Point Imperial Trail

Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation change: Negligible
Effort: Easy
Trailhead: North end of the parking area for the Point Imperial [1] overlook

This trail leads through areas burned by the 2000 Outlet Fire to Saddle Mountain, just across the park boundary. The trail starts out paved but soon turns to dirt. Pine and fir yield to the area scorched by fire, and soon the trail is surrounded by ghostly white aspen snags and blackened pine stumps.

Once-hidden views of Saddle Mountain, Marble Canyon [2], and—on the horizon—Navajo Mountain are visible through the burned areas. The surrounding landscape is a good example of how the natural environment recovers from fire. Wildflowers and young aspens mark the first stage in a forest’s rebirth. At 2.2 miles, you’ll reach the gate that marks the park’s northern boundary.

You can turn around here or continue into Kaibab Forest for more views. Pass the gate and walk to the dirt road (Forest Road 610), continuing a short distance until you come to the signed trail for Saddle Mountain. A spur to the right heads up a rocky outcrop with a view across Marble Platform to the Vermilion Cliffs, worth the extra few minutes of hiking.

Experienced canyon hikers use the Saddle Mountain Trail to access the precipitous Nankoweap route [3] to the Colorado River, a challenging 4–5-day trip.