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Cape Final Trailhead, Kaibab National Forest Travel Guide

4.8 (22)

Hike through serene forests to reach the majestic, less-crowded panoramic views of the Grand Canyon's North Rim at Cape Final.

Cape Final Trail offers a moderate 4.2-mile round trip hike to one of the most stunning viewpoints on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The trail meanders through a forest, opening up to panoramic vistas of the eastern Grand Canyon, including Vishnu Temple and the Palisades of the Desert.

A brief summary to Cape Final Trailhead

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cape Final Trailhead.

  • Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available along the trail.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky and uneven terrain.
  • Obtain a backcountry permit from the North Rim Backcountry Information Center if you plan to camp overnight.
  • Check seasonal accessibility, as the North Rim and Cape Royal Road are typically open from mid-May to mid-October.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach the Cape Final Trailhead, start from Jacob Lake, AZ, and drive south on Highway 67 for approximately 44 miles to the North Rim entrance. Continue past the visitor center and turn left onto Cape Royal Road. Drive 12.5 miles down Cape Royal Road, approximately 2.5 miles past the Cape Royal parking area; the trailhead will be on the left, marked by a small dirt parking lot. Note that RVs over 22 feet and vehicle-trailer combinations over 22 feet are not permitted on Cape Royal Road. Parking is free at the trailhead. During the open season, a park pass is required, which costs $35 and is valid for seven days.

  • Shuttle

    While there is no direct shuttle service to Cape Final Trailhead, a Trans-Canyon Shuttle operates between the North and South Rims from May 15 to October 15. The shuttle takes approximately 4.5 hours one way. From the North Rim Lodge, you would then need to rent a car or arrange for a taxi to reach the Cape Final Trailhead, which is 12.5 miles down Cape Royal Road. Car rentals are available near the Grand Canyon. Taxi services can be contacted at (928) 638-2631 ext. 6563. Shuttle fare is approximately $90 per person.

Discover more about Cape Final Trailhead

Cape Final, located on the Walhalla Plateau, is a premier destination on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering expansive and less crowded views compared to nearby Cape Royal. The 4.2-mile round trip trail presents an easy to moderate hike through a unique landscape. The path winds through a forest marked by fire-scarred Ponderosa Pines, providing habitat for the Kaibab squirrel.As you approach Cape Final, the trees gradually give way to reveal breathtaking 270-degree panoramas of the eastern Grand Canyon. From this vantage point at 7,916 feet, you can see landmarks such as Vishnu Temple, Juno Temple, Jupiter Temple, and the Unkar Creek Delta. The vista stretches across the canyon, offering views of the Colorado River and the Painted Desert.Cape Final provides a sense of solitude and a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon. Backcountry camping is permitted along the trail with a valid permit, allowing visitors to experience the canyon's tranquility under the stars.
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