Of the Kaibab division of the Grand Canyon, Captain Dutton states: “It is the sublimest portion of the chasm, being nearly a thousand feet deeper than any other, far more diversified and complex and is adorned with a multitude of magnificent features, either wanting or much less strongly represented elsewhere.” According to the U. S. Geological Survey, the Kaibab division is from seven to fourteen miles wide and from 5,300 to 6,000 feet deep. The elevation of the North Rim is from 8,000 to 9,000 feet and it is eroded extensively into tremendous lateral gorges and amphitheatres. The North Rim has the incomparable Kaibab Forest, uncounted unexplored cliff dwellings, and a summer climate distinguished by unfailingly cool nights. Along its winding edge are a number of noted capes and headlands that reveal some of the grandest aspects of the Canyon.
Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon
Bluebeard’s Castle, Bryce Canyon
Bright Angel Point stretches out between the Transept and Bright Angel Canyon; from its dizzy tip may be seen many of the finest temples: Deva, Brahma, Zoroaster, Wotan’s Throne, Manu, Buddha, Isis, Angels Gate and Cheops Pyramid. Near by is a picturesque spring with a perfectly preserved cliff dwelling adjacent. The Kaibab Trail descends from the Point to the Suspension Bridge across the Colorado River, where it joins the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim.
Cape Royal, Cape Final and Point Imperial are on the huge Walhalla Plateau (locally called “Greenland”) southeast of Bright Angel Camp, and each reveals panoramas of greatest grandeur. Point Imperial, the highest place on the Rim, affords views of the Marble Canyon, Lee’s Ferry, Navajo Mountain and Houserock Valley. The wonderful views from Cape Royal extend west, south and east over the templed gorge. On the way to Cape Royal are Cliff Spring, many cliff dwelling ruins and Angels Window.
Point Sublime, west of Bright Angel Point, is another celebrated viewpoint, esteemed by Dutton to surpass all others. Thence may be seen the Hindu and Aztec amphitheatres, Powell Plateau, the Dragon, the Scorpion, and imperial Shiva, perhaps the most magnificent of all the Canyon’s glorious temples.
Every visitor to the North Rim of Grand Canyon should make the trip to Cape Royal and Point Sublime.
