Not all Grand Canyon views are seen within the National Park. When visiting the North Rim other options for viewing the canyon can be found in the Kaibab National Forest. Several points are accessible by gravel roads and although I cruise in a 2-wheel drive pickup truck these roads may be traveled by any high clearance passenger car or SUV, with caution.
I’ve previously visited some of the western viewpoints like Crazy Jug, Fence Point and Fire Point but am trying to see them all. So I drove out to Timp Point the other day. From the paved State Route 67 I followed Forest Roads 22, 270, 222, 206 and 271 for 16 miles. All very well signed along the way but I still recommend a Kaibab National Forest map. The road gets narrower and rougher the closer you get to the point. From FR222 on it’s an extra wide, one lane gravel road through forest of aspen, pine and fir. 15-25 mph was my average speed to be safe and I constantly watched for sharp pointy rocks and the occasional vehicle coming the other way.
Had to slow down a little for extra rough spots but the 1.5 hour gravel drive is certainly worth it. The views spectacular.
From the parking area a short trail of maybe 1/4 mile each way leads to a rocky outcrop which I chose not to boulder hop too far out on.
Views to the south across canyon, to the north to the canyon walls and west down canyon and beyond.
I only met two people along the trail and we stopped to chat. I answered a few questions because that’s what Park Rangers do even when off work.
The Rainbow Rim trail joins the many points from Parissawampitts to Timp for a total of 18 miles one way. This trail is for hiking, biking and horse traffic only. Picking a middle point and going out either way from a base camp would be ideal. There is no water so bring lots.
Just a few, 3 maybe 4, sweet camping spots along the southern rim of the point are private, spacious and have enough room to easily turn around. I saw one small trailer in a site. Sure would have to take it slow to tow out there.
So, when will I learn to bring all the camp gear when I go for a ride to explore a new place?
I sat at the edge of Grand Canyon watching an ant. One ant persistently trying to move a carcass at least 8 times its size. Would have made good macro video if I’d been able. That ant was kicking up dirt. Finally had to go for reinforcements.
I listened to the wind whisper in the pines, like ocean waves, very meditative. The smell of the Cliff Rose wafting in the air. Bird sounds, until a jet flew over.
A peaceful place to relax in the moving shade of a few giant old pines and enjoy a personal slice of the canyon.