SA Report: Subverted expectations
Trip Date: 8/30/2017
Location: North Rim (Grand Canyon National Park)
Permit/Pass: Vehicle - $30, Motorcycle - $25
Trail maps: nps.gov
Directions: From Kanab, Utah, take Hwy 89A (also S 100 E) south toward the Arizona state line. Follow 89A for 36.6 miles as it goes through Fredonia, Arizona (where it turns toward the east), then turns south again to head up onto the Kaibab Plateau. Upon reaching the Jacob Lake area turn right onto AZ-67 S. Follow the road south through the forest for 40.6 more miles, passing through the national park kiosk and finally reaching the left turn onto Pt. Imperial Rd. Continue east on the road for about 5.5 miles before coming to a fork in the road. Turn right here and travel another 14.2 miles on Cape Royal Rd. to to the roads end at the parking area for Cape Royal Overlook.
Synopsis: This is the highlight of a trip out to the Walhalla Plateau and environs. The views from the point are, as usual, spectacular, and there are interesting signs along the way that focus on the local botany. Along with the Angels Window formation, this also appears to be a spot where people gather for the sunset. A spot not to be missed.
Trail sequence: Cape Royal trail / spur trail to Angels Window / Cape Royal trail
Type: Out and back
Distance: 1.1 mile
Rating: Easy (factors: altitude, paved path)
Notes: Don't miss the side trip out onto Angels Window, but before you get there check out the east side of the trail for spots where you can take pictures of the formation. You can't actually see the window itself when you're standing on the rock fin.
Track: Cape Royal / Angels Window - Grand Canyon NP: AllTrails, GaiaGPS
Turn by Turn:
-- Head south from the trailhead, taking in the plant ID plaques along the way. The path is paved and mostly level so it's a good spot for the young and elderly members of your company.
-- At just over a quarter-mile you come to the left (east) turn onto the spur trail for Angels Window. This is a short diversion but well worth the time.
-- Upon returning to the path turn left (south) and continue out to the Cape Royal viewpoint area.
-- As you retrace your steps back to the trailhead take the opportunity, if you hadn't on the way out, to find a spot off the east side of the trail to snap some photos of the Angels Window formation.
Photos: Flickr
Video: Video