Arizona – Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is covered in pine trees, with a lot of shade, and some green grass, which is a completely different vibe than the south rim. At around 8,000 feet elevation, it feels and smells like pine. There is an impressively large visitor’s center and lodge, which I would consider staying in the future. The crowds were thin, even though it was early August and I would highly recommend going, if you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon before. And even if you have, it is a worthy stop on a day trip.
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Exploring the North Rim
We walked around the North Rim near the Visitor’s center to explore. We did the “hike” out to Bright Angel Point, which a gentle walk on a paved walkway. I highly recommend making your way out to Bright Angel Point to get a feel for how large the Grand Canyon truly is. We also visited some of the viewpoints on the canyon side of the lodge. Each viewpoint is spectacular in it’s own way. I do not think we were able to see the Colorado River from this point.
There was a forest fire happening on one of the other plateaus, so we were unable to drive around the rim. However, I would have loved to head over to the Walhalla Plateau and do a few of the hikes from there. We only planned to spend a couple hours at the Grand Canyon, but now that I know how quiet it is, I would love to spend a few days in the area to get on some longer hikes.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would love to go back and do some intense hiking
- Intensity: Casual clothes, unless your hiking
- Location: Northern Arizona
- Cost: $35.00 per private car, but I recommend getting the America the Beautiful National Park Pass for $80
- Restrooms: In the main parking lot area
- Timing: 1 – 2 hours
- Season: It’s important to note that the North Rim road, lodging, and restaurant is only open May to October each year due to snow conditions
Highli Hi ghts:
- The Grand Canyon is incredible
- Pine trees, green areas, and fewer crowds than the South Rim
Why visit the Grand Canyon North Rim?
You know the Grand Canyon, but did you know it’s a mile deep? Scientists estimate that it formed 5 to 6 million years ago and humans have inhabited the area since the last ice age. The North Rim has a short, but beautiful season due to snow conditions in the winter. It is harder to get to with fewer large towns/airports near the area. However, if you are staying in the Lake Powell or southern Utah, you are within striking distance of the North Rim.
I found the North Rim to be delightfully quiet. Even with the parking lot filled, it never felt crowded. This was surprising because it was mid-day in early August. The temperature feels considerably cooler than the surrounding desert with lots of shade. It is a perfect place for a picnic! You can come here with the family to see the gorgeous viewpoints or stay longer and do some serious hiking. I couldn’t believe the relaxed atmosphere at one of the most popular National Parks in the country.
Getting There
We drove to the Grand Canyon North Rim using googlemaps. It took us about an hour to reach The Grand Canyon from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. From the North Rim, it took about three hours (with a few stops) to get back to the Lake Powell area. For detailed directions to the North Rim, you can take a look on the National Park website.
Shop the Look
Overall Thoughts: Grand Canyon North Rim
I am so happy to visit the Grand Canyon once again. I was delightfully surprised at the lack of crowds, cooler temperatures, and pine trees. The ability to walk around the canyon and see it from a few viewpoints was marvelous, but I would have also loved to do more hiking in the are. From Lake Powell, we did a loop to apply for the wave permits (we arrived an hour late – whoops!) and visit the following areas:
- Playing with Kittens at the Best Friends Visitor’s Center in Kanab
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes
- Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado River
This was a big driving day, but boy was it a beautiful drive. You go from the desert area of Lake Powell to the forests surrounding the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and gorgeous landscapes in between. Having these stops along the way, including the Bright Angel Point at the Grand Canyon made the day special instead of just passing by in the car.
I am also *very* interested in going on a rafting trip down the Colorado River. Have you done one? If so, let me know who you went with and your thoughts in the comments. It sounds amazing, but I would love to hear from someone who went!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
