Trip Planning

Most of them look like him. A surprising majority of victims rescued from Grand Canyon are young, healthy males between the ages of 18 and 40 attempting to hike to the river and back in one day. No matter what your age or health status, here are some tips to help you enjoy the Grand Canyon by Hiking Smart. stay hydrated (drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks) avoid hiking in the heat of the day (10am to 4pm) eat often (carbohydrates & salty foods) rest often (sit in the shade) get wet (wet your shirt, hat, & wear a wet bandana around your neck) DO NOT attempt to hike down to the river & back in one day

 

Reservations for camping and lodging are essential. When making reservations for lodging and camping, remember to identify the rim you plan on visiting.

The North Rim is over 8000 feet/2438 m above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

 

Mail Order Publications

The Grand Canyon Association bookstore has a wide variety of publications that can be purchased online. They include trail guides, maps, videos, and packages that will help you plan your trip to Grand Canyon. For educational tours at Grand Canyon consider GCA's field seminar program the Grand Canyon Field Institute. GCA is a private, non-profit organization that operates bookstores in Grand Canyon National Park and has provided financial and programmatic support to the park service at Grand Canyon National Park since 1932.

 

Grand Canyon National Park is in a remote part of the country. Remember:

• Bring an extra set of car keys; it could be a long wait for a locksmith.
  
• Film is available at the North Rim, but the closest camera repair is in Flagstaff.
  
• There is no automobile mechanic on the North Rim.
  
• Distances are deceiving in this part of the country. It may look like you can visit three parks in one day, but reality is often different.
  
• Keep your gas tank full. The next gas station may be quite a distance down the road.
  
• Carry water in your car, particularly during summer months.

 

Climate

Scenic Viewpoints of the North Rim

The three developed viewpoints on the North Rim offer a sense of looking across the expanse of the canyon, rather than into its depths. Views of the Colorado River are rare and distant. These descriptions may help you to plan your visit.

Point Imperial and Cape Royal are reached via a winding scenic drive. The trip to both points, with short walks at each and several stops at pullouts along the way, can easily take half a day.

Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet, 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.

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.

It takes a bit of effort, and four-wheel drive, to reach Point Sublime, the western-most of the North Rim viewpoints. The rough, two-hour (one-way) trip to this remote point is rewarded by a view that lives up to its name. Inquire about road conditions and possible closures before heading out.

Most visitors make a stop at Bright Angel Point, at the southern end of the entrance road. From the parking area it is a short, easy walk to Grand Canyon Lodge and a classic view of the canyon. This facility is wheelchair accessible. A paved, half-mile (round-trip) trail leads from the lodge, out the spine of the ridge, to the point. This trail is steep in places, with drop-offs and stairs, but provides dramatic views into Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons.

What time is it?

Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. We are on Mountain Standard Time year-round. The exception to this is the Navajo Reservation, in the northeast corner of the state. The reservation observes Daylight Saving Time and changes its time for 6 months of the year.