Top 5 North Rim Dayhikes in the Grand Canyon

1. Transept Trail

This 1.5-mile (one way) path meanders through the forest along the edge of Transept Canyon with views of Bright Angel Point and down into Bright Angel Canyon. The path connects Grand Canyon Lodge to North Rim Campground.

2. Widforss Trail

This 5-mile (one way) path follows the top of the Kaibab Plateau the whole way, so elevation gain and loss is less than 500 feet. From Widforss Point at trail’s end you’ll feast on views of Wotan’s Throne, and Brahma and Zoroaster temples. Beyond the South Rim, on a clear day, you can see the San Francisco Peaks, more than 100 miles away. En route to the point you’ll hike through a conifer and aspen forest at a cool 8,500 feet elevation.

3. Cape Final

The two mile hike (one way) is mostly level, making it good for children, and leads to the easternmost top of the Walhalla Plateau. From this promontory, you will have expansive views of eastern Grand Canyon, including Vishnu Temple and Jupiter Temple. If you want to make a backpacking trip out of the hike, the park service grants one overnight permit per day to camp at the point. Trailhead is located on the road to Cape Royal; turn-off is on the left side of the road, 2.5 miles north of Cape Royal parking area.

4. Point Imperial

Extend your views from Point Imperial by following this 2-mile trail beyond the paved overlook area. The trail passes through an area burned in the 2000 Outlet Fire and is an excellent opportunity to explore the ecology of fire. This path extends to the national park boundary and connects with the Nankoweap Trail, a wilderness route to the Colorado River.

5. North Kaibab to Roaring Springs

Hike the top portion of this rim-to-river trail for 4.7 miles (one way) to reach Roaring Springs, a vital water source that supplies water to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. You’ll descend 3,000 feet through Roaring Springs Canyon, passing through two narrow sections called the Supai Tunnel and Eye of the Needle.