The Grand Canyon, North Rim
National Park Adventures
Unlike the South Rim and the east entrance, which are the iconic stops for most folks visiting the Grand Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is only visited by about 10% of the park’s visitors. We think it’s 100% worth it to add this to your itinerary if you are visiting while the North Rim is open (between December 1 and May 14 the roads are closed to all vehicles — including snowmobiles — and there aren’t any visitor services available. The Lodge and Campground close October 15).
You can book an overnight in advance for the Grand Canyon Lodge: North Rim, or consider booking an overnight at Jacob Lake Inn where you can also enjoy some “world-famous cookies!” Want to camp? Make your reservations for the North Rim Campground ahead of time (they are required), or consider making your reservations for the Jacob Lake Campground (sometimes they also have first-come-first-serve options, depending on the time of year). We typically camp in Jacob Lake, but I did look up a list of “close” hotels in case the recommendations above are fully booked, or you’d like some alternatives.
There are two main ways to drive along the North Rim: The highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet (2,683 meters), overlooks the Painted Desert and the eastern end of Grand Canyon. Here the canyon transforms as the narrow walls of Marble Canyon, visible only as a winding gash, open dramatically to become "grand." Layers of red and black Precambrian rocks, not visible at Bright Angel Point, add contrast and color. Part of the viewpoint is accessible. This drive is called Point Imperial.
Cape Royal provides a panorama up, down, and across the canyon. With seemingly unlimited vistas to the east and west, it is popular for both sunrise and sunset. The sweeping turn of the Colorado River at Unkar Delta is framed through the natural arch of Angels Window. Look for the Desert View Watchtower across the canyon on the South Rim. This popular viewpoint is accessible via a paved, level trail.
We recommend BOTH of these drives, all the stops along the way, and any of the short hikes that you are able to fit into your timetable. It is worth it for the views. Experiencing the Canyon from the North Rim will give you an entirely different feel for the Canyon — it’s a bit more wild out there!
The drive to the North Rim from the South Rim is a 4 1/2 hour drive (220 miles). The drive to the North Rim from Flagstaff is about 3 hours, 45 minutes (205 miles). We highly recommend you plan on staying overnight in the general vicinity of the North Rim so that you can enjoy your experience while there.
As far as food goes, we’ve always packed our meals, so I don’t have any first-hand recommendations, but there are a few restaurants listed on the website for the Grand Canyon Lodge: North Rim. I would recommend scoping out where you plan to stop before leaving, as options will be limited, and you don’t want to get hangry.
Our favorite food items to pack are quick and easy options: hot dogs for over the fire, premade chili to reheat, and sandwich/wrap fixings. I also always make sure to have hot cocoa, tea, and coffee on hand. It can be chilly camping at such high elevations. We also make sure to have plenty of energy-boosting snacks and extra water for fueling our bodies during the daytime — there aren’t a lot of options for snack stops.
Layers are a must, so be sure to toss those extra layers in with your duffle bag or backpack. We even needed winter hats/gloves and coats in September when we visited, so be prepared and check the weather before you leave! You’ll be close to the sun, so toss that sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses in your pack too! And as always, please don’t wear flip-flops. Wear comfy walking shoes, because there is lots of walking to be done!
Enjoy your visit. It might just be a highlight of your time at the Canyon, and don’t forget that you are part of a very small percentage of visitors who get a chance to visit the North Rim each year! Get your passport stamp, and don’t forget to take a portable charger so you can take all the pictures you want! Happy exploring.