Last updated: May 14, 2026
Place
Roosevelt Point
Quick Facts
Location:
North Rim
Significance:
Scenic Overlook
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot
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.
Roosevelt Point
Named in honor of the 26th President of the United States and his efforts to preserve Grand Canyon, Roosevelt Point offers a view to the east across a deep side canyon, colorful rock layers, with the Colorado River Gorge with the Painted Desert in the distance. Looking northward, Point Imperial is also visible. Note: Post-fire hazards and weather events may result in a temporary closure of this location.
Limited parking is available at a single-lane pullout on Cape Royal Road — just under two miles (three km) beyond Vista Encantada.
To the left of a rock bearing a Theodore Roosevelt plaque, a short trail (0.2 mile/0.3 km round-trip) leads through overgrowth to the overlook where a USGS medallion marks the end of the trail. Allow 20-30 minutes round-trip.
NOTE: RVs over 22 feet long, and vehicle-trailer combinations with a total length over 22 feet, are not permitted on Cape Royal Road and the Scenic Drive due to narrow, windy roads with blind corners.
History
A staunch conservationist, avid outdoorsman and hunter, Theodore Roosevelt cared about natural resources with a burning passion. He is also said to have rode a mule down the Bright Angel Trail in 1903 to tell the Havasupai people they had to leave their home, now Indian Garden, to create a National Park.
During his first visit to Grand Canyon in May 1903, Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed, "Leave it as it is. You cannot improve upon it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it."
On June 8, 1906, Roosevelt signed into legislation the Antiquities Act , which enabled the President "...to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States to be national monuments.."
On January 11, 1908, Roosevelt officially recognized the significance of Grand Canyon by using this same order to proclaim it a national monument. In 1919, three years after the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, it was officially designated as a national park.
In his time as President of the United States, 'Teddy' used his authority to protect wildlife and public lands in unprecedented fashion. He created the United States Forest Service (USFS) in 1905 and established 150 national forests. In addition, Roosevelt also authorized the creation of 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments under the Antiquities Act. In total, Theodore Roosevelt protected approximately 230 million acres of public land.
Today, the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, both positive and negative, is found across the country. There are six national park sites dedicated, in part or whole, to our conservationist president. You can find more information about these places, including North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park, under these related websites .