Point Imperial Viewpoint - Hike near North Rim, Arizona
~Point Imperial Rd, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA,North Rim,Arizona
36.27908928, -111.97799831
6.4 miles NE of North Rim, Arizona
Address: ~Point Imperial Rd, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
GPS: 36°16'44.7"N 111°58'40.8"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trail Length: 0.20 miles
Trail Type: Out & Back
Hike Difficulty: Beginner
Elevation Gain: 137 feet
Trails/Routes: 0.2 mi

Restrooms Pet Friendly

Hike

At 8,803 feet (2,683 meters), Point Imperial is the highest viewpoint in Grand Canyon. With sweeping eastern views, it’s also the best place for sunrise on the North Rim. The prominent spire in front of the viewpoint marks the top of Mount Hayden. The 8,372-foot spire is composed of Coconino Sandstone, which formed roughly 265 million years ago when Northern Arizona was covered with massive sand dunes similar to today’s Sahara Desert. Over millions of years, the sand dunes compressed into sandstone.Courtesy of jameskaiser.com
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.Courtesy of mygrandcanyonpark.com

 

Mapped Route/Trail Distances

Route #1 1,054 feet
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More Information

Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary

https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/grand-canyon-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diin

Point Imperial Hiking Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona

https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7003267/point-imperial

Point Imperial Viewpoint – joebeckerphoto

https://joebeckerphoto.wordpress.com/tag/point-imperial-viewpoint/

Point Imperial, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona

https://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/grand_canyon/point-imperial.html
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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From North Rim, Arizona

  1. Head northwest on AZ-67 N toward Bridle Path
    May be closed at certain times or days
    (1.9 mi)
  2. Turn right
    May be closed at certain times or days
    (5.4 mi)
  3. Continue onto Point Imperial Rd
    May be closed at certain times or days
    (210 ft)
  4. Slight left to stay on Point Imperial Rd
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    Destination will be on the right
    (2.7 mi)
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North Rim Point Imperial courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park↗ North Rim Point Imperial courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park↗
Looking west from Point Imperial courtesy of Kevin Dooley↗ Looking west from Point Imperial courtesy of Kevin Dooley↗

Trails

Distance ?

1,054 feet

Elevation Gain ?

-425 feet

Real Ascent ?

0 feet

Real Descent ?

425 feet

Avg Grade (-24°)

-45%

Grade (-29° to 0°)

-56% to 0%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.