Pros & cons
PROS
- Grand canyon-and-river vistas with distant La Sal Mountains
- Quieter than the main point, great for unhurried photos
CONS
- No facilities or shade; fully exposed slickrock
- Route-finding can be tricky and cell service is spotty
Overview
Rim Overlook is a viewpoint at the end of a short spur from the West Rim Trail. Utah State Parks maps it on the western side of the mesa, northwest of Kayenta Campground. It is separate from Basin Overlook on the East Rim.
Getting There
Walk from the Visitor Center or Kayenta Campground using the West Rim Trail and the signed Rim Overlook spur. The official hiking map labels the spur as 0.25 mile. This is a trail destination without a road or parking pullout at the overlook.
At the Overlook
The unguarded rim gives broad views into Shafer Canyon. Follow the marked route over sandy and slickrock sections, stay back from cliff edges, and carry water and sun protection. There are no services at the viewpoint; use the visitor-center or campground facilities before setting out.
Where it is
38.4890, -109.7507Tips for Rim Overlook
- 01Reach it via the East Rim Trail; there’s no drive-up access.
- 02Download maps and carry navigation—trail markers can be sparse.
- 03Start early or late for cooler temps and better light.
- 04Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.
- 05An alternative approach is from the mountain biking lot via the Hi Ho Trail.
Amenities
Near Rim Overlook
All places →All trails →
0.5 mi awayBig Horn OverlookQuiet rim perch over Shafer Canyon with potholed slickrockScenic Viewpoint
0.6 mi awayKayenta CampgroundSmall, quiet rim-top base with hookups and stellar dark skiesTrailhead · Restroom
0.6 mi awayWingate CampgroundMesa-top campsites with hookups, big views and dark-sky nightsCampground · Restroom
0.7 mi awayShafer Canyon Overlook TrailShort West Rim spur to broad Shafer Canyon views and a glimpse of the Colorado River.Easy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
0.7 mi awayShafer Canyon OverlookTrail-accessed West Rim viewpoint into Shafer CanyonTrailhead · Pullout
0.8 mi awayIntrepid TrailEasy half-mile desert trail segment to the Desert View Overlook and eastern-rim junctions.Easy · 0.5 mi · 5 min
0.8 mi awayDead Horse Visitors Center LoopShort paved visitor-center loop with three desert viewpoints and interpretive exhibitsEasy · 0.3 mi · 15 min
0.8 mi awayWest Rim TrailA moderate, exposed 2.8-mile route from the visitor center to Dead Horse Point Overlook.Moderate · 5.5 mi · 3 hr
