Cape Final Trail Grand Canyon National Park
A hidden gem on the North Rim, this trail offers spectacular, uncrowded Grand Canyon views after a gentle forest hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Sunrise magic, fewer people
Cape Final Trail Grand Canyon National Park
Best Time
Sunrise magic, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on the North Rim, this trail offers spectacular, uncrowded Grand Canyon views after a gentle forest hike.
"This was our favorite hike out of 7 National Parks visited!"
Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities at the trailhead, so bring essentials for your 4-mile round trip hike.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly rolling terrain through the forest, so good walking shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Canyon Vistas
End of the trail
Experience breathtaking, uncrowded views of the Grand Canyon's North Rim, a truly spectacular reward.
Gentle Forest Hike
Trailhead to the end
Enjoy a rolling, moderate hike through fragrant pine forests before reaching the dramatic canyon overlooks.
Wild Garden Oasis
End of the trail
Discover a shaded haven with flowering cacti and secluded nooks at the trail's end, a peaceful spot to linger.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
North Rim's Hidden Gem
Best Time for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Day Trip to North Rim Recommendations
Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities at the trailhead, so bring essentials for your 4-mile round trip hike.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly rolling terrain through the forest, so good walking shoes are a must.
Grand Canyon North Rim advice
From my trip to the north rim of the Grand canyon. the hike out to Cape final to one of the most secluded campsites in the West Coast only room for two one person tents. an amazing place to watch the sunrise the campsite is literally 12 ft from the rim of the Grand canyon.
Arrive Early for Parking
The unpaved parking lot can fill up, especially during peak season.
Combine with Other Viewpoints
Don't miss Point Imperial and the paved trail at Cape Royal's road's end for more stunning views.
One Day Itinerary Help
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities at the trailhead, so bring essentials for your 4-mile round trip hike.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly rolling terrain through the forest, so good walking shoes are a must.
Arrive Early for Parking
The unpaved parking lot can fill up, especially during peak season.
Combine with Other Viewpoints
Don't miss Point Imperial and the paved trail at Cape Royal's road's end for more stunning views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Cape Final Trail as a 'best-kept secret' offering stunning, secluded North Rim views with a manageable hike. Many highlight the peaceful forest walk leading to breathtaking vistas, making it a favorite even among those who've visited multiple national parks. The lack of crowds is a significant draw, providing a more personal connection with the Grand Canyon's grandeur.
"This trailhead is truly one of the best-kept secrets we've discovered. If you're in search of a hike that offers stunning, seemingly secluded views of the North Rim without being overly challenging, your search ends here. Spanning roughly 2 miles with gentle terrain, this hike transitions from lush, dense forests to the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon."
Jacqueline Torres
"Such a great trail. Rolling terrain through pine forests. You are rewarded with amazing views of the canyon with very few people fighting for a photo op. It must be just long enough at 4.2 miles round trip to keep most people from stopping. I would give it 2 out of five on the difficulty scale. We spent 10 days visiting 7 National Parks and this was our favorite hike."
Meat Head
"This is a moderately easy hike through the woods. Several gorgeous vistas. There we're hummingbirds along the rim. The trail ended in a wild garden of small trees providing shade, multiple rocks in secluded nooks, and flowering cacti. There is an unpaved parking lot, but no water or toilet. The trailhead is on Cape Royal road, so be sure to check out the .8 mile paved trail at road's end with birds eye view of the canyon. On your way back, take the turn off for Point Imperial, 3 miles from the Y in the road. More great views, picnic tables, parking lot and toilets."
E ANDERSON
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cape Final Trailhead is located on Cape Royal Road on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon Lodge.
Yes, Cape Royal Road is paved and leads directly to the trailhead's unpaved parking lot. Check park road status before your visit.
Visiting Cape Final from the South Rim is a very long day trip (over 5 hours driving each way). It's best experienced if you're staying on the North Rim.
From Grand Canyon Lodge, head east on AZ-67 S, then turn left onto Cape Royal Road. Follow signs for Cape Final Trailhead.
No, there is no public transportation directly to the Cape Final Trailhead. A personal vehicle is required.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Grand Canyon National Park entrance pass is required for all visitors.
No, the trail is within the national park and does not have a separate entrance fee beyond the park's admission.
The trail is open year-round during park hours, but access to Cape Royal Road may be restricted in winter due to snow.
No, tickets are not required for the trail. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
The main restriction is seasonal road closures due to snow. Always check the park's official website for current conditions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Cape Final Trail is approximately 4 miles round trip, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
It's considered a moderately easy hike with rolling terrain through the forest, suitable for most fitness levels.
No, there are no facilities like restrooms or water at the trailhead. Be sure to bring your own.
You'll experience spectacular, often secluded, panoramic views of the Grand Canyon's North Rim.
Compared to other Grand Canyon viewpoints, Cape Final is significantly less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for golden hour light offer the most dramatic and beautiful photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon, and a telephoto lens can be useful for distant details.
The end of the trail offers the most expansive views, but several smaller vantage points along the way also provide unique perspectives.
No, drone usage is prohibited in Grand Canyon National Park, including at Cape Final Trail.
Be mindful of the sun's position for lighting and avoid shooting directly into the sun. The sheer scale can be challenging to capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the trail itself is family-friendly, always supervise children closely near the canyon rim. The less crowded nature of Cape Final compared to other viewpoints is a huge plus for families, allowing for a more relaxed experience without constant worry about losing sight of little ones in a crowd. Combine this hike with the short, paved trail at the end of Cape Royal Road for even more accessible views.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Pack a camera and enjoy the stunning photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The secluded nature of the trail makes it a romantic spot for couples to share a special moment, and for solo travelers, it offers a profound connection with nature. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time, as is good practice for any solo excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the North Rim
Cape Final Trail embodies this North Rim ethos perfectly. It's a relatively short hike, making it accessible, yet it rewards hikers with views that rival any from the more popular areas. The trail meanders through a dense forest of ponderosa pines and firs, offering a refreshing contrast to the open canyon vistas. This transition from forest to rim is a key part of the trail's charm, building anticipation for the grand reveal.
Hiking the Cape Final Trail: What to Expect
At the end of the trail, you'll find yourself on the edge of the canyon, with expansive, unobstructed views of the North Rim. This area is often described as a 'wild garden,' featuring shaded nooks, rocks, and even flowering cacti, providing a peaceful spot to rest and soak in the scenery. The lack of crowds here is a significant draw, allowing for a more personal and contemplative experience of the canyon's immensity. Remember to bring your own water and snacks, as there are no facilities at the trailhead.
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