Cape Royal

Cape Royal sits at the southernmost end of the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, high above the sharp westward bend of the Colorado River. The Cape Royal Road ends 23 miles (37 km) from the main North Rim area. Lonely Planet promises far views of almost all the major parts of the canyon, with Wotan's Throne to the southwest, Vishnu Temple to the south and, tiny, the Desert View Watchtower.

The paved, mostly level trail is 0.8 miles (1.3 km) round trip and wheelchair accessible; most people need one to two hours. About halfway along, a branch leads to a railed overlook above Angels Window, a natural arch in Kaibab limestone. From the end you get a 270-degree view at about 7,800 feet (2,380 m).

The Park Service calls Cape Royal one of the best spots for sunset. The road is narrow and winding: vehicles and combinations over 22 feet (6.7 m) are not allowed. There is no drinking water on the North Rim. The Cape Royal Road can be closed seasonally or for construction; the autumn season runs until November 30 (as of November 2026, check ahead).