The North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is over 200 miles from the South Rim if you travel using a land vehicle like a car or RV. If you were to take the laborious hike from the North Rim to the South Rim the distance would only be approximately 21 miles but it might take you 2 or 3 days to get there. Like the South Rim, the North Rim is teaming with activities such as hiking, bicycling and rafting. There are also free activities to enjoy on the North Rim and most of these are sponsored by the National Park Service.
The North Rim in the Grand Canyon National Park also provides inside the park camping at a National Park Service Campground and other commercial camping sites outside of the park. Unlike the South Rim the North Rim does not provide shuttle service around the park although there is the Transcanyon Shuttle that travels from the South Rim.
Traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
Driving to the North Rim is a wonderfully scenic journey through aspen and evergreen forests. At an elevation between 8200 and 9000 feet you will travel through mountain meadows and see deer and other wildlife along the way. Take Highway 89A to Jacob Lake and Turn South on Highway 67. You will then travel about 45 miles across the Kaibab Plateau on a two lane road that will take you to the North Rim. The road to the North Rim usually opens in Mid May depending on the weather and stays open until the snow is heavy during the month of November.
The Grand Canyon National Park North Rim Visitor Center
As with any trip around the Grand Canyon National Park, it is always helpful to stop by the Visitor Center. The North Rim Visitor center is open from 8:00 AM through 6:00 PM from the middle of May until sometime in November. Once you get to the Visitor Center talk with the Rangers about the free activities offered at the North Rim. You will also have access to maps and other information that will help you plan your visit to the North Rim.
Weather at the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
When you visit the North Rim prepare yourself for unpredictable weather. In the summer the heat can be very intense, and summer thunderstorms should be expected. This means visitors should bring some rain gear and summer accessories like hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and appropriate clothing. If you are averse to the heat then a good time to visit the North Rim in the Spring or the Fall, although you may encounter more rain during these times the temperatures are much cooler than the middle of summer.
More Destinations and Activities
at the North Rim
