4×4 Road: North Point Road (Panorama Point Road) – Canyonlands National Park
Drive along a tree-lined road to a gorgeous overlook and one of the most scenic campsites in this section of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
| Total Distance: 8.3 miles point-to-point (NP-633 to dead end) | Elevation Gain: 643ft. up, 1,039ft. down (6,648ft. to 6,262ft.) |
| Road Difficulty: 2.3 | Bicycle Difficulty: More Difficult |
| View Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0 stars | Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] | Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] |
| Pets: No | Horses: Yes |
| Best Seasons: March-May; September-November | Special Permits: Only for camping |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: Three campsites; must be reserved in advance |
| Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
Uses:         | Road surface:    |
Features:  | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: North Point Road (Panorama Point Road)
0.0 North Point Road Junction on National Park 633 (Hans Flat to Flint Trail Road) (6,620ft.). urn east onto the dirt road. The North Point Road at this point is accessible for 2WD vehicles, though getting to the turnoff sometimes requires high clearance and a skilled spotter. (38.233573°, -110.150530°)
0.15 North Point Campsite on right (6,632ft.). The campsite is on the right (south) side of the road. Be sure to look over on the left (north) to views of French Cabin, Observation Rock, and Cleopatra’s Chair. Shortly after the campsite, the road descends a steep slickrock slope. This requires some serious 4×4; thus the 2.3 rating on the road. Below the slickrock, the road becomes dirt again, though the tire tracks are sometimes at an uneven height… I was glad I wasn’t driving my van at such a crazy angle! (38.233619°, -110.148502°)
1.0 North Canyon Trailhead on right (south) (6,512ft.). This is a frequent jump-off place for those hiking into the Maze. Continue northeast on the North Point Road. The driving is mostly through a scraggly forest, but there are occasional views over the canyon edge to the right or to Cleopatra’s Chair, a rock formation ahead and to the left. Views improve as the point narrows. The road becomes progressively rougher with washes, slickrock, and occasional small steps. (38.238880°, -110.134902°)
6.7 Cleopatra’s Chair Road Junction on left (north) (6,186ft.). Turn right to take the road to Panorama Point. Views begin to open up after this junction. (38.280658°, -110.063267°)
8.2 Panorama Point Trailhead on the left (east) (6,263ft.). Park here to take the trail out to Panorama Point and spectacular views. (38.271890°, -110.040009°)
8.3 Panorama Point Campsite (6,262ft.). Enjoy views here at the end of the road or set up camp if you have a permit. (38.270634°, -110.039179°)
History & More
The North Point Road is technically in the Orange Cliffs District of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, not Canyonlands National Park. However, the National Park Service (the entity over the Maze) administers the area, including the camping permits. You can reserve a permit in advance at recreation.gov. Remember that you must (must!) activate your permit at the Hans Flat Ranger Station during normal business hours before you can set up camp.
Panorama Point is one of the more popular campsites in the Maze. I can’t blame them, as the view tends to be glorious!
Many people who go out to Panorama Point also drive the road out to Cleopatra’s Chair, even though it’s mostly useful only to rock climbers and those wanting to see views of Millard Canyon from the North Point Trail.
The naming scheme of the road is a little confusing. The North Point Road doesn’t go to North Point – the Cleopatra’s Rock Road goes toward North Point! Because of this, some people call this road the Panorama Point Road.
Download Route Map
Coming soon!
Driving Directions
From the Hans Flat Ranger Station, drive NP-633 south for 2.5 miles to the turnoff for the North Point Road on the left. The turnoff is also 6.4 miles north of the Bagpipe Butte Overlook.
Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water.
All overnight campers must have a backcountry or camping permit.
All food must be properly stored, and all waste must be packed out.
Leave No Trace Principles are enforced
Drones and model aircrafts are prohibited
Camping is permitted only in designated sites or in areas open to dispersed backcountry camping (permit required)
All park rules and regulations