North Rim

Drop-down Index Of North Rim Information On This Page Navigation

 

View of Deva, Brahma, and Zoroaster Temples as seen from Grand Canyon Lodge

 

The North Rim Is Open for the 2021 Season

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, public health measures are in place including capacity limits, temporary closures, and modified operations. Daily park updates - South Rim. >

• The North Rim Season (full services) is between May 15 and October 15, each year.
• Between November 1 and November 30, the North Rim is open for Day Use only.
• During winter months, the North Rim closes because of snow.

 

Taking in the view from the patio of Grand Canyon Lodge

Introduction

A worthwhile trip for those who enjoy the road less traveled, the North Rim, or "other side" of Grand Canyon is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors.

• The North Rim is over 8000 feet (2438 m.) in elevation
• There is one lodge, Grand Canyon Lodge.
• and one campground, operated by the National Park Service

Reservations for Lodging and the North Rim Campground are highly recommended.

The lodge also provides food and beverage service.

 

Distances

• Hiking across the Grand Canyon from South Rim to North Rim is a total of 21 miles (34 km).
• However, driving from South Rim to North Rim by automobile requires a 4.5 hour drive of 220 miles (354 km). Driving directions to the North Rim.
• Hiking the 21 miles (34 km) from South Rim to North Rim includes a 4860 ft (1480 m) elevation loss from South Rim to Colorado River, followed by a 5850 ft (1780 m) elevation gain from the river to the North Rim.

 

The North Rim Visitor Center is adjacent to Grand Canyon Lodge

North Rim Visitor Center

Located adjacent to the parking lot for Grand Canyon Lodge and Bright Angel Point, this building is currently a Grand Canyon Conservancy shop/bookstore. 8 am to 6 pm daily.

Public restrooms and outdoor exhibits are located behind the visitor center building. If you continue walking along the edge of the parking lot towards the canyon rim, you will find park rangers staffing an information table at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk. Hours: 10 am to 3 pm daily.

Watch for signs about Park Ranger programs.

 

Interior of North Rim Visitor Center. Left: exhibit area; right: Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore and gift shop.

 

Left: main entrance to Grand Canyon Lodge. Right: walking the trail out to Bright Angel Point from the lodge.

 

Bright Angel Point

For classic North Rim views, start at the Grand Canyon Lodge patio, then walk the paved trail out to Bright Angel Point.

From the main parking area it is a relatively short, easy walk to Lodge itself. The lodge is wheelchair accessible.

From the lodge the paved, Bright Angel Point Trail, 0.5 mile (0.8 km) round-trip trail, leads out the spine of the ridge to Bright Angel Point. This trail is steep in places, with drop-offs and stairs, but provides dramatic views into Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons.

 

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North Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide

In place of a newspaper, the North Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide is now being distributed at entrance stations, visitor centers, lodges, campgrounds, stores, and out-of-park locations. Download it here...

 

Front and back sides of the North Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide. Click on the image to download as an accessible PDF file (2.2 MB)

 

Additional North Rim Services

The facilities listed below are open from May 15th through October 15th.

Gas Station

The North Rim Chevron Service Station is located on the entrance road into the Campground. Gasoline and diesel fuel is available within the park. 24 hour pay at the pump.

Garage Services

Very minor auto repairs are available at the Chevron Service Station inside the park.

Unleaded fuel, propane, diesel, tire repair, and some auto supplies are available at the North Rim Country Store (by Kaibab Lodge) 18.5 miles/ 30 km north. Open from May 15 to Oct. 27, seven days a week.

The service station at Jacob Lake 45 miles/ 75 km north, provides emergency repairs such as tires, belts, batteries, fuses, hoses, etc. Diesel fuel is also available at Jacob Lake. [phone] Open all year.

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Guest Laundry and Showers (Coin Operated)

Located on the access road leading to the North Rim Campground. CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Post Office

Located in the Grand Canyon Lodge complex. Window service open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Medical

Emergency services are provided by park rangers on duty. Dial 911 from any pay phone, dial 9-911 from your cabin/motel room.

Lost and Found

For information about lost and found property contact the visitor center information desk or the Grand Canyon Lodge front desk, or email: [e-mail] Mail: Lost and Found, North Rim Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona 86052

Book and Gift Shops

GC Conservancy Park Store in the Visitor Center Building: 9 am to 5 pm

Grand Canyon Lodge Gift Shop: 8 am to 9 pm

Camper Store by Campground: General Store and Groceries 7 am to 8 pm

Camping Equipment

Camping, hiking, and backpacking equipment may be purchased at the Camper Store at the entrance to the North Rim Campground. 7 am to 8 pm.

North Rim Mule Trips

Visit Grand Canyon Trail Rides' website or call 435-679-8665 for more information and to book a trip.

Religious Services

Religious services are offered on the North Rim of the park. The National Park Service does not endorse any group or message. See the bulletin board in the lodge for the schedule of services.

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Left: view of Mt. Hayden from Point Imperial, highest overlook in the park at 8,803 feet (2,683 meters). Right: view from Cape Royal across to Wotan's Throne.

 

North Rim Scenic Drive

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 (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.

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.

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Duration:

8 minutes, 21 seconds

There is something about the North Rim of Grand Canyon that invokes a sense of solitude and serenity. This is a place that invites you to slow down, to ponder, to feel your own innate creativity, and to fall in love with landscape.

 

Winter Camping with a Backcountry Permit

North Rim roads are closed to all vehicles between December 1st and May 15th, and no visitor services are available. During these winter months backpackers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers are permitted to use the North Rim Campground, provided a backcountry use permit has been obtained in advance. – These permits are available through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center. (e-mail us or call 928-638-7875)

The closest place to park during this time is Jacob Lake. The hike through the snow from Jacob Lake to the North Rim Campground is around 45 miles. Hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers will need to remain off the closed road (per Superintendent's Compendium re: safety from snowplows) and forge a path through the snow.

• Note about Snowmobiles: Snowmobiles are not permitted within the park.
• Note about the Yurt: The North Rim yurt was removed because of safety issues and is no longer available.