Point Imperial, Grand Canyon Overlook

Grand Canyon National Park
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> Point Imperial

Point Imperial

Point Imperial, the highest overlook in Grand Canyon, offers the visitor some of the best views of this wondrous canyon and distant points, such as the Painted Desert and more.

  • Point Imperial is a short scenic drive into Grand Canyon National Park on the North Rim
  • This is the highest overlook in the park, providing distant views of the Painted Desert and Vermilion Cliffs
  • Hike the Point Imperial Trail through Kaibab forest and past meadows full of wildflowers

What can I see and do at Point Imperial?

  • Scenic Drive: Getting there is almost half the fun, with a beautiful winding drive to Point Imperial that provides incredible scenic views.
  • Enjoy the Canyon Views: Point Imperial is the highest vista in Grand Canyon National Park (8,803 feet) and allows you to see all the way to the distant Vermilion Cliffs, Navajo Mountain in Utah, and overlooks the expansive Painted Desert.
  • Hiking: The easy 4.4-mile hike on the Point Imperial Trail will take you a little over two hours, winding through part of the Kaibab forest, past meadows full of wildflowers and finally out onto the rim with marvelous views of Marble Canyon. You can also hook up with the Saddle Mountain Trail and eventually join the Nankoweep Trail further on if you want to really get some hiking in.

Where is Point Imperial?

Point Imperial is on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. When you enter at the North Entrance to the park, take Highway 67 its intersection with a road that juts off to the left (well before you reach the Visitor Center area). Drive five miles to the next intersection, and turn left, following the sign for Point Imperial. In three miles more, you will arrive at the lookout.

When is Point Imperial open?

You can access Point Imperial from the middle of May to mid-October. This is when the North Rim visitor services are all open. In winter, the road to the North Rim (Highway 67) often closes because of snowy conditions, however from 15 October until snow arrives, you can still access the North Rim for day use only. Once Highway 67 closes at the first snowfall, it won’t open again until 15 May.

How much does Point Imperial cost?

There is no charge for admission to Point Imperial.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

If you would like more information regarding Point Imperial, call Grand Canyon’s General Visitor Information phone at (928) 638-7888.