Point Imperial and Mount Hayden
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Point Imperial extends into the canyon at the southeastern edge of the Kaibab Plateau. To reach Point Imperial, the highest point on both rims at 8,800 feet, take Highway 67 to the Cape Royal Road. Turn left at the fork to Point Imperial and drive another three miles to the end of the road, where you’ll find a large parking area and picnic tables beneath the shade of a ponderosa-pine forest.
For the best views, descend the short path to the overlook. Mount Hayden’s spire (8,372 feet) rises above Nankoweap Canyon. Late-afternoon or early-morning sunlight turns this Coconino sandstone peak from buff-colored to a rosy gold. The 40,000-acre Saddle Mountain Wilderness, part of the Kaibab National Forest, sprawls to the north.
Restrooms are located at the north end of the parking lot, and trailheads can be found at either end of the parking area: the Point Imperial Trail to the east and the Ken Patrick Trail to the west.
© Kathleen Bryant from Moon Grand Canyon, 5th Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.