With only a fraction of the visitors to the South Rim, here are the top things to do at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is often overlooked as the summer crowds line up to book a Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam tour or inch in to stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the Ooh-Aah Point on the South Rim. For the first-time North Rim visitor, most are enchanted with the quieter and cooler rim of the famous canyon—I know I was. Only accessible during the summer, the North Rim doesn’t reflect the South Rim and offers a completely different look and feel. Though like the southern rim, a trip requires planning. When visiting one of Arizona’s most famous sights, here are the top things to do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Visiting the other side of the Grand Canyon offers a different point of view, and most first-time visitors are shocked by the differences. Actually, it’s quite green and shady compared to its southern rim during the summer due to its higher elevation of over 8,000 feet. With a shorter season and less accessibility, it boasts far fewer crowds and only 10% of the South Rim visitors make it to the North Rim.
Top Things to Do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
There is much to do when you visit the North Rim, but in this article, I’m going to share some of my favorites, including:
- Take a Scenic Drive
- Hike along the North Rim
- See the Sunset
- Attend a Ranger Program
- Take a Mule Ride
- View the Wildlife
- Stay in a Cabin on the North Rim
- Trails Illustrated Map: Grand Canyon National Park
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Scenic Drives on the North Rim
Driving to the visitor center and lodge along the North Rim is a top activity. The main road, Arizona Highway 67, is a scenic drive. The wow moment for most visitors (myself included) is seeing the view from the rim for the first time. For the most dramatic view, head to the Grand Canyon Lodge first. From there, these are my suggested drives.
The Grand Canyon Lodge overlooks the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by YinYang via iStock by Getty Images
Point Imperial
Take Arizona Highway 67 to Point Imperial, about 11 miles from the Grand Canyon Lodge. See the Painted Desert, Marble Canyon, and more of the eastern Grand Canyon. This area offers restrooms and is the highest point along the North Rim (8,803 ft.).
Roosevelt Point
On the Walhalla Plateau, Arizona Highway 67 has a turnout for the Roosevelt Point Trail (a .2-mile walk). This is an easy 10-minute walk with great views into the canyon.
The view at Roosevelt Point of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by YinYang via iStock by Getty Images
Vista Encantada
Farther along Arizona Highway 67, the Vista Encantada area offers a picnic area. On a clear day, the view from here shows Nankoweap Creek in the canyon, with views out to the Vermillion Cliffs and on to the Painted Desert.
Walhalla Overlook
On AZ Highway 67, visit the Walhalla Ruins and the overlook. The ruins, surrounded on three sides by the Grand Canyon, were once home to a community of Ancestral Puebloans who farmed the area.
Visit ruins from when Ancestral Puebloans lived and farmed the area 1,000 years ago. Photo by MicheleVacchiano via iStock by Getty Images
Cape Royal
At the terminus of AZ Highway 67, Cape Royal offers a wedding site along with restrooms and picnic tables. The Cape Royal Trail is .8-mile roundtrip. Make a point to visit if you have the time. The views are dramatic.
You can see dramatic vistas from the Cape Royal overlook in Grand Canyon North Rim. Photo by kojihirano via iStock by Getty Images
North Rim Hiking Trails
While the hikers in nearby Zion National Park are sweating through their shirts, enjoy a cool summer hike at the North Rim. Hiking is an excellent way to enjoy Grand Canyon rim views and one of the top things to do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Though carry water, and keep mindful of the higher elevation.
Take a hike on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Photo courtesy of National Park Service
Bright Angel Point Trail
Bright Angel Point Trail is a half-mile roundtrip hike on a paved trail to one of the best views along the North Rim.
Crossing over the rocks that lead to Bright Angel Point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Photo by viavado via iStock by Getty Images
Bridle Path
Bridle Path is a 1.9-mile one-way hiking trail on hard-packed ground. This trail is open to leashed pets and bikes.
Cape Royal Trail
Cape Royal is a .8-mile paved trail to an overlook with canyon views. You can also see the Angels Window and the Colorado River.
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Roosevelt Point Trail
Roosevelt Point Trail is the short, easy trail you access as you drive Arizona Highway 67 and pull out for the trail. This short, .2-mile hiking trail leads to an overlook.
Cliff Springs Trail
For an easy, kid-friendly hike on the Grand Canyon North Rim, check out the Cliff Springs Trail. This .8-mile hiking trail, which you can usually complete in about 45 minutes, takes you through a ravine to a spring.
North Kaibab Trail
The North Kaibab Trail heads into the canyon and is not a day hike. Overnight camping is required on this hiking trail to the Colorado River. The mules also use it. The National Park Service cautions that, although this is a less-visited trail, it is the most difficult of the three main trails going into the Grand Canyon.
The North Kaibab Trail winds steeply down into the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. Photo by Craig Zerbe via iStock by Getty Images
Biking on the North Rim
Pack your bike for your trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon since none are available for rent on the North Rim.
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All roads for vehicular traffic are open for bikes at the North Rim. Bridle Trail between Grand Canyon Lodge and North Kaibab Trail is a multi-use trail and is open to bikes.
Visitor Center at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Located along the rim and next to the Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim Visitor Center is staffed and offers maps, brochures, and junior ranger booklets. Also, find restrooms along with interpretive areas to explore. Finally, learn about seasonal park ranger programming at the Visitor Center.
Park Rangers are often at the Historic Canyon View Kiosk and the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk to answer questions, provide maps, and give tips for animal sightings.
North Rim Visitor Center welcomes guests. Photo by Catherine Parker
Where to See the Sunset at the North Rim
Seeing the sunset might be the wow moment of any Grand Canyon trip. With fewer visitors, sunsets are celebrated, and what better way than with a glass of wine? Located in the Grand Canyon Lodge, the Roughrider Saloon sells wine and beer. Grab your glass and head to the back patio of the Grand Canyon Lodge. Best to arrive a bit early. These are the most popular seats on the North Rim.
Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge after sunset. Photo by Craig Zerbe via iStock by Getty Images
Bright Angel Point is another popular location to watch the sunset sans the rosé. It’s near the Grand Canyon Lodge (a half-mile walk) along a well-traveled trail.
Cape Royal Point offers nice views for sunrise and sunset at the end of the scenic Highway 67 in the park.
Ranger Programs and Special Events
The Grand Canyon offers a rich history, both geologically and human history. To learn more about the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, attend a Ranger-led program during your stay. They are free and usually appeal to all ages, though look out for programming just for kids, labeled Junior Ranger programs.
One of the most popular Ranger-led programs is the Canyon View Walk, a guided walk along the rim. The night sky programs are favorites as well.
North Rim Star Party
Held mid to late June, the North Rim Star Party features telescopes, and the local astronomy club hosts park visitors.
Attend a Ranger Program at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Photo courtesy of National Park Service
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Native American Heritage Days
In early August, Native American Heritage Days gives you a chance to learn about the cultural contributions of the 11 Native American groups who have lived around the Grand Canyon area.
Mule Rides at the North Rim
A bucket list item for the adventurous, Grand Canyon Mule Trips depart from the North Rim. Unlike the South Rim Mule Trips, the North Rim rides do NOT travel all the way to the Colorado River or Phantom Ranch. As a bonus, riders can reserve their trips days instead of a year in advance (common for the South Rim mule trips).
The stable on the North Rim offers guided mule rides from May 15 until October 15. Canyon Rides offers several different rides with mules that are sure-footed and calm. Trips include one-hour guided rim and three-hour guided trips on the North Kaibab Trail into the canyon. A shuttle picks up riders at the Grand Canyon Lodge.
Mule rides depart from the North Rim. Photo courtesy of National Park Service
Wildlife Viewing at the North Rim
With fewer people, cooler temperatures, and more vegetation, the North Rim offers a chance to spot many animals. The Park Rangers can point out the best areas for seeing wildlife. Traditionally, dawn and dusk are the best wildlife viewing times.
You can often spot desert bighorn sheep in the Grand Canyon. Photo by Bob Hilscher via iStock by Getty Images
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is home to several species not seen on the South Rim, such as Bison and Black Bears. Both sides of the canyon are rich with birds, and 450 species have been identified within the park. In fact, the Grand Canyon National Park is a globally important bird area, and bird watching is one of the top things to do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Big Horn Sheep
- Bats
- Bison
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- Mountain Lions
- American Black Bear
Bison roam at the North Rim. Photo courtesy of National Park Services
Be Bear Aware
The National Park Service recommends the following guidelines for reducing bear encounters:
- Make noise when hiking.
- Be aware of the possibility of bears at streams.
- Store food when not eating or preparing in the bear-proof storage lockers.
- Keep 100 feet between you and the bears. Put all trash in a bear-resistant trash container.
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Seasons at the North Rim
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is wetter than the South Rim and gets about 140 inches of snow a year. Roads are closed from December 1 until May 15. Temperatures range from lows in the teens to highs in the 30s Fahrenheit from December until March. Although the roads are closed in the winter, visitors do use skis and snowshoes to visit in the cold months.
It snows at the Grand Canyon each winter, and the roads at the North Rim are closed from December 1 through May 15. Photo by Felicia Canfield via iStock by Getty Images
Spring weather starts to pop in April, though snow is still possible. Temperatures warm to highs in the 50s and 60s, with lows in the 30s until early June. Wildflowers start to bloom in spring and continue through summer.
Summer temperatures remain mild, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s until mid-September. However, late summer brings monsoon rains to the region.
Fall color starts in mid-September and runs into early October, with quaking aspen turning a bright yellow against the evergreen trees of the area. High temperatures are in the 50s and 60s, with lows in the 30s.
Family Activities at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about Grand Canyon National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges that the park rangers present them after completing their booklets.
The South Rim and the North Rim have different booklets to complete. Each is available at Visitor Centers and Ranger Stations. The North Rim Grand Canyon Junior Ranger Program requires that kids attend a Ranger-led program.
For families headed into the canyon along one of the trails, there’s a special Junior Ranger booklet for your excursion—the Grand Canyon Explorer Junior Ranger. The Night Skies Junior Ranger badge is another easy badge to earn while exploring the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Where to Eat at the North Rim
When it comes to where to have a meal, there are plenty of options, from the rustic yet elegant lodge to the many picnic areas you’ll find at the North Rim.
Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room
The hub of activity is centered around the Grand Canyon Lodge. Inside, find its dining room, a historic space with exceptional canyon views and a soaring log ceiling and rustic stone design features.
The dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day, and reservations are required for dinner. The menu focuses on fresh and healthy ingredients with lots of organic options. The dress code is casual, and hiking boots and pants are the norm.
Enjoy the views from the Grand Canyon Lodge. Photo courtesy of National Park Service
Coffee Saloon
Opening at 5:30 am for the early risers, find barista-made coffee and grab-and-go items at the Coffee Saloon.
Deli in the Pines
The deli in the Pines opens later—at 10 am. You can find grab-and-go items for hot and cold sandwiches, salads, pizza, and soups there. It offers a range of beverages and snacks. All items are served to go.
Roughrider Saloon
Grab a cold one at Roughrider Saloon starting at 11 am, along with an assortment of snacks. It’s the meeting spot in the evening as guests gather and retell the day’s adventures.
Picnicking at the North Rim
Find an unnamed picnic area along the main road, a third of the way between the Backcountry Office and the North Rim Visitor Center. Find additional picnic areas at Vista Encantada, Cape Royal parking area, and Point Imperial.
Lodging and Camping on the North Rim
Visitors to the North Rim can choose between cabins, lodge rooms, or camping. Note that you cannot just show up at most of these but need to plan ahead and reserve a space.
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Grand Canyon Lodge
The Grand Canyon Lodge building features a dining room, a sunroom, and two terraces overlooking the canyon. Lodging at the North Rim consists of historic, freestanding log cabins, and two buildings with motel-type rooms. The cabins range from smaller Frontier Cabins to Pioneer Cabins with room for six people. The Western Cabins offer front porches, and all cabins are within walking distance of the lodge.
Book a stay in a Grand Canyon Lodge cabins at the North Rim. Photo courtesy of National Park Service
Lodging opens in mid-May on the North Rim and closes for the season in mid-October. Again, this is a popular destination, so make reservations well in advance.
Note that none of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim lodgings offers air-conditioning, but the rooms feature telephones. Cell phone coverage is spotty.
The lodge offers guests a complimentary shuttle to the Kaibab Trailhead twice daily.
North Rim Campground
- Seasonal from mid-May to October 31
- Reservations only
- 87 sites, no RV spots
- Potable water with flush toilets
- No Showers
- Seasonal Dump Station
Find a general store in the area with self-serve laundry, paid showers, picnic, and camping supplies. Gas is also for sale in the area. You can get up close to the canyon when camping on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
A camper is set up on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Photo by MichaelJust via iStock by Getty Images
History of the Grand Canyon
The Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon which measures 18 miles wide, one mile deep, and 277 river miles long. Human artifacts that date back 12,000 years have been discovered in the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon was proclaimed a national park in 1919, though it was protected as a forest reserve in 1893. The railroad arrived at the South Rim in 1901.
The views from the Grand Canyon North Rim are much different than the South Rim. Photo courtesy National Park Service
Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim using local, native materials. It was completed in 1928 though it was burned and rebuilt in 1937. Underwood also designed lodges at Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. In 1987, the Grand Canyon Lodge was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
A group of young men arrived at the Grand Canyon in 1933. As part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Program, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked on conservation projects across the US, especially in the National Parks.
During their tenure, the men of the CCC worked on the trails on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. They constructed the Colorado River Trail at the bottom of the canyon. In 1935 the CCC connected the North Rim to the South Rim with the Trans-Canyon Telephone Line.
The People of the Grand Canyon
People have lived in and around the Grand Canyon for thousands of years. From pictographs to hunting points, experts continue to discover artifacts. Note that you cannot remove anything you might find while visiting the Grand Canyon.
More recently, 11 different Native American groups live in the Grand Canyon area. During your visit, learn about the arts and culture of the region. On the South Rim, the first-voice interpretation of the Grand Canyon area at the Desert View Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site will open in late 2022.
Getting to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 57 miles southeast of Fredonia along Arizona State Highway 67. From December until mid-May, AZ State Highway 67 is closed at Jacob Lake. Driving from the South Rim to the North Rim requires a 220-mile drive and takes at least four hours.
Grand Canyon is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day so that people can enter on foot (or snowshoes) during the winter. Admission is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or you can use an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80).
Altitude Sickness
Anytime you go above 8,000 feet, you can experience altitude sickness. Look for the following symptoms; know it can affect anyone regardless of age or health.
- headache
- nausea
- dizziness
- vomiting
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- loss of appetite
- trouble sleeping
Over-the-counter medications and hydration can help; symptoms should improve in 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms don’t improve or get worse, consult a medical professional. Also, take plenty of water when visiting the Grand Canyon.
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The North Rim of the Grand Canyon Won’t Disappoint
A trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a whole host of wow moments, especially when enjoying the sunset. As a seasoned traveler of Arizona and the Southwest, I didn’t plan enough time to explore and yearn to return.
When your plans include a family road trip, or looking for the perfect national park vacation, check out Wander With Wonder to help you plan an unforgettable adventure.
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