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Free Traveling Guides » States » Oregon » Greater Oregon
East Rim Viewpoint
The East Rim is a striking example of earth-shifting in the primeval era. Thousands of feet thick lava layers, formed more than 15 million years ago, cover this mountain. The summit of the East Rim, at an elevation of 9,670 ft (2.9 km), offers the breathtaking view of the corners of four states-California, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon.
The East Rim Viewpoint is located along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It overlooks the Saddle Mountain Wilderness and the North Canyon. This Viewpoint offer panoramic views of the Vermillion Cliffs, House Rock Valley, and the Marble Canyon. The Scenic Drive to the East Rim Viewpoint cuts through the mixed conifer forest that also has meadows, pinyon-juniper, and ponderosa pine along the north side of the Grand Canyon.
The setting of the Eastern Rim Viewpoint is flat to hilly and the surface of the roads is dirt or gravel. The road to the Viewpoint is about 9 miles (14.4 km) long and is suitable for passenger cars during the dry weather of the spring and fall. This paved trail stretches from the parking area to the east edge of the Kaibab Plateau at an elevation of 8,800 ft (2.6 km).
Wildlife-viewing is a favorite activity here. A large number of bighorn sheep are seen around the East Rim viewpoint in summer. Besides, hummingbirds can be spotted at high elevations and hawks can be found anywhere from the ridge above the spectacular Fish Lake.
The East Rim Viewpoint is also the best place to enjoy the scenic sunsets and sunrises. The beauty of the same is enhanced several fold by the colors reflecting off the Painted Desert and the Vermilion Cliffs. Great camping opportunities are offered in the aspen and conifer forests nearby. However, camping is not allowed within 0.5 miles (0.80 km) of the Viewpoint. East Rim Viewpoint is the best place for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers and is worth a visit in your next holidays.
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