Cape Final Trail
Cape Final Trail
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
25 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mike P
Detroit, MI98 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We drove past this trailhead on our way back from Cape Royal. We didn’t know anything about the hike and decided to go in blind. The hike starts out with a steady 1/2 mile incline. Nothing too difficult. The landscape it beautiful and almost the entire hike is shaded, fairly flat with a few climbs but nothing steep. There are a lot of rocks on the trail which can make footing an issue if you’re unsteady, again easy to manage.
The hike is 4.2 miles start to finish with beautiful views at the end. It took us 1:34 to complete and we stop for frequent pictures. If you’re looking to kill 90-100 min and enjoy nature, this is a great options for everyone.
The hike is 4.2 miles start to finish with beautiful views at the end. It took us 1:34 to complete and we stop for frequent pictures. If you’re looking to kill 90-100 min and enjoy nature, this is a great options for everyone.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom
Maple Grove, MN2,027 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
This is a great 4-mile hike with a fairly easy trail. Very kid friendly. Lots of shade along the way. The reward is an incredible vista of the canyon. Take a snack and enjoy some time just watching the scenery before heading back.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SquirrelGirl39
Raleigh, NC206 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
We enjoyed this 4 mile roundtrip hike to some fantastic views. It is relatively easy hike (other than the air being thin) and you will enjoy the few spots to see the canyon views. Others have mentioned that the parking area is hard to find, but we had no trouble (it is after the Roosevelt Point overlook and before the Walhalla Overlook) you will see a sign and parking is on your left hand side.
Written September 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mina K
Lidcombe, Australia10 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
The trail to Cape Final doesn't have the paved or similar thing, but it is easy to follow to go to. Also it doesn't provide where I am or how far from here to the destination. So we kept asking to ourselves 'are we going in the right way?' or 'how long should we walk more'.. luckily we met nice people to encourage not to give up to all the way up there and said it is the best view for both north and south rims. So we kept going and finally when we saw it and it was breathtaking and we were all speechless.
When we started to walk the trail, we were skeptical about keep-going. But we made it and kept the beautiful views and experience in our heart.
Personally I think the north rim is more beautiful than south rim. And Cape Final is the heart of the north rim.
When we started to walk the trail, we were skeptical about keep-going. But we made it and kept the beautiful views and experience in our heart.
Personally I think the north rim is more beautiful than south rim. And Cape Final is the heart of the north rim.
Written October 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BruinDan
Fullerton, CA3,255 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
During our visit to the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim we tackled many of their hiking trails, and we found the Cape Final Trail (a moderately strenuous four-mile up-and-back round trip) to be the best combination of trail beauty and reward for your exertion on the North Rim.
An important preparation NOTE: There are no restroom facilities along the Cape Final Trail. The nearest facilities are located in the Cape Royal parking lot.
From the trailhead you almost immediately begin the initial ascent, which is the steepest part of the trail. NOTE that this part of the trail is particularly rocky, so a sturdy pair of hiking shoes is strongly recommended. When you come to a wooded area, the trail begins to flatten out. You’ll then begin a set of much shorter ascents, some of them through forested areas.
The trail will eventually take you to a view point along the canyon rim. The view is beautiful, but it is NOT Cape Final; turn right at the view point and continue along the trail. The trail will curve, descend and ascend until you finally reach a small sign pointing you to Cape Final. From this point the trail essentially ends and you’ll have to scramble up and over some rocks to actually set foot on the Cape.
When you are standing on Cape Final, you’re presented with an absolute stunning, spectacular and unforgettable view of the Grand Canyon. It’s a wonderful reward for your efforts and you’ll no doubt feel that this was time well spent.
An important preparation NOTE: There are no restroom facilities along the Cape Final Trail. The nearest facilities are located in the Cape Royal parking lot.
From the trailhead you almost immediately begin the initial ascent, which is the steepest part of the trail. NOTE that this part of the trail is particularly rocky, so a sturdy pair of hiking shoes is strongly recommended. When you come to a wooded area, the trail begins to flatten out. You’ll then begin a set of much shorter ascents, some of them through forested areas.
The trail will eventually take you to a view point along the canyon rim. The view is beautiful, but it is NOT Cape Final; turn right at the view point and continue along the trail. The trail will curve, descend and ascend until you finally reach a small sign pointing you to Cape Final. From this point the trail essentially ends and you’ll have to scramble up and over some rocks to actually set foot on the Cape.
When you are standing on Cape Final, you’re presented with an absolute stunning, spectacular and unforgettable view of the Grand Canyon. It’s a wonderful reward for your efforts and you’ll no doubt feel that this was time well spent.
Written October 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz J
Doncaster, UK7 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
We spent one day at the North Rim and decided to hike to Cape Final for sunset. After having spent nearly 2 weeks tavelling round Arizona and Utah and seeing some spectacular scenery we were initially a bit underwhelmed by our first view of the Grand Canyon which was from Bright Angel Point. However this completely changed when we got to Cape Final.
The walk itself is relatively straight forward. It is mainly through forest so there is not much scenery as you walk but it is an easy walk with not too much elevation change. It took us about 45 minutes each way but we walk quite fast. When we got to the view point there was one person camping but otherwise we had it to ourselves. It was quite simply the most amazing view we saw on our whole holiday. As the viewpoint sticks out a bit you can see a vast amount of the canyon around you. The sun was just setting behind us as we arrived and the colours in the canyon were beautiful. We spent a good hour just sitting on the rocks and watching the colours change as the light faded. It was one of those perfect moments where you could appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon in peaceful seclusion without the hustle and bustle you find at more popular view points.
If you are going to do the walk at sunset remember to bring a torch for the walk back as the unpaved path has many potential trip hazards and a twisted ankle would not be a good way to end the day.
The walk itself is relatively straight forward. It is mainly through forest so there is not much scenery as you walk but it is an easy walk with not too much elevation change. It took us about 45 minutes each way but we walk quite fast. When we got to the view point there was one person camping but otherwise we had it to ourselves. It was quite simply the most amazing view we saw on our whole holiday. As the viewpoint sticks out a bit you can see a vast amount of the canyon around you. The sun was just setting behind us as we arrived and the colours in the canyon were beautiful. We spent a good hour just sitting on the rocks and watching the colours change as the light faded. It was one of those perfect moments where you could appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon in peaceful seclusion without the hustle and bustle you find at more popular view points.
If you are going to do the walk at sunset remember to bring a torch for the walk back as the unpaved path has many potential trip hazards and a twisted ankle would not be a good way to end the day.
Written June 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BLtrvl
Glenview, IL1,374 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Only did a short part of the hike, were really mesmerized by the views. Friends told us to make this a must-see on the North Rim, and we're glad we did.
Written November 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdurf
Pittsburgh, PA67 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We decided to visit the North Rim in late September as we knew there would not be many people or traffic. This was our final hike, which starts off with a nice wide trail in a shaded & wooded area. There are several points along the way with views of the canyon, but the end of the trail offers spectacular views. Once you get there, be sure to really explore as there are smaller side trails and some great ledges! Would be a great place to have lunch!
Written October 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RONALD D
Edmond, OK266 contributions
Jul 2017
This is a fairly easy hike that rewards you with amzing views of the canyon in more solitude thatn the shorter, paved and crowded trails. It is 2.1 miles along a well worn dirt path without much elevation gain. Most of the hike is through the woods and is peaceful and quiet. At the end you are at a point jutting into the canyon with sweeping views in three directions. The picture we took here was our so beautiful it became our Christmas card photo.
Written January 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karenpammy2016
San Francisco, CA1,267 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
If you have a day at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, a must visit is a drive on the Cape Royal Scenic Drive-- plenty of nice viewpoints to stop and stroll over for photos. It is great to stop at several of them as you may compare and contrast the different views each of them offer. If you are interested in any day hike on Cape Royal Scenic Drive, stop at the Cape Final Trailhead. The trailhead will be on your left as you head from the drive. There is a rather small parking lot perhaps fitting around 12-15 cars, so try to head there early!
It is a 4 mile round-trip hike but the great thing is that it is all level as you walk through the forest on rather flat terrain. You will end up with a wonderful view of the North Rim and the Painted Desert. There are not that much people on this trail, so you pretty much have it all to yourselves. We saw perhaps only 10-12 people hiking on the way in and another 10-12 people hiking on the way out. Pack in a small snack and bring lots of water with you!! Can enjoy your treat once you arrive at Cape Final!!
It is a 4 mile round-trip hike but the great thing is that it is all level as you walk through the forest on rather flat terrain. You will end up with a wonderful view of the North Rim and the Painted Desert. There are not that much people on this trail, so you pretty much have it all to yourselves. We saw perhaps only 10-12 people hiking on the way in and another 10-12 people hiking on the way out. Pack in a small snack and bring lots of water with you!! Can enjoy your treat once you arrive at Cape Final!!
Written September 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy F
San Clemente, California
Is this hike good for families? We have three kids--9, 7, and 5 years old. And Mom is just in so-so shape. :)
Written November 17, 2015
It was easy to follow. The start had a little incline and was somewhat rocky. but that was only for a short portion, It was all in the woods and shaded. I wouldn't rate it easy or difficult-it was moderately difficult.
Written December 2, 2015
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