Last updated: May 15, 2026
Place
Cape Royal Road (North Rim Scenic Road)
NPS photo.
Quick Facts
On May 15, the North Rim reopened for the season. Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for a more remote experience this year, with limited services available as the park continues recovery and restoration work.
The 2026 season will focus mainly on day use and limited backcountry access, with some scenic drives, viewpoints, and trails open to visitors. Please keep in mind that potable water will not be available on the North Rim, so be sure to bring plenty of water and food for your visit.
Open during the 2026 season, Cape Royal Road is a fantastic scenic drive leading to various points of interest, including Walhalla Glades Pueblo, Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Note: Post-fire hazards and weather events may result in a temporary closure of Cape Royal Road.
Diverse viewpoints and several trailheads can be reached via this winding scenic drive that can be a great way to spend anywhere from a few hours to day exploring the canyon.
Weather permitting, the road is usually open from May 15, through November 30, However, the exact closing date for the 2026 season has not been announced. During the fall, the road may be temporairly closed for maintenance due to snow or fallen trees.
- Between October 16 and November 30, the North Rim is open for day use only.
- The road is closed for the winter between December 1, and May 14, along with all North Rim roads within the park.
NOTE: RVs over 22 feet long, and vehicle-trailer combinations with a total length over 22 feet, are not permitted on the Scenic Drive due to narrow, windy roads with blind corners.
The Following locations will be open during the 2026 season, however, post-fire hazards and weather events may result in temporary closures of some locations.
- Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet (2,683 m), overlooks the Painted Desert and the eastern end of Grand Canyon. Here the canyon transforms as the narrow walls of Marble Canyon, visible only as a winding gash, open dramatically to become "grand." Layers of red and black Precambrian rocks, not visible at Bright Angel Point, add contrast and color. Part of the viewpoint is accessible, and there are restrooms available. With no stops, allow 20 minutes of driving each way.
- Vista Encantada's picnic tables make it a great spot to break for a meal while enjoying wide open canyon views.
- Roosevelt Point offers another spectacular view of of the eastern Grand Canyon and Painted Desert. Limited parking is available at the pullout on Cape Royal Road. A short trail (0.2 mi./0.3 km round-trip) leads through overgrowth to the overlook.
- Walhalla Glades Pueblo is an Ancestral archaeological site, an example of a small pueblo that had at least nine rooms. It was occupied from 1,100 to 1,150 CE. The site of seasonal farming, the inhabitants probably descended into the canyon and lived there during winter months. Unkar Delta, along the Colorado River, where they lived are thought to have lived during the winter, is visible from nearby Walhalla Overlook, on the other side of Cape Royal Road.
- Cliff Springs Trail is a short hike into the canyon that takes you past an archeological site, then down to a small spring under an overhang. This short trail only descends into the second layer of Grand Canyon strata making it a nice introduction to canyon hiking.
- Cape Final Trailhead is an easy pullout to drive past without even noticing, but those that stop and take the 2.1 mile (3.4 km) walk through the forest will find an excellent panoramic view of the canyon at Cape Final,.where the Colorado River bends and begins its westward journey.
- Cape Royal provides a panorama up, down, and across the canyon. With seemingly unlimited vistas to the east and west, it is popular for both sunrise and sunset. The sweeping turn of the Colorado River at Unkar Delta is framed through the natural arch of Angels Window. Look for the Desert View Watchtower across the canyon on the South Rim. This popular viewpoint is accessible via a paved, level trail. With no stops, allow 45 minutes of driving each way (from the North Rim developed area).
Note: The Greenland Lake pullout and location have been closed because of extensive damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire.