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Home » Blog » Magnificent Cape Final Trail on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim

Magnificent Cape Final Trail on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim

Written by: Gavin Evans Published on: March 12, 2023

cape final trail view over the grand canyon
Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim

The Cape Final Trail is a relatively flat, out-and-back forest hike culminating in a sweeping 270° panorama over the eastern Grand Canyon National Park

Hiking the Cape Final Trail

There are several beautiful viewpoints along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Cape Final is one of the very best. However, a 4.10-mile (6.6 km) round-trip hike is necessary to appreciate this viewpoint. 

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The trail is relatively flat and passes through pine forest for the most part, ultimately breaking out at Cape Final with views that are hard to match.  

Where is the Cape Final Trail?

Cape Final Trail is located at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, 2.59 miles (4 km) north of the parking lot at Cape Royal. The exact location of the trailhead and Rim vista can be seen on this map.

Where to park for the Cape Final Trail?

trailhead car park
Conveniently located parking area at the trailhead

A dedicated trailhead car park is located in a clearing in the woods, immediately off Cape Royal Road. This is highlighted on this map with an orange ‘P’.

How to get to the trailhead?

Upon joining Arizona State Route 67, head south for 41.26 miles (66.4 km). Then, turn left onto Cape Royal Road and continue for 5.41 miles (8.7 miles). Turn right, continuing on Cape Royal Road for 11.93 miles (19.2 km). Here you will find the relatively small Cape Final trailhead parking area on the left-hand side of the road.   

Parking Lot Location Details

  • Latitude, Longitude (decimal): 36.1458291, -111.9354203
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  • Google Map

Cape Final Trail Description 

Upon leaving the car park, the Cape Final Trail heads east along an obvious dirt path through a pleasant forest comprising tall ponderosa pines and sporadic clearings sprinkled with shorter oaks and juniper. 

trail leads through tall ponderosa pines
A relatively flat trail through open woodland

The path is relatively flat, meandering through the well-spaced trees, offering much-needed sun protection.

fallen tree along the cape final trail
Boys will be boys!

After hiking for approximately 1.24 miles (2 km), you receive your first glimpse of the stunning North Rim views as the path nears the plateau’s edge. 

easterly view of the grand canyon
First view of the Grand Canyon on the trail
view of the grand canyon from the cape final trail
Another incredible vista from viewpoint number one
view from the cape final trail
And another

The Cape Final Trail now swings to the southeast and away from the Rim’s edge, continuing through more open woodland. The final stretch leads you down a slight slope,  through a collection of bushes and smaller trees. 

view of the eastern grand canyon from the cape final trail
View towards Cape Final
wooden cape final sign
Almost there!
trail to cape final
Last short climb to Cape Final

When you catch sight of the Cape Final signpost, you are just about there. Now, there is one last gentle climb between several large boulders to the dramatic Cape Final vista.

Gavin at cape final
Gavin at Cape Final

What’s on view from Cape Final

The views from Cape Final are both dramatic and sprawling, with highlights including  Vishnu Temple, Juno Temple, Jupiter Temple, and the Palisades of the Desert.

cape final group photo under blue skies
The Road Trippers
simon takes in the view from cape final
Simon savours the view at Cape Final

Cape Final Trail – Our Thoughts

Despite its unusual name, the Cape Final Trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon should not be ignored on your visit to the Rim.  

The hike through the tall ponderosa pines is relaxing and shady and starkly contrasts the breathtaking scenery that awaits you at Cape Final.  The sweep of the Canyon laid out before you from Cape Final makes it a worthwhile destination for those visiting the North Rim.

What’s more, if you are looking for a more peaceful and less trafficked route than, for example, the more accessible Bright Angel Point Trail, this is certainly one for you. 

Cape Final Trail – Q & As

How long is the Cape Final Trail?

4.10-mile (6.6 km) 

What is the hike time?

Approximately 2-3 hours

Is this a challenging hike?

No. The Cape Final Trail is a relatively flat and easy hiking route.

How did Cape Final get its name?

The US geologist Clarence Dutton named the point in 1880 following a horseback ride that took him to the easternmost point of the Walhalla Plateau on the Rim. Dutton stated, “Point Final is doubtless the most interesting spot on the Kaibab.”

When is the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon North Rim?

Spring and fall are usually the best times to visit the Grand Canyon, as the daytime temperatures are more tolerable and the visitor numbers are lower. 

Also, remember that the North Rim is closed to vehicular traffic from the beginning of December until the middle of May. Keep tabs on the National Park Service website for the exact opening dates.

Are dogs allowed at the Grand Canyon North Rim?

Dogs are permitted at the North Rim but not below the rim itself. Therefore, leaving your pooch at home is probably best if you plan on hiking. Check out the National Park Service website for further details on their pet policy. 

You can take your leashed pet on the Bridle Trail (greenway) that connects the North Kaibab Trail, and the portion of the Arizona Trail north of the park entrance station. There are no Kennel facilities at the North Rim.

Have you experienced this trail?

If you have, please share your experience with our readers and us. Please let us know if you have any questions we still need to answer, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

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Categories: Hiking Destinations, Hiking in Arizona, Hiking in the USA

About Gavin Evans

Hi, I'm Gavin — I’ve been fortunate enough to travel fairly extensively throughout my life but it was only in 2017 that Didem and I decided to start blogging about our travel experiences, focusing on hiking. We aim to inspire you to go hiking and enjoy the vast array of benefits that hiking offers. We hope you enjoy the journey!

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