Most of the activity and attractions of the Grand Canyon are along the more easily accessed South Rim, but if it's solitude you seek, the North Rim is your best bet. After stopping by the visitor center, take the park road to the edge of the canyon to enjoy the sights, or explore deeper via hiking trails. The North Rim is open between May and October, with weather conditions making roads impassable during colder weather.
North Rim Visitor Center
- The main North Rim park road ends at Bright Angel Point, which affords picturesque views of the canyon and is the location of the North Rim Visitor Center near Grand Canyon Lodge. This is a good place to pick up park maps and ask rangers any questions you might have, including those pertaining to weather conditions if you're setting out on longer hikes. The facility is filled with exhibits on the canyon, including a large geology display, and interpretive programs are offered. Bathrooms and a bookstore are also on-site.
North Rim Scenic Drive
- The scenic drive that starts near Bright Angel Point and ends at Cape Royal is often described as having the best view in the park because the last stretch follows a southern dip in the canyon, meaning you can view it from both sides of your vehicle. Although the total length one way to Cape Royal is only 23 miles, plan to take half a day to make the trip due to road curvature and the many pullouts along the way. You can also stop for a picnic at Point Imperial, Vista Encantada and Cape Royal.
Day Hikes
- Several trails on the North Rim provide challenges for hikers of all skills and stamina levels. A common and easy introductory stroll is Bright Angel Point Trail, a paved half-mile path that follows the rim from the visitor center. Self-guide pamphlets provide useful information about the canyon. For a longer but similar walk, take the Transept Trail, which leads 1.5 miles to the North Rim Campground along the canyon. To explore the canyon, take the North Kaibab Trail, the only maintained hike into the canyon from the North Rim. For a sampling of the canyon's size and beauty, consider walking to Coconino Overlook, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, or do Supai Tunnell, 4 miles round-trip. The National Park Service strongly recommends against hiking past Roaring Springs in one day, as it is 9.4 miles round-trip. If you do take on the challenge, start before 7 a.m.
Grand Canyon Lodge
- The place to stay on the North Rim is Grand Canyon Lodge, named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It offers both guest rooms and Western-themed log cabins near the edge of the canyon. An on-site restaurant with sit-down and buffet-style dining has large windows with scenic views, or grab a cup of coffee at the coffee shop. Mule rental is available to explore the canyon for an hour or half a day.
