Point Sublime
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Best done as a drive since it’s 17 miles (27 kilometers) from State Route 67, Arizona’s Point Sublime offers views of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim that are hard to forget. The bumpy, off-road drive offers clusters of old-growth ponderosa pines, meadows, and wildflowers before you reach the canyon views. The scarcity of other people and vehicles is another wonder.
The basics
If you take the challenge to go to Point Sublime in the Grand Canyon, you'll likely go by 4WD vehicle. The dirt road can be challenging, and the approximately 2-hour ride is about 17 miles (27 kilometers). If you don’t trust your navigation skills, look for self-driving audio tours that provide GPS navigation to Point Sublime and commentary along the way. The viewpoint is free to visit for the day.
Things to know before you go
- Bring water, comfortable hiking shoes, and clothing layers for yourself, as well as a saw and ax in case fallen trees block the road.
- If you’re driving to Point Sublime, 4-wheel drive is highly recommended, although a 2-wheel drive with high clearance may be OK.
- You can camp at Point Sublime with a backcountry permit.
How to get there
The starting point of the driving trail is near North Rim’s Grand Canyon Lodge. From State Route 67, look for a Widforss Trail sign on your left-hand side. Pass this trailhead and follow a dirt road—it’ll veer right and slip into the forest. Then, the road will split. You need to keep left and follow all the signs for Point Sublime up a hill and through more rough terrain and hills before reaching the top of Point Sublime.
When to get there
The North Rim roads are closed from December to May, so it’s best to visit in spring or fall. Most Grand Canyon visitors don't visit Point Sublime due to its challenging roadway, which makes any time the road is open a good one to visit as crowds are always scarce.
Other scenic drives not to miss
While visiting the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim, take advantage of other scenic drives near Point Sublime. Two of the most popular include Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Point Imperial is about 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) from the main visitor center, and Cape Royal is about 23 miles (37 kilometers).
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