Place · 2.1 mi away
Overview
Widforss Point is a remote North Rim overlook reached by hiking the Widforss Trail. It’s the antidote to crowded viewpoints: a peaceful forest walk that ends on open limestone outcrops with a jaw-dropping panorama. Expect a full day outing and the feeling you discovered your own private rim.
What You'll See
As the forest thins near the end, the canyon opens wide. From the point you can pick out a roster of landmarks: Yaki, Yavapai, and Mather Points across on the South Rim; Wotan’s Throne; Horseshoe Mesa; Zoroaster and Brahma Temple; Buddha and Isis Temple; and even the San Francisco Peaks. Haunted Canyon lies just west of the trail, marked by a slim ribbon of green along its floor.
The Hike In
It’s an out-and-back day hike (about 5 miles each way) that starts with rim-side glimpses, ducks into aspen and pine, then returns to big views. The path is well-marked, but the endpoint is more a zone of flat limestone ledges than a single fenced overlook—wander a bit and claim your own perch. You may pass through patches of burned forest, a stark but interesting look at the area’s natural cycles.
Wildlife
This stretch of the North Rim is great for spotting the Kaibab squirrel (the so-called “Silver Ghost”), plus deer, chipmunks, horned toads, butterflies, grasshoppers, and plenty of birdlife.
Planning Essentials
There are no services at Widforss Point or along the trail—no water and no restrooms—so arrive prepared. A vault toilet is available at the Widforss Trailhead. Dogs aren’t allowed on park trails. The park offers a self-guided booklet at the trailhead with points of interest for the first couple of miles. Summer thunderstorms, heat, and the high elevation can add challenge; many hikers report this as a roughly five-hour round trip.
History & Geology
Named for Gunnar Widforss, whose early 20th-century Grand Canyon watercolors prized geologic accuracy. The point itself sits on Kaibab Limestone—those pale, flat ledges that make such effortless viewing platforms.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the sweet spot: cooler temps and steady shade on parts of the trail. Summer is doable but bring extra water and start early to avoid heat. Even in busy periods, this viewpoint usually stays quiet.
Pros
- Huge panoramic views across temples and distant South Rim points
- Quiet, often uncrowded North Rim destination
Cons
- No water or restrooms along the trail or at the point
- Long out-and-back hike at high elevation
Tips
- Carry plenty of water; there’s no water along the trail or at the point.
- Use the vault toilet at the trailhead; there are none beyond it.
- Pick up the self-guided brochure at the trailhead to enrich the first miles.
- In summer, start early—parts of the route still get hot despite shade.
- At the point, explore the rock outcrops to find your favorite view.
