Cape Royal Trail

Cape Royal Trail is an easy, paved out-and-back from the southeast side of Cape Royal parking area to the point at Cape Royal. The main path is about 0.4 mile each way; plan on 0.8 mile round trip and about an hour to walk and stop at the overlooks. Published trail distances vary from 0.6 to 0.8 mile, so treat 0.8 as the useful figure for the main route and leave extra time for the side path to Angels Window. The drive is long for such a short walk, so it makes more sense as part of the North Rim scenic drive than as a quick stop on its own.

The main route is paved, stone-edged and nearly level. About halfway along, a smaller paved branch turns left to a guardrailed lookout along the top of Angels Window. The natural arch frames the Colorado River far below. Return to the junction and continue to Cape Royal; the point at the end gives you a much broader view than the arch alone. The branch is a separate detour, and its added distance is not stated consistently in the published trail information.

Cape Royal sits near 7,865 feet and opens onto a sweeping view across the canyon. Look for the Colorado River below, the Painted Desert to the east, and the prominent formations Freya Castle and Vishnu Temple. The South Rim's Desert View Watchtower is visible across the canyon. For a photo at Angels Window, frame the river through the opening; at Cape Royal, the layered ridges and far-off landmarks make the wide view the point. Sunset light brings out red and orange walls against deep purple shadows.

The parking area has a vault toilet on its north side and a picnic area to the west. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail. Cape Royal is about 23 road miles from the North Rim developed area and 29 miles from the entrance station. Cape Royal Road is narrow and winding, with blind corners; vehicles longer than 22 feet and vehicle-trailer combinations over 22 feet total are not permitted.