While the south rim may see more visitors, the Grand Canyon North Rim is truly the best region of the park. The North Rim is quieter, more photogenic, and boasts far more pleasant temperatures in the summer.
To truly experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world, you need to explore it from the north side.
This guide will discuss everything you need to know for planning your visit to the North Rim, including when to visit, where to stay, what to see, and everything else you need to know.
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PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
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🌅 About the Grand Canyon North Rim: Overview
The Grand Canyon North Rim is inarguably the most photogenic section of the national park.
The North Rim experiences a faster rate of erosion than the more popular South Rim region. This creates sheerer canyons with dramatic rock formations, more vibrant colors, a greater sense of scale, and more striated layers than the southerly counterpart.
The reason most people do not get to the Grand Canyon North Rim is that it is more remote and closed in the winter. Also, those who wish to visit both sections must drive about 4 hours by car from the Grand Canyon South Rim to the North Rim.
The North Rim is also less popular for hikers wishing to journey to the bottom of the canyon because it adds an extra 1300 feet to the South Rim starting point.
🧐 Quick Facts About the Grand Canyon North Rim
- Location: Arizona, USA
- Established: February 26, 1919
- Size: 1.217 million acres (4,926 km²)
- Annual Visitors: 2,897,098 (2020), 5,974,411 (2019)
- Visitor Centers: North Rim Visitor Center (open May 15 to October 15)
- Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle; $30 per motorcycle; $20 per individual; $80 Interagency Annual Pass
☀️ Grand Canyon North Rim Operating Hours
When planning, be advised that the road to the Grand Canyon North Rim is closed from Dec 1 through May 14!
Additionally, many services such as restaurants, lodging, and campgrounds are only open from May 15 through Oct 15.
Technically, the park remains open during this time for snowshoers, backpackers, and cross country skiers, but this requires parking 45 miles away at Jacob Lake and a backcountry permit in advance!
Aside from the seasonal closure mentioned above, visitors may enter and exit the park day or night, but are not allowed to park overnight outside of permitted campgrounds or lodging.
This means that even self-contained vehicles, such as RVs and camper vans, are not permitted to freedom camp at viewpoints or trailheads.
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🗺 Maps for Grand Canyon North Rim National Park
To help you plan your visit, we’ve included a couple of useful maps of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon NP below.
Official North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Map
Above is the official park map. You can find a downloadable version of this map and others for Grand Canyon North Rim on the NPS website.
Interactive Google Map of Grand Canyon North Rim
We’ve also put together an interactive Google Map of North Rim Grand Canyon, featuring all of the sights and places we mention within this blog post.
Click here or on the image above to open the map in a new tab.
📸 Best Things to See in Grand Canyon North Rim
The following are the best viewpoints and short hikes available in the Grand Canyon North Rim.
If you are interested in reading more about where and when to visit, be sure to queue up our Grand Canyon North Rim Photography Guide to learn about the best places for sunrise, sunset, and night sky photography.
Bright Angel Point
While this is not my favorite view, it is easily the most visited because it is the most accessible.
Bright Angel Point is located at the Visitor Center, near the Grand Canyon Lodge and campground.
It is popular for sunrise and sunset in particular, and for enjoying the view from the restaurant with a beverage or meal.
Cape Royal
Without a doubt, Cape Royal is the best viewpoint in the Grand Canyon NP North Rim. It is the only place in the park that provides ample views to the east, south, and west, making it great for sunrises, sunsets, and astrophotography.
You’ll have sweeping views over the canyon towards the South Rim, where you can spot various rock features including Wotan’s Throne, Vishnu’s Temple, Desert Watchtower, Grandview Point, and Horseshoe Mesa. To the east, you can also see the Colorado River almost 8000 ft below!
The cape is located at the end of the scenic drive, about 23 miles from the Visitor Center, and is a very windy road. It is not recommended for vehicles over 30 feet.
Point Imperial
This is another can’t-miss when exploring the North Rim, and is particularly noteworthy for sunrise and Milky Way photography.
While your view is limited to mostly just the east by southeast, the viewpoint at Point Imperial provides an incredible landscape and foreground for photos.
In addition to a beautiful setting for photography, Point Imperial is a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner with bathroom facilities and picnic tables provided.
📸 FIND MORE GRAND CANYON INSPIRATION: Best Photography Locations in the Grand Canyon
🏇 Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon North Rim
Assuming time, interest, and physical ability, consider adding the following things to your itinerary when visiting the North Rim.
1. Hike (or Donkey Ride) to the Bottom Via North Kaibab Trail
Most visitors wanting to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon will do so from the South Rim as it is considerably lower in elevation to start. However, it is possible to get to the bottom from the North Rim as well by taking the North Kaibab Trail.
For safety reasons, note that day trips are highly discouraged and permits are required.
If you are a hardcore hiker, consult the visitor center prior to beginning your hike to find out about your options and permits. Hiking distances vary.
For the not-so-athletic among us, you can hire a mule to deliver you as far as Supai Tunnel about one-third of the way down. While this may not seem like much, being within the canyon provides a very different feeling to simply looking down from the top.
Mule rides must also be arranged at the visitor center or you can book online in advance on Canyon Rides website. Rides are either 1 hour or 3 hours, depending on which you opt for, and cost $50 or $100 per person, respectively.
2. Drive the Cape Royal Scenic Road
The best views of the Grand Canyon are from the North Rim, and the best viewpoints in the North Rim are all along the Cape Royal Scenic Road. This winding, 13 mile detour diverts from Hwy 67 just before Fuller Canyon and provides a buffet of diverse lookouts and picnic areas along the way.
The stops and viewpoints along the way include Point Imperial, Vista Encantada, Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook / Walhalla Glades Pueblo, and Cape Royal.
3. Watch the Sunset from Cape Royal
Hands down the best place to photograph sunset from the Grand Canyon North Rim is from Cape Royal.
The landscapes here are dramatic and photogenic, but what makes it so incredible is having so many different directions to compose photos from.
Often times on the North Rim, the clouds will come in from the east in the opposite direction of the sunset. Being able to capture any color they get while also shooting the side-lighting to the south and even the sun going down to the west makes Cape Royal the best place for sunset.
4. Photograph the Sunrise at Point Imperial
Most of the North Rim Scenic Drive viewpoints face east over the Grand Canyon, so there are a lot of good options for watching sunrise. With that said, the foreground at Point Imperial is definitely the most impressive and photogenic at first light.
It will require a very early rise, but there is no better place to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon from the North Rim.
5. Enjoy a Brew With a View from Bright Angel Point
The restaurant at the Grand Canyon Lodge provides indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping views of the Grand Canyon at Bright Angel Point.
Schedule time to relax and really appreciate what you are looking at over a cocktail, beer, or meal.
6. See the Milky Way Rise over the Grand Canyon
During most of the time that the North Rim is open, the Milky Way will be visible facing Southeast or South and can be seen rising over the Grand Canyon from most stops along the scenic drive to Cape Royal. In particular, I cannot recommend Point Imperial enough!
If you have never seen the Milky Way before, do not expect your eyes to see the color and detail that a camera picks out, but you will 100% be able to observe it with the naked eye.
🔎 EXPLORE MORE OF THE GRAND CANYON:
Ultimate One Day South Rim Grand Canyon Itinerary
🥾 Best Grand Canyon North Rim Hikes
There are a total of 12 hikes available in the North Rim section of the Grand Canyon. Some can barely be considered a hike, while others are quite intense.
For ease of reading, every hike will be listed in order of distance (with the exception of North Kaibab trail) with a short description to follow.
North Kaibab Trail
Distance: Varies – See Visitor Center for more info
The North Kaibab Trail is the only way to the floor of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim.
Backcountry permits are required and as this is a much longer hike than the South Rim, overnight treks are strongly recommended.
Roosevelt Point Trail
Distance: 0.2 mile (0.3km) roundtrip
Roosevelt Point is a great place to take in sweeping views of the Grand Canyon North Rim while enjoying a picnic.
It is not really a hike, but is technically listed in the park’s list of hikes.
This very short loop brings you through a shaded woodland with places to sit and have a picnic.
Bright Angel Point Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8km) roundtrip
This short but steep walk traverses a paved trail and ends at one of the most popular viewpoints for sunset in the North Rim at Angel Point.
Cape Royal Trail & Angel’s Window Detour
Distance: 0.8 mile (1.3km) roundtrip
Take the short, easy walk to perhaps the best viewpoint in the entire park at Cape Royal.
This trail also connects you to the top of Angel’s Window, which is as interesting to view from below as above!
Cliff Spring Trail
Distance: 0.8 mile (1.3km) roundtrip
This short hike delivers you to a small spring.
Birdie Path
Distance: 1.9 miles (3.1km) ONE WAY
The Birdie Path follows the road, connecting hikers to the North Kaibab Trail.
Transept Trail
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) ONE WAY
The Transept Trail connects the lodge to the campground while hugging a beautiful side canyon.
Cape Final Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8km) roundtrip
For those who want to stretch their legs a bit more, this moderate trail cuts through the woods and provides various views of the canyon along the way.
Uncle Jim Trail
Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6km) roundtrip
You’ll be sharing this trail with mules! The Uncle Jim Trail cuts through a forest and ends at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the canyon.
Widforss Trail
Distance: 9.6 miles (15.5km) roundtrip
Walk through a blend of forest and canyon scenery on one of the park’s most popular trails.
Ken Patrick Trail
Distance: 9.8 miles (15.8km) ONE WAY
This trail connects Point Imperial to the North Kaibab trail with plenty of views along the way from the rim.
Arizona Trail
Distance: 12.1 miles (19.5km) ONE WAY
The Arizona Trail is actually mostly outside the park, though it does cross into it and eventually connects to the North Kaibab Trail.
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🧗 Planning Your Visit to the North Rim of Grand Canyon NP
This section focuses on the logistics of planning your visit.
Even if you are not much of a planner, it may be helpful to quickly peruse the information below to maximize your chances of a successful visit.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon North Rim
Most importantly, do NOT plan a visit between Dec 1 and May 15 as the road to the Grand Canyon North Rim is closed to vehicles!
With that in mind, the best time to visit the North Rim tends to be late May through early July.
Be advised that July and August are the monsoon months, which is enticing for storm photographers but less-so for hikers and families.
October and November are quieter months but be sure to note that most services are suspended beginning October 15. This means no restaurants, lodging, or accommodation are available and winter storms can make driving conditions hazardous.
How Many Days to Spend at the North Rim
If you are not hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, you should plan on staying overnight at the North Rim.
While the scenic drive and Bright Angel Point sections can be seen in just a day trip, the park itself is quite remote and you will not want to rush your visit driving long distances in and out.
Staying overnight will give you enough time to do all of the activities mentioned above in the “Best Things to Do” section. These include exploring the scenic drive, watching sunset from Cape Royal, and watching both the Milky Way and sunrise over the Grand Canyon.
How to Get to the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
The Grand Canyon North Rim is located in the northwest corner of Arizona and is 212 miles (341km) from the South Rim. There is only one way in and out of the North Rim, and that is by driving Highway 67 through Jacob Lake.
It is recommended to have your own vehicle as the North Rim is remote and not easily accessible.
Be advised that the road is closed from Jacob Lake during the winter months and early spring (between Dec 1 and May 15).
If you do not have your own vehicle or don’t want to attempt the drive, there is also a shuttle available.
The shuttle runs once each day, in each direction, between the North and South Rim between May 15 and Oct 15. From Oct 16 – Oct 31 there is a limited schedule.
The shuttle journey takes approximately 4.5 hours each way and reservations are required.
Once in the park, you will be limited on the areas you can reach without a car. The park offers one shuttle to the North Kaibab Trailhead from the Grand Canyon Lodge at 5:45 am and 7:10 am. You are required to reserve a space 24 hours in advance at the front desk of the Lodge.
You can find further information and specific driving instructions on the NPS website.
Gas and Supplies near Grand Canyon North Rim
There is both a gas station (with diesel!) and a general store available at the North Rim campground. Expect prices to be higher than normal, but not extortionate.
Warning: Jacob Lake is more expensive than the Grand Canyon station!
The only nearby places outside the park to fill up are at Jacob Lake located 44 miles from the Visitor Center and at a small station called Meadows Edge located about halfway in between.
During my visit, Meadows Edge and the North Rim campground station were the same price, while Jacob Lake was the most expensive option.
Regarding supplies, there is a general store and restaurant near the visitor center that operate from May 15-Oct 15.
Where to Stay at Grand Canyon North Rim National Park
The Grand Canyon North Rim offers two options for overnight stays: The Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Rim Campground.
The campground has a total of 47 sites with availability for tents, campers, and RVs up to 40 feet. Services include a staffed camp store, flushing toilets and potable water, however there are no showers and the site does not offer any hook-ups.
The campground is closed for winter from Nov 1 – May 14. It is advertised that sites 11, 14, 15, 16 and 18 provide the best views of the canyon so it may be worth trying to book one of these sites!
Both options book up well in advance, so be sure to make arrangements ahead of time.
Additionally, backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. For the extremely adventurous, backcountry camping is possible during the winter. However, this requires a 45-mile hike, often through the snow!
If you do decide to backcountry camp, ensure you are well prepared and have your permit. Visit the NPS website to find out more about backcountry camping.
Where to Stay Outside the North Rim
Demotte Campground
The closest option for camping outside of the North Rim is at Demotte Campground. It is located 7 miles (12 minutes) from the entrance station but 18 miles (30 minutes) from the North Rim visitor center.
Demotte Campground is managed by the US Forest Service and offers 38 campsites with tables and cooking grills. You are allowed tents, trailers, or motor homes, but no hook-ups are available.
If you are not able to make a reservation, 19 of the sites are first-come first serve!
Dispersed / Wild Camping in Kaibab National Forest
You will find a myriad of free options for dispersed and wild camping in the Kaibab National Forest, which encompasses the area just outside the Grand Canyon boundaries. All of these will be first-come, first-serve.
The easiest way to locate these is to download the iOverlander App which provides useful information for wild camping.
Jacob Lake
If you are looking for accommodation and cannot book the Grand Canyon Lodge at North Rim, the Jacob Lake Inn will be your only other option. It is located about 45 miles from the visitor center.
There is also a campground available at Jacob Lake that is managed by the US National Forest Service. You can find out more and make reservations by visiting their website.
Where to Eat in Grand Canyon North Rim
There are limited options for dining within the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, all of which are located at the Grand Canyon Lodge complex. They are all open daily during the open season, from May 15 to Oct 15.
You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee and drinks.
The Grand Canyon Dining room is available by booking only for dinner. The Roughrider Saloon and Deli in the Pines offer take-out options. There is also the General Store where you can buy groceries.
As I had my own food with me, I didn’t try any of the dining facilities. The reviews are a bit of a mixed bag, however, the views for a take-out drink are spectacular!
Where to Eat near Grand Canyon North Rim
Due its remote location, you are somewhat limited for food options outside of the park too. There are three places within relatively close proximity to the North Rim:
- Kaibab Lodge Restaurant – Open seasonally for breakfast lunch and dinner. (18 miles/29 km north)
- North Rim Country Store – Open seasonally and sells groceries, as well as camping and souvenir items. (18 miles/29 km north)
- Jacob Lake Inn – Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (45 miles/72 km north)
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🎟 Grand Canyon North Rim Guided Tours
Unlike its southern counterpart, there are limited guided tours to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. However, there are a few options for those who prefer to take tours:
- Grand Canyon North Rim Air and Ground Tour with Optional ATV Ride: 4.9/5 ⭐️
This 8-hour tour departs from Las Vegas. From Vegas, you’ll take a scenic flight passing by Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, before arriving at the North Rim. From here you can opt for a guided ATV tour or linger and learn more about the area from your guide. - Private North Rim Day Tour from Las Vegas: 5/5 ⭐️
Experience the Grand Canyon North Rim away from the crowds on this full-day private group tour from Las Vegas. This is by far the priciest option but allows the most flexibility. - Discovery Scenic Flight: 4.7/5 ⭐️
Take a scenic flight and admire the majesty of the Grand Canyon from a unique vantage point. Starting at the South Rim, you will fly up to Point Imperial, taking in many incredible views along the way. - Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: 4.8/5 ⭐️
This 45-minute helicopter ride will have you soaring over both the South and North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🎒 Packing for the Grand Canyon North Rim
While your individual packing list will vary depending on the type of vacation you intend to have, there are a few essentials that you will want to consider taking with you to the Grand Canyon North Rim.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
The annual national park pass costs $80 and provides access to all 63 national parks in the US. Additionally, it grants admission to over 2000 federal recreation sites!
Discounted passes are offered to some groups, including seniors, military personnel, and 4th graders.
You can buy your National Parks Pass online from REI.
Camera
You are undoubtedly going to want to capture photos of the Grand Canyon, so don’t forget your camera! We use the Sony a7riii and have loved it ever since the first photo we took with it.
However, for beginners, you may wish to consider an entry level DSLR. This will allow you to start learning manual settings and decide whether photography is something you enjoy enough to invest in.
Sun protection
As most visitors go to the North Rim during the summer months, sun protection is essential. Bring a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as a minimum. We use Stream 2 Sea sunscreen as it’s eco-friendly and most of their bottles are made from sugarcane resin rather than plastic.
Comfortable shoes
Even if you don’t plan on doing any hiking, you’ll likely get in plenty of steps visiting the different viewpoints. You’ll therefore want to ensure you pack some comfortable shoes. I love my Brooks sneakers and hiked in them pretty much everywhere!
For those that plan on more long-distance hikes, closed-toe, sturdy hiking shoes are better than hiking sandals. This will help to reduce the risk of injury to your feet in the desert environment.
Layers
Being a desert climate, the temperature can fluctuate a great deal between day and night.
With this in mind, you’ll want to pack layers of clothing. A wind and waterproof jacket is also likely to come in handy. I love my Columbia jacket as it’s comprised of two layers. This allows me to just wear the outer waterproof/windproof shell, inner insulated layer or combination of both, depending on the weather.
Reusable Water Bottle
We don’t travel anywhere without a reusable water bottle. Remaining hydrated is even more important in the desert. Bring your own bottle to prevent wasting single-use plastic bottles!
Portable Powerpack
It’s likely you’ll be using your phone to navigate, take photos, and more! Bring a power pack with you to keep your phone charged on the go.
Backpack
You’ll want a backpack that’s comfortable and sturdy to carry around during the day. I use the GoGroove camera backpack as it also provides easy side access to my camera while out and about.
Mini First Aid Kit
When out hiking, we always have a mini first aid kit in our bag just in case. You never know when it may come in handy (particularly as I’m clumsy)!
⛺️ Useful Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon North Rim
- Bring cold and warm clothing: The temperatures can be in the 90s (around 32-37ºc) during the summer days and still drop below 50ºF (10ºc) at night!
- Altitude: You will be at an altitude of 8297 feet (2529m) so it’s not uncommon to experience some shortness of breath or dizziness. Make sure you go slow and steady on the hikes.
- Plan ahead: As accommodation is limited in and around the park, availability becomes extremely limited. Make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Understand the seasonal nature: As has been mentioned numerous times in this guide, the road is closed from December 1 to May 14. Additionally, many services are limited from October onward.
- Leave no trace: Please be respectful of the park. Keep to the trails, dispose of waste properly, and leave any plants etc. that you find.
- Let wild animals be wild: You may encounter many different animals that beg you for snacks or attention. Please do not feed or disturb them! Feeding wildlife can alter their behavior with humans, making them less fearful and more aggressive. This can lead to wildlife having to be euthanized.
- Drive carefully: The roads are small and windy, and you may share them with wildlife. Please adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly.
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🏜 Fun Facts About Grand Canyon National Park
- The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is visited by only 10% of all the Grand Canyon visitors.
- Hiking across the Grand Canyon from South Rim to North Rim is a total of 21 miles (34 km). However, to get there by car requires a 4.5 hour drive of 220 miles (354km)!
- The hike from the South Rim to the North Rim involves a 4860 ft (1480m) elevation loss, followed by a 5850 ft (1780m) elevation gain.
- Within Grand Canyon, there are an estimated 1000 caves, of which only 335 have been recorded and only one is open to the public – the Cave of the Domes on Horseshoe Mesa (South Rim).
- Since 1990, the Grand Canyon has been the second most visited national park in the US each year, behind Great Smoky Mountains. The only exception was 2020… but let’s face it that was a weird year all-around!
- The Grand Canyon was formed over 6 million years ago.
- While home to an array of wildlife, the most dangerous animal in the Grand Canyon is the rock squirrel. Each year dozens of visitors are bitten by them! Another reminder not to feed wildlife in the parks!
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Canyon North Rim
Is the Grand Canyon North Rim open in the winter?
The ROAD is closed from Jacob Lake to the North Rim from December 1 through May 14! The park technically remains open for snowshoers and cross country skiers, whom will need to journey 45 miles from Jacob Lake to access the North Rim.
Is there lodging at the Grand Canyon North Rim?
Yes! You can book accommodation at the Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim. There is also a campground available within the park.
Can you get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim?
Yes you can, but you add almost 1300 feet (396m) in elevation to your journey. Those who wish to visit the bottom of the canyon can hike the North Kaibab Trail or arrange a mule ride from the North Rim Visitor Center.
What is the best place for sunrise in the Grand Canyon North Rim?
Point Imperial is widely considered the best viewpoint for watching sunrise. However, most viewpoints along the scenic drive to Cape Royal also face east, so there are many options available.
Where is the best place for sunset in the North Rim?
Most visitors will watch sunset from Bright Angel near the visitor center as it is the most accessible. However, the best place to watch and photograph sunset in the Grand Canyon North Rim is Cape Royal at the end of the scenic drive.
Is the Grand Canyon North Rim wheel-chair friendly?
Mostly, yes! Most of the viewpoints along the scenic drive do not require any hiking at all, and those that do can mostly be traversed by wheelchair. Additionally, there are viewing platforms in the Bright Angel region that are entirely accessible as well. However, the terrain can be rugged in some places and assistance may be required.
Is the Grand Canyon North Rim worth visiting?
Absolutely, yes! Not only is it worth visiting, it is far more photogenic than the South Rim.
What is the elevation of the Grand Canyon North Rim?
8297 feet (2529m), almost 1300 feet (396m) higher than the South Rim at 7000 feet (3134m).
💬 Final thoughts on Visiting the Grand Canyon North Rim
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
The first time I visited the Grand Canyon, I went to the South Rim and was honestly a little disappointed. It was hard to get a sense of the grandiose scale, the air was extremely hazy, and there were way too many people. The North Rim, however, was the complete opposite!
If you have the opportunity, make the effort and visit the North Rim and truly experience what makes the Grand Canyon National Park so special! Before you go, you may also find the following regional guides useful:
- 25 Popular and Secret Things to do in Page, Arizona
- 25 Best Things to Do in Kanab, Utah
- 50 Incredible Canyons in the US: From Slot Canyons to Grand Canyons!
- Ultimate Grand Canyon One Day Itinerary
- Best Grand Canyon Photography Locations
As always, do not hesitate to leave feedback in the comments if there is anything we can do to improve our guide, or if you have found anything to be inaccurate. Or if you found it helpful and have something nice to say – we like that too! 🙂
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Very informing info. Was very useful as we be there late August. I am just wondering about restroom availabity
We’re so glad to hear it was helpful to you! Most of the lookouts and points of interest have toilets of some kind, including Cape Royal (my favorite spot!). We hope you have a wonderful time in August 🙂
This Grand Canyon North Rim guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!
Thank you so much! We’re so happy that you found the guide helpful 🙂
Wondering how easily Cape Royal Rd can be driven in a 27′ RV. Can you comment on road conditions for those of us in oversize vehicles?
I was in a 27″ Mercedes Sprinter van and had no issues at all Mary!
Very helpful , we are working on planning a trip and the information given really helped us get some perspective on the area. Also, great photography was enjoyed.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a comment John. I’m so happy to hear you found our post useful. I hope you have the most wonderful time at the Grand Canyon.
So very helpful, thank you
Thanks so much for the useful info!
if i’m there end of October and with North Rim’s facilities being closed, is there a place for me to park my vehicle overnight and do the rim to rim hike?
There won’t be anywhere to park in the North Rim, so you’d want to leave your vehicle in the South or see if any companies offer a lift service of some kind for people undertaking that particular hike during the offseason. Have fun and be safe!
Thank you! Do you have any idea if the roads to cape royal or imperial will still be opened 29th october to 31st october?
cause on google map it says closed from oct – may!
I would visit the official NPS site – its a seasonal closure but Im not sure if they close when it snows or on a calendar date 🙂
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/north-rim.htm
This was an amazing amount of info. Thank you so much. We have been wanting to see the North Rim and learned so much from you.
We’re so glad you found it useful Cindy! I hope you get there soon and have the time of your life 🙂
Plan on visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time in May, want to see the South and North Rim, I was wondering if we will have issues getting gas, plan on making the trip on a Harley, do we need to bring extra container for gas. Enjoyed your article, very informative. Thank you
Hi JoAnn! You guys will love riding all over that area!
There is a gas station on the way to South Rim village in Tusayan so no worries there. North Rim Village also has a gas station so you’ll be fine 🙂
As someone who actually lives in St George, I really loved this set of the N Rim. Only thing I don’t like is that to many people are “discovering” it. Glad to hear you two have married. I grew up in Oregon. Next time you are down here, turn left across the Demotte road/campground. That’s how you can access the East Rim. It is a better place to see sunrise, Cheers.
Thank you for the tip and kind words Jim! The parks are definitely being discovered, every section more and more. Im glad people are getting outside in the real world but yes, it is also unfortunate that overcrowding is occurring as well.
any recommendation for guided tours. my wife and i LOVE taking guided tours but I can only seem to find one company that does mule tours?
Hi Patrick. As it is less popular than the South Rim, there are certainly fewer tour options for the North Rim. You may be interested in this Grand Canyon North Rim tour. It is a full day tour from Las Vegas and has the option for an ATV and flight. There is also a private tour, which would allow the most customization but is extremely expensive as it is for up to 15 people: Private Grand Canyon North Rim Tour.
It may also be worth checking the NPS website as they do occasionally offer some guided ranger walks on the North Rim.
I hope this helps!
We will be camping there in May. Thanks for all the very useful info!
You’re very welcome Jim. We’re so happy to hear you found it helpful. Have a wonderful camping trip in May!
Thank you for clear information. My plan is to visit there in the early of May. I understand that it will open from May 15, but may I know any option to explore there before 15?
Hi Jay! Technically the park is open year-round, its just the road and services that closes. Some people with snowmobiles or even snow shoes will hike in, but this is something we don’t have much information on as it was not an option for us nor is it a good option for most. I am unaware of any tours but you may be able to find something private by doing a bit of research!
Great writeup. Will note that the mule ride from the north rim does not go all the way to the bottom but only about a third of the way down to the Supai tunnel. Still worth it as you do get a real sense of being in the canyon as opposed to looking down into from the rim.
That’s a very good point Joe – I will update the guide to reflect this! Thank you for the feedback, other readers will appreciate it 🙂
If I were to walk from Mather’s Point to Hermit’s Rest, then take the shuttle bus back, how long in time would it take with short stops to take photos?
This is all just way too hard for me to estimate Richard – your pace of walking, what a “quick stop” truly means, whether you catch the shuttle right on time or just miss it, etc etc. The walking trail is about 7 miles and relatively flat, so however long you think it would take you to walk that + time for photos + 45 minutes minimum for the shuttle… It would be the better part of a day for sure!
Thank you for the very detailed information! So helpful! My husband and I will be visiting the North Rim just after the lodge, etc. closes in October. Do you know if there will still be restroom facilities available then, or are they also closed? Thanks!
Hi Betty. Thank you for your kind words. I’m honestly not sure, however, I believe that all visitor services close at the end of the season which would most likely include restrooms. I hope you both have a wonderful trip.
Hi..What are the closest towns near the North Rim for lodging of any kind? Your site is very well put together.
Jacob Lake is the closest to the visitor center, but is still a 45-mile (55-minute) drive. The only accommodation here is the Jacob Lake Inn or you can camp at the US National Forest campground. Beyond this, Fredonia is a further 30-mile drive from Jacob Lake or Marble Canyon is 40 miles from Jacob Lake.