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The Grand Canyon
The North Rim
The North Rim is the least accessible of the 2 Grand Canyon rims. Only
open mid-May through mid-October, and 1000 feet higher than its South Rim cousin across the canyon,
the North Rim affords visitors a very different perspective of the Canyon. Due to the lack of accessibility (while
only 10 air miles from the South Rim, it's necessary to travel 220 miles to reach it) and shorter visitation schedules,
far less people visit the North Rim than the South. Less crowds mean less congestion, but it also means less services
(lodging, camping, restaurants, etc.) than on the South Rim.
North Rim Driving.
Cape Royal Drive traverses the North Rim. Among the lookouts available are Vista Encantadora, Walhalla Overlook
and Cape Royal. The North Rim visitor center is located in the Grand Canyon Lodge area (not far from the entrance)
and is staffed by Park Rangers. Casual hikers can find 2 trails, Bright Angel Point Trail (1/2 miles) and Transept
Trail (1 1/2 miles) in the Grand Canyon Lodge area.
North Rim Hiking.
The North Rim offers excellent hiking choices, due in large part to the less crowded trail conditions (although
in mid-Summer, virtually any trail in Grand Canyon National Park will see activity). Trails skirt the rim as well
as descend into the Inner Canyon. Frommer's Grand Canyon National Park
by Alex Wells, available at 20% discount from Amazon.com, has an excellent
section on each of the North Rim Trails.
North Rim Mule Rides.
Mule rides are available on the North Rim in varying lengths, from 1 hour to a full day. Some of the rides enter
the Canyon, but do not go to the river. Less crowds mean somewhat better chances of getting a reservation than
those rides that originate on the South Rim.
North Rim Camping.
All camping permits are through the National
Park Service Reservation System. As is with many lodging
and recreation facilities, the earlier you book the better your chance will be in securing a spot
The Inner Canyon | The
South Rim
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