My boyfriend, Mike and I took a helicopter ride into the South Rim from Las Vegas a couple of years ago. However, we were on a Western National Park Road Trip and we're very close to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, so we decided to check it out. What a beautiful experience.
It is more remote and less developed than the South Rim, and so it attracts far fewer tourists. Many people think its viewpoints are the most spectacular, since they are located at a higher elevations.
The North Rim fits nicely into a multi-park tour that also includes Zion, Bryce and Lake Powell. It is a relatively short drive between those scenic destinations.
The North Rim forms the edge of the Kaibab Plateau, with elevation ranging from 8,000-8,800 feet above sea level. Access is via Hwy 67, through a majestic conifer forest and past scenic Jacob Lake. The drive is beautiful, even before you reach the national park.
Your first stop should be at the visitor center where you can orient yourself and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the world.
We visited during Thanksgiving Break in Mid November, so
we nearly had the entire park to ourselves. The North Rim is officially open from mid-May through mid-October. Services include a lodge, dining room/snack bar, campground, gas station and general store with basic supplies. Depending on weather conditions, it may be possible to drive to the North Rim during the spring or fall, but no visitor services will be available. The lodge and campgrounds are usually full during the summer; reservations are needed and they should be booked as far in advance as possible.
There are three routes that
lead to other North Rim viewpoints that are easily accessible and well worth the drive.
Point Imperial is about 11 miles northeast of the visitor center.
Walhalla Overlook.
Cape Royal
Point Sublime
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