Point Imperial
Point Imperial
North Rim Of The Grand Canyon, AZ
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - EASY ot MODERATE
The hike from the Point Imperial parking area to the viewing area is an easy 150 yd walk on a paved pathway.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
8,800 Ft. Elevation
Photography Tips
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions the Point Imperial parking area
The nearest community to the Point Imperial is Jacobs Lake (49 miles) and the nearest towns are Kanab, UT (86 miles) and Page, AZ (129 miles) . Regardless of which way you come - from the west on US 89A or from the east on US 89A you will go through the little community of Jacobs Lake. Jacobs Lake has a gas station and small grocery store. I would strongly suggest you fill up you vehicle there.
From Page, AZ
Travel on US 89 south for 23 miles until you reach the community of Bitter Springs. Take a right and travel on US 89A for 55 miles until you reach the community of Jacobs Lake. Again, I would fill up your vehicle here. From Jacobs Lake travel on AZ-67S for 40.6 miles and you will see a paved road on your left with a sign for Point Imperial. Turn left and stay on this winding paved road for 5.4 mile and you will see a Y in the road. Stay left toward Point Imperial. Drive for another 2.7 miles and you will be at the Point Imperial parking area.
From Kanab, UT
Travel south on US 89A for 7 miles until you pass through the small community of Fredonia, AZ. Continue southeast on US 89A for 37 miles until you reach the community of Jacobs Lake. Again, I would fill up your vehicle here. From Jacobs Lake travel on AZ-67S for 40.6 miles and you will see a paved road on your left with a sign for Point Imperial. Turn left and stay on this winding paved road for 5.4 mile and you will see a Y in the road. Stay left toward Point Imperial. Drive for another 2.7 miles and you will be at the Point Imperial parking area.
Once you reach the Point Imperial parking / picnic area, simple follow the path for 150 yds or so and you will be at the view area.
Google Earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 24 mm
Exposure – 3 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – July 10th
Time – 5:53am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
You can shoot Point Imperial for either sunrise or sunset or on a day with dramatic weather. I prefer sunrise as the the rising sun comes from the left and paints the walls of the canyon with a nice magenta and red glow. Shortly after the sun rises, the shot is blown out.
Best Time of Year
You can photograph Point Imperial any time the park (and the road to Point Imperial) is open (the North Rim is only open to the public from May 15th to October 31st).
If you want to include dramatic weather these opportunities are best during the monsoon (mid July to mid Sept) season. Monsoon season can bring violent but brief thunderstorms, which can be great for photography.
The above image was taken on July 10th
Lens(es) Needed
There are several nice compositions at this location. Most will want to take a vista with a moderate wide angle lens (24mm). You can also find some nice compression shot (85-300mm lens) in the early morning just before sunrise when the pastel colors of the canyon are at their best.
The image above was made with a 24mm lens.
Birds-Eye View From Google Earth Pro
Permits
Point Imperial is on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. As of the writing of the summary (May 2023) the entry fee was $35 per vehicle. Once in the park there are no other permits required.
Direction of the Shot
The shot above was taken south at around 160°.
Equipment Needed
Other than a tripod, no special photography equipment is needed unless you plan on doing a panoramic shot. You may consider using a polarizing filter to help reduce the glare and dust that usually hangs over the canyon.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Point Imperial is out of the way for most tourist, but still has a modest amount of visitors. However, at sunrise or sunset their will likely not be many other photographers there.
Weather
Point Imperial is the highest point on the north rim at 8,800 ft. The temperatures are much cooler than the surrounding dessert and/or the North Rim visitors center. In the evenings, the temperatures will be cool to cold, and the days are usually pleasant.
Cell Service
I have Verizon and the cell service is hit or miss from Point Imperial. I found the cell service was better in the early morning or late afternoon.
Lodging & Camping
The North Rim is much more remote than the South Rim and is over 40 miles to Jacobs Lake (a very small community) and 80 miles to the nearest town (Kanab, UT). With this in mind, the lodging is limited, with only three motels/hotels in the entire area (only one in the park)
Regardless of where you stay try to visit The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, which includes western and pioneer cabins adjacent to the lodge. This grand old lodge, designed for the national parks service by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, was built in 1928. If you are at the lodge in the evening, walk out to the veranda for sunset and refreshments and enjoy the gathering around the 8 ft fireplace. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
There are two campsites near the North Rim: 1) North Rim and 2) DeMotte campgrounds. There is a third campsite near Jacobs Lake (45 miles north).
The North Rim Campground is only about 1 1/2 miles from the North Rim visitors center and is open from May 15th to October 31st. This nice little campground includes 25 spots, showers, and a laundry mat. This campsite is in high demand and is only available with a reservation. You can reserve using this link Recreation.gov - I suggest reserving 3-6 months in advance.
The DeMotte Campground is located about 18 miles north of the North Rim. This campsite has 38 campsites with tables and cooking grills and can accommodate tents, trailers, and small motor homes. However, no utility hookups are available. Half of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the other half are available with reservations. Contact DeMotte Campground through the North Kaibab Ranger District at (928) 643-7395.
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
North Rim Campground (21 miles)
De Motte Campground (26 miles north)
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
(877) 386-4383
Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, Arizona
The Kaibab Lodge at the North Rim
(928) 638-2389
Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, Arizona
Nearby Restaurants
There are only a few restaurants near the North Rim: The grand dining room & deli sandwich shop at The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, a dining hall at the Kaibab Lodge North Rim, and the deli/restaurant at the Jacob Lake Inn.
Jacob Lake Inn is a nice wholesome lodge and a good place to pick up breakfast or lunch. After a long day of shooting, it is always nice to sit at the grill and grab a burger and a piece of blueberry pie.
Main Lodge Dining Room @ The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
(928) 638-8560
Jacob Lake Inn @ Jacob Lake, AZ
(928) 643-7232
Area Guides and Workshops
None