Point Sublime, AZ

A nice albeit rough trip through time to a wonderful campsite.

The drive to Point Sublime and back is about 34 miles round trip. 2-4 hours is typical to complete this drive. Add more time if you prefer to stop a lot.


From Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, go north on the park road for 2.6 miles to the turnoff for the Widforss Trail. Turn left and continue 17.7 miles to Point Sublime. For point-of-interest seekers, check out the surprise bolted to a tree at 36.24473, -112.20758 just off the road a few miles before the point.The road passes Widforss Trailhead on your left after 0.6 miles. Signs to the right will point the way towards Point Sublime. Stay to the left at 0.9 miles to head northwest. The road remains fairly narrow as it climbs in and out of several sections of tight forest. The views briefly improve around 4.2 miles just as you pass through a wide meadow. Stay on the main road as the trail returns to dense trees. For the next few miles, the road will twist and turn through the forest as you wind closer to the rim of the Grand Canyon. At 11.3 miles you’ll arrive at a 'major' (for the area) 'intersection'. Straight ahead is the alternate route back to Highway 67 via FR 223**. You’ll want to turn left and head south on the spur road out to Point Sublime.

** Alternate return - Starting from the 'major intersection' mentioned above, continue north. This route is longer, and some say rougher, but provides access to countless other forest roads and overlooks in the area. The road immediately climbs through a beautiful, thick forest. Remember a critical left turn at 2.5 miles as the road zigzags uphill. The road remains relatively uneventful. At about 8.6 miles, you’ll leave the National Park and enter the Kaibab National Forest (small sign here). Remember – camping within the National Park requires an overnight permit. Once you’re in the Kaibab National Forest, the camping rules are more lenient (if it is open). Stay right at the intersection onto F.R. 268 at 9.7 miles. At 10.1 miles (about 33.8 miles from your start back on Highway 67), the road ends at the junction with F.R. 223. From here, you have the option of continuing west on Fire Point Loop Trail (recommended) to explore the area further. Turning right on some smooth gravel will take you back to Highway 67, and you should exit the KNF near the North Rim Country Store.

Another option on the return would be to head up to Crazy Jug or Locust Points and hike or bike (thankfully no powered or electric bikes allowed) The Rainbow Rim Trail, or sections thereof.

2021-06-24 hikeaz