Point Imperial and Woolsey Point

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Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

After driving out to Point Imperial, of course you'll get out at the end of the road and take in the unbelievable view from the overlook. What most people don't do, however, is hike the Point Imperial Trail that's somewhat hidden at the edge of the parking lot. It's an easy out and back that is never crowded, promising peacefully sublime views.

You'll find this trail on the north end of the Point Imperial Overlook parking lot. The start of the trail is a little misleading, as it heads away from the rim at first. It sends you north into a thinly forested area burned in the Outlet Fire of 2000. Although a view of the rim would be nice, the stroll through the woods is quiet and peaceful. The ponderosa pines here are extremely tall!

Keep hiking the narrow and mostly flat trail; it will eventually emerge in a broad, brushy meadow where the canyon rim reappears. Near here is Woolsey Point, a sloping protrusion where an informal trail leads out to a better view. There's no established overlook, so it's kind of choose your own adventure to the perfect photo opp. The panorama includes Mount Hayden in the direction you came from, Saddle Mountain straight ahead, and Marble Canyon in the expanse down below.

Continue as far as you like along the trail before turning around. In about 2.75 miles it meets a dirt road near the Saddle Mountain trailhead.