Point Imperial

At 8,803 feet, Point Imperial is the highest spot on the entire Grand Canyon rim and marks the park's northernmost boundary. The payoff is a wide-open panorama east across the Painted Desert and Marble Canyon, where you can watch the canyon widen from Marble Canyon's narrow walls into the broader, layered expanse most people picture as "the Grand Canyon." On a clear day you can pick out Navajo Mountain more than 80 miles off. The overlook sits off Cape Royal Road, about three miles from the junction, and the walk from the parking area is short and mostly level, with part of the platform wheelchair and stroller accessible. A picnic area and vault toilets are on site, but there's no potable water, so bring your own.

Good to know

• Rating: 4.9 stars from 134 Google reviews, with visitors consistently calling it less crowded than Cape Royal or the old Lodge overlook
• Best light: sunrise for buttes lit from the east, late afternoon for long shadows and side-light
• Trail access: connects to both the Ken Patrick Trail and the Point Imperial Trail for those who want to extend the stop
• Season: the North Rim and its access roads close in winter; check current conditions before you go, since the scenic drive passes through areas still recovering from wildfire
• Vehicles: RVs and trailer combinations over 22 feet aren't recommended on the approach road

Pair it with a stop at Cape Royal for a half-day loop, pack a light jacket for the wind at elevation, and expect thin cell coverage once you're out on the rim.