what is the best view point or overlook on the north rim of the grand canyon?
As an Arizona based photographer who has had the pleasure of exploring and capturing images of the North Rim many times over the last 20 plus years, one of the most frequent questions I get from fiends and colleagues is what is my favorite designated overlook to visit? And although there are many stunning view points on the North rim, my favorite without question is Cape Royal. Below I will share a few reasons why its my personal favorite viewpoint.
A Fun Ride To A Remote Overlook:
Well, I think its fun. At approximately 22 miles one way it is a bit of drive from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the Cape Royal overlook which in my opinion kind of has an end of the world vibe because of its remoteness. Although The Cape Royal road is completely paved, be prepared for a long, winding, and at times narrow drive with some very sharp curves. I can share that there are also not a lot of safe opportunities to pass slower moving vehicles on this road. So if you get stuck behind a tourist driving below the speed limit if can be very frustrating. So I would advise to make sure you give yourself adequate time to make the round trip.
Along the road there are number of other pullouts, vistas, and view points that are also worth checking out including Roosevelt point and the The Walhalla overlook. Walhalla is the biggest and probably the most popular along the route to Cape Royal from what I have observed. And for good reasons as the views are pretty spectacular.
The bonus of the longer ride to this remote and high elevation overlook (its approximately 7,900 feet) is that its generally not too crowded in my experience. In addition, there is more than adequate parking with a picnic area and restrooms. If I recall, there is also a wheelchair-accessible trail leads to several several vistas. You wont likely be alone, but as a Photographer I have found it easier to get in position for some nice shots on popular and dramatic viewpoints at Cape Royal. A case in point would be the path out over the iconic Angels Window Arch. And when compared to what goes on at popular and ridiculously crowded view points and overlooks on the South rim of the Grand Canyon, its heaven.
Multiple View Points Along The Cape Royal Trail
Another feature that makes Cape Royal my favorite designated overlook on the North rim is that it offer a number of dramatic view points. The trail that brings you to the various points is less than a mile and for the most part very easy. My personal favorite is to walk out over a natural arch called Angels Window. This remarkable overlook extends out like a stone pier into the vastness of the canyon. It offers stunning and panoramic views of the Colorado river as well as the famous Wantons Throne landmark which is hard not to miss. You can see some images below.
The other popular view point at Cape Royal is the namesake Cape Royal overlook. It’s a close second to Angels window as far as views which also includes the Colorado river. There are some great panoramic views here but not a lot of space to maneuver around if there are a lot people at the overlook. Again, this is a view point where you really get a sense of how vast the Grand Canyon is. Although I have yet to experience it yet, I hear the Sunset views at Cape Royal overlook can be off the charts.
Anyway, hopefully some of my images below will give you a better idea why Cape Royal is my favorite designated view point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
More Info: Please contact me if you have any questions of special requests. Or, feel free to comment below.
Editing Services I Offer:
Photo Repair & Restoration: View info here about my old photo restoration services. This is a great way to digitize and preserve old memories.
Digital Video Editing: View info here about my affordable video editing services
This was a visitor from Japan who was awestruck by the view at the end of the Angels Window view point. He had asked me a favor to take a few pics of him so im sure he wont mind if I use this cool pic of him. You can see the Colorado river below.
The very cool and spectacular Angels Window view point. This is an overlook that definitely has that “edge of the world” vibe.
At an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, the temps at the Cape Royal overlook are generally refreshingly cool. I have also found it to be one of the windier overlooks in the Park
The famous Wontons Throne landmark .
A spectacular view at the namesake Cape Royal view point.
It never seems to be too crowded at Cape Royal which is a huge plus for me as a photographer.
You can see the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff off in the distance.
Cape Royal is the only view point or overlook on the North Rim where you can see the Colorado river.
This is big sky country on the North Rim.
Fall is great time of year to Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.