Last updated: October 16, 2026
Place
Roosevelt Point
NPS/ M. Quinn
Quick Facts
Location:
North Rim
Significance:
Scenic Overlook
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot
Roosevelt Point is reached via the North Rim Scenic Roads.
The North Rim Scenic Roads (Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road) are closed from sunset October 15 through sunrise November. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work.
Limited fall day-use operations are in place on the North Rim, between October 15, and November 30, 2026 - unless the North Rim is closed by a major snow storm before November 30.
- The North Rim Campground, General Store and Backcountry Information Office have closed for the 2026 season.
- DRINKING WATER and FOOD are not available on the North Rim between October 16 and November 30, 2026. We encourage everyone planning a North Rim visit to check current conditions, carry adequate food, water, fuel, and emergency supplies, and use extra caution as winter weather arrives.
Roosevelt Point
Named in honor of the 26th President of the United States and his efforts to preserve Grand Canyon, Roosevelt Point offers a view to the east across a deep side canyon, colorful rock layers, with the Colorado River Gorge with the Painted Desert in the distance. Looking northward, Point Imperial is also visible. Note: Post-fire hazards and weather events may result in a temporary closure of this location.
Limited parking is available at a single-lane pullout on Cape Royal Road — just under two miles (three km) beyond Vista Encantada.
To the left of a rock bearing a Theodore Roosevelt plaque, a short trail (0.2 mile/0.3 km round-trip) leads through overgrowth to the overlook where a USGS medallion marks the end of the trail. Allow 20-30 minutes round-trip.
NOTE: RVs over 22 feet long, and vehicle-trailer combinations with a total length over 22 feet, are not permitted on Cape Royal Road and the Scenic Drive due to narrow, windy roads with blind corners.
History
A staunch conservationist, avid outdoorsman and hunter, Theodore Roosevelt cared about natural resources with a burning passion. He is also said to have rode a mule down the Bright Angel Trail in 1903 to tell the Havasupai people they had to leave their home, now Indian Garden, to create a National Park.
During his first visit to Grand Canyon in May 1903, Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed, "Leave it as it is. You cannot improve upon it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it."
On June 8, 1906, Roosevelt signed into legislation the Antiquities Act , which enabled the President "...to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States to be national monuments.."
On January 11, 1908, Roosevelt officially recognized the significance of Grand Canyon by using this same order to proclaim it a national monument. In 1919, three years after the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, it was officially designated as a national park.
In his time as President of the United States, 'Teddy' used his authority to protect wildlife and public lands in unprecedented fashion. He created the United States Forest Service (USFS) in 1905 and established 150 national forests. In addition, Roosevelt also authorized the creation of 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments under the Antiquities Act. In total, Theodore Roosevelt protected approximately 230 million acres of public land.
Today, the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, both positive and negative, is found across the country. There are six national park sites dedicated, in part or whole, to our conservationist president. You can find more information about these places, including North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park, under these related websites .