Coconino Overlook

Coconino Overlook is a named viewpoint on the North Kaibab Trail, at 7,450 feet on the North Rim. It looks down Roaring Springs Canyon and is the first marked day-hike turnaround below the rim. The out-and-back is 1.4 miles with 790 feet of elevation change; the descent is only half the effort, so save some energy for the uphill return.

The open view down Roaring Springs Canyon is the payoff. Give it a few minutes instead of treating this as a quick trail marker, and use a wide frame to keep the near canyon walls and the distance together.

The North Kaibab Trail was built through the 1920s to bring a route down the North Rim to the same grade and quality as the South Kaibab Trail. It replaced an older path that crossed Bright Angel Creek 94 times; the present trail crosses it six times.

The trailhead is about two miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge, at a large lot shared with Uncle Jim Trail. The route drops through switchbacks, so expect a steady climb back. The pit toilets and seasonal drinking water are farther down at Supai Tunnel, so don’t count on services for this short out-and-back. In hot months, start well before dawn or after 3 p.m.; winter ice and snow can cover the upper trail, when traction devices are recommended.