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Exploring | Sports and the Outdoors
The North Rim stands 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim and has a more alpine climate, with twice as much annual precipitation. Here, in the deep forests of the Kaibab Plateau, the crowds are thinner, the facilities fewer, and the views even more spectacular. Due to snow, the North Rim is off-limits in winter. The buildings and concessions are closed mid-October through mid-May. The road and entrance gate close when the snow makes them impassable—usually by the end of November.
Lodgings are limited in this more remote park, with only one historic lodge (with cabins and hotel-type rooms as well as a restaurant) and a single campground. Dining options have opened up a little with the addition of the Grand Cookout, offered nightly with live entertainment under the stars. Your best bet may be to pack your camping gear and hiking boots and take several days to explore the lush Kaibab Forest. The canyon’s highest, most dramatic rim views can also be enjoyed on two wheels (via primitive dirt access roads) and on four legs (courtesy of a trusty mule).
Exploring
Scenic Drive
Fodor’s Choice | Highway 67.
Open mid-May to roughly mid-November (or the first big snowfall), this two-lane paved road climbs 1,400 feet in elevation as it passes through the Kaibab National Forest. Also called the “North Rim Parkway,” this scenic route crosses the limestone-capped Kaibab Plateau—passing broad meadows, sun-dappled forests, and small lakes and springs—before abruptly falling away at the abyss of the Grand Canyon. Wildlife abounds in the thick ponderosa pine forests and lush mountain meadows. It’s common to see deer, turkeys, and coyotes as you drive through such a remote region. Point Imperial and Cape Royal branch off this scenic drive, which runs from Jacob Lake to Bright Angel Point. | Hwy. 67 | Grand Canyon National Park.
Historic Site
Grand Canyon Lodge.
Built in 1937 by the Union Pacific Railroad (replacing the original 1928 building, which burned in a fire), this massive stone structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its huge sunroom has hardwood floors, high-beam ceilings, and a marvelous view of the canyon through plate-glass windows. On warm days, visitors sit in the sun and drink in the surrounding beauty on an outdoor viewing deck, where National Park Service employees deliver free lectures on geology and history. The dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the Roughrider Saloon is a bar by night and a coffeeshop in the morning. | 10 Albright St., off Hwy. 67 near Bright Angel Point | Grand Canyon National Park | 928/638–2631 | www.grandcanyonforever.com.
Scenic Stops
Fodor’s Choice | Bright Angel Point.
This trail, which leads to one of the most awe-inspiring overlooks on either rim, starts on the grounds of the Grand Canyon Lodge and runs along the crest of a point of rocks that juts into the canyon for several hundred yards. The walk is only 0.5 mile round-trip, but it’s an exciting trek accented by sheer drops on each side of the trail. In a few spots where the route is extremely narrow, metal railings ensure visitors’ safety. The temptation to clamber out on precarious perches to have your picture taken should be resisted at all costs. | North Rim Dr. | Grand Canyon National Park.
Cape Royal.
A popular sunset destination, Cape Royal showcases the canyon’s jagged landscape; you’ll also get a glimpse of the Colorado River, framed by a natural stone arch called Angels Window. In autumn, the aspens turn a beautiful gold, adding even more color to an already magnificent scene of the forested surroundings. The easy and rewarding 1-mile round-trip hike along Cliff Springs Trail starts here; it takes you through a forested ravine and terminates at Cliff Springs, where the forest opens to another impressive view of the canyon walls. | Cape Royal Scenic Dr., 23 miles southeast of Grand Canyon Lodge | Grand Canyon National Park.
Point Imperial.
At 8,803 feet, Point Imperial has the highest vista point at either rim; it offers magnificent views of both the canyon and the distant country: the Vermilion Cliffs to the north, the 10,000-foot Navajo Mountain to the northeast in Utah, the Painted Desert to the east, and the Little Colorado River canyon to the southeast. Other prominent points of interest include views of Mount Hayden, Saddle Mountain, and Marble Canyon. | Point Imperial Rd., 3 miles off Cape Royal Rd., 11 miles northeast of Grand Canyon Lodge | Grand Canyon National Park.
Fodor’s Choice | Point Sublime.
You can camp within feet of the canyon’s edge at this awe-inspiring site. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. The winding road, through gorgeous high country, is only 17 miles, but it will take you at least two hours one-way. The road is intended only for vehicles with high road clearance (pickups and four-wheel-drive vehicles). It is also necessary to be properly equipped for wilderness road travel. Check with a park ranger or at the information desk at Grand Canyon Lodge before taking this journey. You may camp here only with a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. | North Rim Dr., about 20 miles west of North Rim Visitor Center | Grand Canyon National Park.
Wildlife of the Grand Canyon
89 mammal species inhabit Grand Canyon National Park, as well as 355 species of birds, 56 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, and 17 kinds of fish. The rare Kaibab squirrel is found only on the North Rim—you can recognize them by their all-white tails and black undersides. The pink Grand Canyon rattlesnake lives at lower elevations within the canyon. Hawks and ravens are visible year-round. The endangered California condor has been reintroduced to the canyon region. Park rangers give daily talks on the magnificent birds, whose wingspan measures 9 feet. In spring, summer, and fall, mule deer, recognizable by their large ears, are abundant at the South Rim. Don’t be fooled by gentle appearances; these guys can be aggressive. It’s illegal to feed them, as it’ll disrupt their natural habitats and increase your risk of getting bitten or kicked.
The best times to see wildlife are early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Look for out-of-place shapes and motions, keeping in mind that animals occupy all layers in a natural habitat and not just at your eye level. Use binoculars for close-up views. While out and about try to fade into the woodwork by keeping your movements limited and noise at a minimum.
More than 1,700 species of plants color the park. The South Rim’s Coconino Plateau is fairly flat, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, and covered with stands of piñon and ponderosa pines, junipers, and Gambel’s oak trees. On the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim, Douglas fir, spruce, quaking aspen, and more ponderosas prevail. In spring you’re likely to see asters, sunflowers, and lupine in bloom at both rims.
Roosevelt Point.
Named after the president who gave the Grand Canyon its national monument status in 1908 (it was upgraded to national park status in 1919), Roosevelt Point is the best place to see the confluence of the Little Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. The cliffs above the Colorado River south of the junction are known as the Palisades of the Desert. A short woodland loop trail leads to this eastern viewpoint. | Cape Royal Rd., 18 miles east of Grand Canyon Lodge | Grand Canyon National Park.
Vista Encantada.
This point on the Walhalla Plateau offers views of the upper drainage of Nankoweap Creek, a rock pinnacle known as Brady Peak, and the Painted Desert to the east. This is an enchanting place for a picnic lunch. | Cape Royal Rd., 16 miles southeast of Grand Canyon Lodge | Grand Canyon National Park.
Walhalla Overlook.
One of the lowest elevations on the North Rim, this overlook has views of the Unkar Delta, a fertile region used by Ancestral Puebloans as farmland. These ancient people also gathered food and hunted game on the North Rim. A flat path leads to the remains of the Walhalla Glades Pueblo, which was inhabited from 1050 to 1150. | Cape Royal Rd., 22½ miles southeast of Grand Canyon Lodge | Grand Canyon National Park.
En Route: As you journey to the North Rim from Lees Ferry, the immense blue-green bulk of the Kaibab Plateau stretches out before you. About 18 miles past Navajo Bridge, a sign directs you to the San Bartolome Historic Site, an overlook with plaques that tell the story of the Domínguez-Escalante expedition of 1776. At House Rock Valley, a large road sign announces the House Rock Buffalo Ranch, operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A 23-mile dirt road leads to the home of one of the largest herds of American bison in the Southwest. You may drive out to the ranch, but be aware that you may not see any buffalo—the expanse of their range is so great that they frequently cannot be spotted from a car.
Educational Offerings
Ranger Programs
Discovery Pack Junior Ranger Program.
In summer, children age four and up can take part in hands-on educational programs and earn a Junior Ranger certificate and badge. Sign up at the North Rim Visitor Center for these independent and ranger-led activities. | 928/638–7967 | www.nps.gov/grca | Free.
Interpretive Ranger Programs.
Daily guided hikes and talks may focus on any aspect of the canyon—from geology and flora and fauna to history and the canyon’s early inhabitants. For schedules, go to the Grand Canyon Lodge or pick up a free copy of The Guide to the North Rim from the park visitor center. | 928/638–7967 | www.nps.gov/grca | Free.
Sports and the Outdoors
Bicycling
Mountain bikers can test the many dirt access roads found in this remote area. The 17-mile trek to Point Sublime is, well, sublime; though you’ll share this road with high-clearance vehicles, it’s rare to spot other people on most of these primitive pathways.
Bicycles and leashed pets are allowed on the well-maintained 1.2-mile (one-way) Bridle Trail, which follows the road from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Kaibab Trailhead. Bikes are prohibited on all other national park trails.
Hiking
Easy
Cape Final Trail.
This 4-mile (round-trip) gravel path follows an old jeep trail through a ponderosa pine forest to the canyon overlook at Cape Final with panoramic views of the northern canyon, the Palisades of the Desert, and the impressive spectacle of Juno Temple. Easy. | Trailhead: dirt parking lot 5 miles south of Roosevelt Point on Cape Royal Rd. | Grand Canyon National Park.
Cape Royal Trail.
Informative signs about vegetation, wildlife, and natural history add to this popular 0.6-mile, round-trip, paved path to Cape Royal; allow 30 minutes round-trip. At an elevation of 7,685 feet on the southern edge of the Walhalla Plateau, this popular viewpoint offers expansive views of Wotans Throne, Vishnu Temple, Freya Castle, Horseshoe Mesa, and the Colorado River. The trail also offers several nice views of Angels Window. Easy. | Trailhead: end of Cape Royal Rd. | Grand Canyon National Park.
Cliff Springs Trail.
An easy 1-mile (round-trip), one-hour walk near Cape Royal, Cliff Springs Trail leads through a forested ravine to an excellent view of the canyon. The trailhead begins at the Cape Royal parking lot, across from Angels Window Overlook. Narrow and precarious in spots, it passes ancient dwellings, winds beneath a limestone overhang, and ends at Cliff Springs. Easy. | Trailhead: end of Cape Royal Rd. | Grand Canyon National Park.
Roosevelt Point Trail.
This easy 0.2-mile round-trip trail loops through the forest to the scenic viewpoint. Allow 20 minutes for this relaxed, secluded hike. Easy. | Trailhead: Cape Royal Rd. | Grand Canyon National Park | www.nps.gov/grca.
Transept Trail.
This 3-mile (round-trip), 1½-hour trail begins near the Grand Canyon Lodge at 8,255 feet. Well maintained and well marked, it has little elevation change, sticking near the rim before reaching a dramatic view of a large stream through Bright Angel Canyon. The route leads to a side canyon called Transept Canyon, which geologist Clarence Dutton named in 1882, declaring it “far grander than Yosemite.” Check the posted schedule to find a ranger talk along this trail; it’s also a great place to view fall foliage. Flash floods can occur any time of the year, especially June through September when thunderstorms develop rapidly. Easy. | Trailhead: near the Grand Canyon Lodge’s east patio | Grand Canyon National Park.
Moderate
Uncle Jim Trail.
This 5-mile, three-hour loop starts at 8,300 feet and winds south through the forest, past Roaring Springs and Bright Angel canyons. The highlight of this rim hike is Uncle Jim Point, which, at 8,244 feet, overlooks the upper sections of the North Kaibab Trail. Moderate. | Trailhead: North Kaibab Trail parking lot | Grand Canyon National Park.
Fodor’s Choice | Widforss Trail.
Round-trip, Widforss Trail is 9.8 miles, with an elevation change of only 200 feet. Allow five to six hours for the hike, which starts at 8,080 feet and passes through shady forests of pine, spruce, fir, and aspen on its way to Widforss Point, at 7,900 feet. Here you’ll have good views of five temples: Zoroaster, Brahma, and Deva to the southeast, and Buddha and Manu to the southwest. You are likely to see wildflowers in summer, and this is a good trail for viewing fall foliage. It’s named in honor of artist Gunnar M. Widforss, renowned for his paintings of national park landscapes. Moderate. | Trailhead: Point Sublime Rd., near intersection of Hwy. 67 | Grand Canyon National Park.
Difficult
Ken Patrick Trail.
This primitive trail, one of the longest on the North Rim, travels 10 miles one-way (allow six hours each way) from the trailhead at 8,250 feet to Point Imperial at 8,803 feet. It crosses drainages and occasionally detours around fallen trees. The end of the road, at Point Imperial, brings the highest views from either rim. Note that there is no water along this trail. Difficult. | Trailhead: east side of North Kaibab trailhead parking lot | Grand Canyon National Park.
North Kaibab Trail.
At 8,241 feet, this trail leads into the canyon and down to Phantom Ranch. It is recommended for experienced hikers only, who should allow four days for the round-trip hike. The long, steep path drops 5,840 feet over a distance of 14.5 miles to Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River, so the National Park Service suggests that day hikers not go farther than Roaring Springs (5,020 feet) before turning to hike back up out of the canyon. After about 7 miles, Cottonwood Campground (4,080 feet) has drinking water in summer, restrooms, shade trees, and a ranger. Difficult. TIP A free shuttle takes hikers to the North Kaibab trailhead twice daily from Grand Canyon Lodge; reserve a spot the day before. | Trailhead: 2 miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge | Grand Canyon National Park.
Off the Beaten Path: Unpaved forested side roads branch off of Highway 67 before the North Rim park entrance station, leading to several remote viewpoints not seen by the majority of Grand Canyon travelers. At Crazy Jug Point, you’ll see the Colorado River as well as several canyon landmarks, including Powell Plateau, Great Thumb Mesa, and Tapeats Amphitheater. Timp Point features spectacular canyon views and a glimpse of Thunder River. Check with the Kaibab Forest Visitors Center in Jacob Lake for maps and road updates. The U.S. Forest service maintains everything north of the rim, which is monitored by the National Park Service.
Horseback Riding
Private livestock is limited to the corridor trail (North Kaibab Trail) in the inner canyon and on select rim trails including Uncle Jim Trail. Bright Angel and Cottonwood Campgrounds accommodate private equines as does the North Rim Horse Camp, a quarter mile from the North Kaibab Trailhead. Grazing isn’t permitted; handlers are required to pack their own feed. A backcountry permit is required for any overnight use of private stock.
Mule Rides
Canyon Trail Rides.
This company leads mule rides on the easier trails of the North Rim. A one-hour ride (minimum age seven) runs $40. Half-day trips on the rim or into the canyon (minimum age 10) cost $80. Weight limits are 200 pounds for canyon rides and 220 pounds for the rim rides. Available daily from May 15 to October 15, these excursions are popular, so make reservations in advance. | 435/679–8665 | www.canyonrides.com.
Winter Activities at the Grand Canyon
Due to heavy snows and extreme winter weather, the North Rim closes all of its services from mid-October through mid-May. However, Highway 67 stays open to the North Rim until snows force the closure of the road at Jacob Lake, usually mid- to late November. After the road closes, the rim can be accessed by hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Winter visitors must obtain a backcountry permit for overnight use during the winter season (mid-October through mid-May). Between the North Kaibab trailhead and Bright Angel Point, all overnight visitors are required to stay at the North Rim Campground. Winter campers can camp at large at all other areas between the northern boundary and the North Kaibab trailhead.