I arrived at the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon in the late afternoon. In spite of the use of this sight in so many icon images, the first view was truly jaw dropping; all I could say was “Wow!”

There is something about looking down six thousand feet that the brain can never get used to:

Layer upon layer of rocks is revealed, going back deeper and deeper in time.

Even the youngest rocks precede the age of the dinosaurs; over a billion years of history stands revealed! Many of the monuments in national parks are impressive and imposing, but the Grand Canyon is entirely superhuman in scale.

Cape Royal Road

Many of the most impressive sights can be quickly and conveniently reached via the aptly named Cape Royal Road, which boasts many breathtaking stops:

So, after seeing these magnificent sights, what else is left to do? I decided to experience a full day from dawn to dusk and take a couple of walks to try to gain a sense of solitude missing from the roadside.

Dawn at Imperial Point

Leaving in the dark, I was slightly delayed by a herd of buffalo crossing the road:

They seemed as surprised to see me as I was to see them.

I met the dawn at Imperial Point, at an elevation of 8,803 feet, the highest point on the Northern Rim.

It was wonderful to see the change in the morning colors.

Trails

I took two trails, each about 4.5 miles long: Cape Final Trail and Uncle Jim Trail. Each leads from a trailhead through a forest to an impressive viewpoint. Uncle Jim  was probably the more impressive, providing more views of the rimealong the way. Unfortunately, most of this trail is also used by horses and mules, and so is a little rough (plenty of opportunity to stub one’s toes) as well as manure laden.

The trails run through beautiful ponderosa pine forests with the usual denizens that inhabit such places:

In counterpoint to the scale of the canyon, I began to focus on the little things along the way, such as some neat-looking lizards:

And wildflowers, such as this skyrocket (Ipomopsis aggregata):

And the cliffrose (Cowania mexicana), which is a plant that I have not previously encountered:

Near Uncle Jim Point, I noticed this fossil, evidence of a former seabed:

At Cape Final, I encountered an aggressive raven who rifled my bag, when I stepped away for a short time to take a picture:

There were also many swifts (Aeronautes saxatales?) and some raptors, too swift (couldn’t resist the pun) or too distant for me to capture.

Uncle Jim Point overlooks the North Kaibab Trail, which is the main trail into the canyon from the Northern Rim:

If I return here again, I will take this trail (on a mule!).

Towards evening, I went back to Bright Angel Point to view the end of this perfect day.

Next, on to Zion National Park!