Cape Final is a delightful hike through an open ponderosa pine forest, with occasional stands of Douglas-fir and quaking aspen, to one of the North Rim's most outstanding viewpoints. Along the way, glimpses of the canyon appear unexpectedly through the trees, offering just enough to build anticipation for the spectacular finale.

In the six or seven times I've hiked Cape Final, I've encountered very few people on the trail, and only a handful at the viewpoint. If you're looking for solitude in Grand Canyon National Park, this is one of the best hikes on the North Rim.

With very little elevation gain, the trail is easy enough for nearly anyone and lends itself beautifully to contemplation or an awe walk—a chance to slow your pace, quiet your mind, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest and canyon.

Better yet, Cape Final is one of the few places where you can backpack just a short distance and spend the night camping on the canyon rim—an unforgettable way to experience both sunset and sunrise in one of the park's most peaceful settings.

Everything on the North Rim tends to be quiet and Cape Final is no exception. Even on busy holiday weekends, it's possible to find remarkable solitude here.