Cliff Spring Trailhead
A short, cool descent off Cape Royal Road to a dripping spring tucked beneath a canyon overhang.
About
Cliff Spring Trail is a short, shaded descent on the North Rim, tucked off Cape Royal Road about 0.3 miles before the Cape Royal parking area. The trailhead sits in a pullout on a curve, easy to miss if you're not watching for it. From there the path drops roughly 300 feet over about half a mile one-way, following a wash down into a forested ravine of pinyon and juniper.
What's along the trail
Partway down, the trail passes a small archaeological site marked along the route before cutting to the far side of the wash. It ends beneath a rock overhang where Cliff Spring seeps water into shallow pools on the alcove floor. The water is not safe to drink.
- Round trip: about 1 mile, roughly 1-2 hours
- Elevation change: roughly 300 feet
- No potable water on the North Rim; carry your own
- Upper trail sections can ice over in winter and early spring
Afternoon monsoon storms build fast from July through September, so plan to be off the trail well before they roll in. It's a manageable outing for hikers comfortable with uneven footing and a modest grade, and a good add-on for anyone already driving out to Cape Royal.
Best Time to Hike
Afternoon monsoon storms build fast from July through September, so plan to be off the trail well before they roll in. Upper trail sections can ice over in winter and early spring.
Trail Tips
- Round trip runs about 1 mile and 1-2 hours, with roughly 300 feet of elevation change.
- No potable water on the North Rim — carry your own, and don't drink from the spring itself.
- A manageable outing for hikers comfortable with uneven footing and a modest grade.
Getting to the Trailhead
Watch for the pullout on the curve of Cape Royal Road rather than expecting a marked parking area; it's a short drive from the main Cape Royal lot, making this a natural add-on stop.
What to Expect at Cliff Spring Trailhead
The trailhead sits in a pullout on a curve of Cape Royal Road, about 0.3 miles before the Cape Royal parking area — easy to miss if you're not watching for it. From there the path drops roughly 300 feet over about half a mile one-way, following a wash down into a forested ravine of pinyon and juniper, passing a small archaeological site marked along the route.
Reviews
See all on GoogleNo reviews yet for this listing.