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 Closed for the Winter

The information on this page will help you to plan for the 2021 Season on the North Rim, May 15, through October 15, 2021.

Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and is adjusting operations as needed.

Visit this web page for a list of what is currently open, and for park-wide updates >

 

On 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.

During winter months, the North Rim closes because of snow.

 

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, the visitor provides park and regional information, maps, brochures, exhibits, and a bookstore.

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

 

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, 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)

 

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.