Quick Guide to Grand Canyon National Park: North Rim
Enjoy the quiet side of Grand Canyon National Park on a visit to the North Rim. This quick guide features everything you need to know, from how to get there, when to visit, amenities in the area, and top things to do.
Grand Canyon’s North Rim is a remote and peaceful oasis compared to the extremely busy and highly developed South Rim. Receiving about 10% of all park visitors, Grand Canyon’s North Rim makes for a perfect getaway for those looking for a less crowded experience with the same breathtaking Grand Canyon views.
The North Rim offers tons of hiking trails, a historic lodge, jaw dropping scenic drives, and stunning views,. This half of the park is over 8,000 feet in elevation and is surrounded by the lush Kaibab National Forest. You just might forget that you’re in Arizona.
ENTRANCE FEE
$35 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful Pass to enter for free.
PET POLICY
Pets must be leashed at all times and no longer than 6 feet in length. They are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, along park roads and on the Bridle Path Trail. They aren’t allowed on any other trails or below the Rim.
GETTING TO NORTH RIM
Grand Canyon’s North Rim is located in northern Arizona, about 1.5 hour drive from the border of Utah. Its proximity to Zion National Park and the popular outdoor town of Page make the North Rim a great stop to add on any southwest roadtrip.
Kanab - 80 miles or 1.5 hours
Zion National Park - 121 miles or 2.5 hours
Page - 123 miles or 2.5 hours
Grand Canyon South Rim - 197 miles or 3.5 hours
Las Vegas - 264 miles or 4.5 hours
Phoenix - 351 miles or 6 hours
NEAREST AIRPORTS
Harry Reid International
WHEN TO VISIT
The most ideal time to visit Grand Canyon’s North Rim is from Mid May to Mid October when all the parks amenities are open and available.
MAY TO OCTOBER
All park lodging, trails, and services are available. The main park road, as well as, scenic drives are open. Water is available and weather is ideal with daily highs reaching the 70’s and lows hanging out in the 40’s.
NOVEMBER TO APRIL
All services inside the park, as well as, nearby roads are closed. Average winter snowfall in the park is 12 feet. Winter camping is available at the North Rim Campground with a permit and a 45 mile walk from Jacob Lake, the nearest parking lot.
AMENITIES NEARBY
IN THE PARK
NORTH RIM VISITOR CENTER
Open May to October and a great place to start your adventure on the North Rim. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring. Here you can also find water filling stations ( summer only ), restrooms, gift shop, & museum exhibit.
GRAND CANYON LODGE
Open May to October and the only lodging inside the park. The lodge offers rustic cabins located near and along the rim, dining room, saloon, gift shop, and post office.
NORTH RIM CAMPGROUND
Open May to October and located 1 mile north of the North Rim Visitor Center. The campground has 87 sites each offering a picnic table & fire pit grill. Restroom, shower facilities, water, and dump station are available. Camp store offers firewood, food, drinks, and basic amenities.
Sites are $18 per night.
Reservations are required and can be made up to 6 months in advance.
AMENITIES NEARBY
KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST
Open seasonally, DeMotte Campground offers 38 dry camping sites 17 miles outside the park. Kaibab Lodge, open year round and offers rustic style log cabins tucked in a forest of Quaking Aspens and Ponderosa Pine trees. North Rim Country Store & Food Truck offers coffee, handmade snacks, and roadtrip goodies.
JACOB LAKE
Located 30 miles from the entrance to Grand Canyon, Jacob Lake offers a variety of lodging, campgrounds, and dining. Most know for their homemade cookies and soft serve ice cream.
TOP THINGS TO DO
TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM GRAND CANYON LODGE
Enjoy obstructed views of the Grand Canyon from the Grand Canyon Lodge outside patio. This is a great place for those not looking to do much walking. Stop here at sunset and enjoy the last days glow on the over the canyon.
CAMP OVERNIGHT
The high elevation of Grand Canyon’s North Rim make summer camping trips a great way to experience the park. The North Rim Campground offers 87 sites for both RV’s and Tents and is a short walk to the rim.
STAY IN A CABIN ALONG THE RIM
For a visit like no other, stay overnight in a log cabin along Grand Canyon’s North Rim. These are a part of the Grand Canyon Lodge and is a short walk to the parks main attractions. There are many cabins in the area but only a couple are right on the rim so if you can book your stay as early as you can.
TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE
For a scenic drive like no other, take the 23 mile drive along the Kaibab Plateau to Point Imperial, the highest point the park at 8,800 feet.
GET ON A TRAIL
A great way to explore the incredible nature of Grand Canyon National Park. Whether it’s an easy scenic stroll or a challenging day hike, Grand Canyon has something for everyone. The most popular in the park are the Transept Trail, Bright Angel Point, Ken Patrick, and Cape Final.
MULE RIDES
Explore the beauty of Grand Canyon by mule back on a scenic ride along the canyon rim. One hour trips ride through the Kaibab National Forest and along the canyon rim. Three hour mule rides go to Jim’s Point or Supai Tunnel. Mule rides on the north rim are available May 15th to October 15th. Advanced reservations are recommended. Riders must be 7 years or older and weigh less than 220 pounds.
Fore more information, visit the park website.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever been to Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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Plan the perfect trip to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim with this complete travel guide! Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to visit, what to bring, top things to do, & much more.