Enjoy fabulous views at the Grand Canyon North Rim:
If you want to see some of the best sights there are at Grand Canyon, you should definitely visit the North Rim. It offers an awesome view from Point Imperial, its highest point, soaring to a height of 8,803 feet. From there, you will see famous attractions such as the Painted Desert all the way to the eastern border of the Canyon. Going there is one of the best ways to enjoy Grand Canyon.
How to get to the Grand Canyon North Rim:
Lying 30 miles south of Jacob Lake in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon North Rim is easily accessible from airlines in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City. From Jacob Lake, take Highway 67 to reach the entrance. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park itself cannot be reached by plane or train. Your only option is to take the Trans Canyon Shuttle available at the South Rim so best start your tour there. But make sure that you schedule your vacation anytime between mid-May and mid-October. Otherwise you won’t see anything because Highway 67, the main road to the northern rim is closed in November to April due to snow. If your trip is near September, make sure to prepare for cold weather.
Things to Do at the North Rim:
There are a lot of things to do in Grand Canyon North Rim, and since they only receive a fraction of the visitors that the South Rim does, you do not have to fight the crowds. One of the best loved activities here is hiking. There are several trails such as Transept Trail, the Ken Patrick Trail, the Esplanade, the North Kaibab Trail, and many more. To make your experience even more unforgettable, you can also go off-roading by taking the dirt road going to Point Sublime. ( don’t attempt this without 4 wheel drive ) If you’re too tired to go back to your hotel, why don’t you camp at the North Rim? For only $15, you can get a campsite with laundry and showers available nearby. Other popular activities are biking and backpacking.
Guided Tours:
To make sure you won’t miss anything important, your best bet is to join guided tours. There are many companies offering tours from Arizona and Nevada to the North and South rim of the canyon. Tours range from half-day to multi-day tours. Many tours can be customized to fit your itinerary and your preferences. To be sure, ask your guide for the best places to go so you can maximize your travel pleasure.
North Rim Accommodations:
It’s a bit hard to find accommodation near to the North Rim since its in a far-flung area. The nearest accommodations available are at the Grand Canyon Lodge, which offers pleasant views of the Canyon. However, lodging can get pretty expensive there. If you are running low, you can go to Fredonia, the closest town, for a wider range of economy-level accommodations.
General North Rim Information:
Here are some additional information you will find helpful as you plan your trip.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is extremely remote and sits at an elevation of over 8000 feet. There are few facilities compared to the South Rim, so please be prepared when you visit.
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone numbers: (928) 638-7888
Entrance fees: $25/private vehicle for seven days, $12/person entering by foot, camping fees may vary
Reservations: Advance reservations for Grand Canyon North Rim lodging and campsites are recommended. |
