A sweeping view into the Grand Canyon from Coconino Overlook on the North Kaibab Trail, surrounded by pine forest.
Viewpoint

Coconino Overlook

A quick descent to a real canyon view, minutes from the North Rim trailhead

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Grand Canyon interior, AZ

About

Coconino Overlook is the first real payoff on the North Kaibab Trail, the only maintained route into the canyon from the North Rim. From the trailhead, the path switchbacks down through fir, aspen, and fern into the head of a side canyon, dropping about 790 feet over 0.7 miles to the overlook at roughly 7,450 feet elevation — a 1.4-mile round trip that most hikers cover in an hour or two.

What you'll see

The overlook opens onto Roaring Springs Canyon and the broader sweep of Bright Angel Canyon below, a different angle on the inner canyon than anything visible from the rim viewpoints above.

  • Trail surface includes loose sand and mule traffic — wear real footwear, not sandals
  • No water along this stretch; carry what you need, especially since North Rim potable water has been limited in 2026
  • The North Kaibab Trail continues past here toward Supai Tunnel and eventually the Colorado River, but Coconino Overlook is a natural turnaround for a short outing

The North Rim itself is day-use and seasonal, typically open mid-May through mid-October.

Best Time to Visit Coconino Overlook

The North Rim itself is day-use and seasonal, typically open mid-May through mid-October, which bounds the realistic hiking window for this trail.

Trail Tips for Coconino Overlook

  • Trail surface includes loose sand and mule traffic — wear real footwear, not sandals.
  • No water along this stretch; carry what you need, especially since North Rim potable water has been limited in 2026.
  • This overlook offers a different angle on the inner canyon than anything visible from the rim viewpoints above, worth the short effort even if you're not continuing further down.

Getting to Coconino Overlook

Start at the North Kaibab Trailhead and follow the trail 0.7 miles to the overlook — a natural turnaround point before the trail continues toward Supai Tunnel and eventually the Colorado River.

What to Expect at Coconino Overlook

Coconino Overlook is the first real payoff on the North Kaibab Trail, the only maintained route into the canyon from the North Rim. From the trailhead, the path switchbacks down through fir, aspen, and fern into the head of a side canyon, dropping about 790 feet over 0.7 miles to the overlook at roughly 7,450 feet elevation — a 1.4-mile round trip most hikers cover in an hour or two. The overlook opens onto Roaring Springs Canyon and the broader sweep of Bright Angel Canyon below.

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