Tiyo Point. Overnight camping with a permit is allowed at the points. Access road to Poit Sublime is off AZ 67, 2.7 miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge.
View additional scenic drives in the Grand Canyon Region here.
