Encompassing nearly 2,000 square miles on the Colorado Plateau, the park is far vaster than most visitors realize. Roads only reach a few corners of the rims, and hiking trails access some but not all of the canyon's interior. The Colorado River runs for 277 miles through the heart of it all, entering the canyon at Lees Ferry and exiting at the Grand Wash Cliffs.

A 2.1 mile trail (one way) leads through beautiful forests to open views across the eastern end of the park. The trail is fairly level as it heads out to the vertiginous cliffs above Unkar Creek.

Out at the far end of Cape Royal Road, a paved path offers views of Angels Window and the sweeping panoramas out at Cape Royal. Wotans Throne looms in the foreground, and the Colorado River is visible in a few places.

At 8,803 feet above sea level, this is the highest point on the rim of the Grand Canyon, perched close to the northern boundary of the park on the Kaibab Plateau. A spur road climbs from Cape Royal Road to this lofty overlook with views across the eastern reaches of the canyon and out into the Painted Desert.

It takes some back-road driving through the Kaibab National Forest and a short bit of hiking to get here, but the views down into Nankoweap Canyon are remarkable. This observation point on the park boundary is far less visited than the viewpoints along the main park roads, so you're likely to have some canyon solitude if you venture out here.

This is the most popular viewpoint on the North Rim, largely due to the fact that the trail that accesses it begins at the Grand Canyon Lodge. Bright Angel Point sits a full 1,000 feet above the South Rim, far across the canyon, and offers dramatic views over Bright Angel and Transept Canyons.

Travelers looking for a longer hike leading to views should consider this moderate, 10-mile round trip route that meanders through gorgeous North Rim forests before reaching the expansive views of Widforss Point. The trail gradually descends a few hundred feet from the trailhead to the point, so hikers should note that it's a bit of an uphill hike on the way back.

Big views and a great picnic spot await at this quiet turnout on Cape Royal Road. The Palisades of the Desert form an imposing wall on the opposite side of the canyon.

A short trail leads from Cape Royal Road to a marvelous vista above Kwagunt Creek. The point is named for Theodore Roosevelt who was a staunch advocate for protecting the Grand Canyon during his time as President.

Far removed from the more developed areas along the North Rim, accessing the Toroweap Overlook takes some serious dedication and preparation. Permits are required for all travelers who undertake the long, rough drive down from Highway 389. High clearance vehicles are a must, and visitors should be prepared to be self-sufficient as there are no amenities, no water, and no cell service. The reward for braving these conditions? Some of the most dramatic views from anywhere on the canyon's rims.