North Rim

 

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

 

Visit this webpage (updated daily) for the South Rim list of what is open and closed, hours of operation, and COVID-19 updates.

The North Rim is Closed for the Winter

• On Thursday, December 1, State Route 67, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park closed to all vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all North Rim services are scheduled to re-open for the 2023 season on May 15th, 2023 (subject to change).

• The North Rim campground is available for winter camping, with a backcountry permit, for those hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim — or by those cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking the 45 miles overland from Jacob Lake. How to obtain a Backcountry Permit >

 

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 park 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 NPS.
• Lodge and campground open for the season on 5/15/2023

2023 Reservations for Lodging are recommended.
The lodge also provides food and beverage service.

Reservations for the North Rim Campground are required.

 

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

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
Located adjacent to the parking lot for Grand Canyon Lodge and Bright Angel Point. A park store and bookshop are inside. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Public restrooms and outdoor exhibits are located behind the visitor center building.

Rangers will staff an outdoor information desk daily at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk. More about the information desk and daily 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

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER. The North Rim 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 (only accepting credit and debit cards). Available for as long as State Route 67 is open; usually through November 30.

Note: Although the park is exploring options for installation of Electric Vehicle Charging infrastructure, the charging of Electric Vehicles can not be accommodated at this time. The nearest electric charging stations to North Rim are located in Kanab, UT.

Garage Services

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER. The Service Station inside the park does not provide any repair services, only gasoline and diesel fuel.

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. 15, 2022, 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)

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER. Located on the access road leading to the North Rim Campground. Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.

Post Office

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER.
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 to winter hikers and backpackers are provided by park rangers on duty. Dial 911 from your phone.

Lost and Found

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
For information about lost and found property contact the visitor center information desk or the Grand Canyon Lodge front desk, or call (928) 638-261 Mail: Lost and Found, North Rim Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona 86052

Book and Gift Shops

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
GC Conservancy Park Store in the Visitor Center Building: 9 am to 5 pm

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
Grand Canyon Lodge Gift Shop: 8 am to 9 pm

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
Camper Store by Campground: General Store and Groceries

Camping Equipment

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
Camping, hiking, and backpacking equipment may be purchased at the Camper Store at the entrance to the North Rim Campground.

North Rim Mule Trips

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
Visit Grand Canyon Trail Rides' website or call 435-679-8665 for more information and to book a trip. Trail rides are offered between May 15 and October 15.

Religious Services

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
Religious services may be 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 CLOSED

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.

The NORTH RIM SCENIC DRIVE IS CLOSED FOR THE WINTER.

Note: RVs over 22 feet long, and vehicle-trailer combinations with a total length over 22 feet, are not permitted on the Scenic Drive due to narrow, windy roads with blind corners.

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.