North Rim Grand Canyon Tourism

Scenic Grand Canyon North Rim and Kaibab Plateau Offers Forests, Views, Wildlife and Solitude

The Grand Canyon's South Rim is popular, but North Rim Grand Canyon tourism is often overlooked by most visitors.

We think that's a shame because this famous canyon's lesser known north side is one of our favorite places in Arizona. It’s also an outdoor lover's paradise and provides a very different Canyon experience.

Paula takes a snapshot from the Bright Angel Point trail. The peaks of the San Francisco Volcanic Field dot the horizon beyond the South Rim

A Grand Canyon North Rim visit offers a lush pine forest and meadow oasis, spectacular canyon views, a higher elevation with cooler temperatures, charismatic wildlife, and, perhaps best of all — fewer crowds.

Why then does the North Rim see so few visitors?

It's the driving distance.

Although it is only 10 miles from one side of the canyon to the other, taking advantage of North Rim Grand Canyon tourism opportunities requires a 5-hour (220 miles) drive — one way.

While that seems time-consuming, don't let that stop you.

The drive from the South Rim to the North Rim is one of the most scenic in the state as it passes through the gorgeous Painted Desert country of the Navajo Nation and the remote Arizona Strip, crosses over the Colorado River, and climbs up onto the forested Kaibab Plateau (pronounced "kie-bab").

Once you get there, there's plenty to see and do in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest and at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, from hiking and birding to mule trips and cowboy cookouts.

Just remember, the North Rim's high elevation, rugged country is buried in snow for about half the year, so the season for North Rim Grand Canyon tourism is from mid-May to mid-October.

Read on for some of our favorite North Rim Grand Canyon tourism attractions.

North Rim Grand Canyon Tourism Attractions Outside the Park

Jacob Lake
After the scenic but circuitous climb up U.S. Route 89A onto the Kaibab Plateau, Jacob Lake is a welcome stop for Grand Canyon tourism visitors.

Tucked into a grove of shady conifers is the little oasis of Jacob Lake Inn, which has old-fashioned cabins and a motel, restaurant, bakery, country store, gift shop and gas station.

Jacob Lake Inn's convenient lodging is a good alternative when you can't get a room at the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge. The North Rim is just 45 miles south of here on AZ State Route 67 (AZ 67).

Stop in at the U.S. Forest Service's Kaibab Plateau Visitors Center for info on hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping in the surrounding national forest. The Jacob Lake Campground is about a mile away.

What about the lake?

There is no lake; "Jacob Lake" is just a meadow-ringed pond.

However, this small pool of water has long been an important water source for the Paiute people, immigrants and today's visitors because most of the Kaibab Plateau has few permanent water sources.

Read more about the Jacob Lake Inn on our Lodging at Grand Canyon North Rim page.

Kaibab National Forest
The broad Kaibab Plateau stretches for 850,000 acres across Northern Arizona and contains the most extensive remaining old growth forest in the Southwest.

Eighty percent of this increasingly rare forest type lies within the Kaibab National Forest's North Kaibab Ranger District.

Those heading south on AZ 67 and in a hurry to get to North Rim Grand Canyon tourism attractions in the park might be inclined to speed through the Kaibab.

We think that's a mistake because the North Kaibab is one of the most beautiful forests in Arizona.

These scenic lands encompass high desert, pinyon pine – juniper woodlands, rugged canyons, verdant meadows that attract wildlife, and towering stands of mixed conifers and aspens.

You'll find plenty to do in the Kaibab including camping, hiking, horseback riding, biking, wildlife watching, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

There are also two wilderness areas within the North Kaibab — the Kanab Creek Wilderness and Saddle Mountain Wilderness.

AZ 67, which travels to the North Rim entrance, cuts through the heart of the forest. It's one of the most scenic drives in Arizona.

The haunting, charred remains of trees burned during the 2006 Warm Fire accompany you for part of the drive.

Despite the devastation, keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, coyotes and bison - yes, bison! - in the meadows just beyond the pavement.

The North Kaibab is also known for its abundant herds of regal, large-antlered Kaibab mule deer.

What does Kaibab mean? It is a Paiute word for "mountains lying down," referring to the plateau's lack of distinctive peaks.

Notes: AZ State Route 67 is usually closed by heavy snows from late November to mid-May.

Saddle Mountain Wilderness
If you're really looking for solitude during your North Rim Grand Canyon tourism adventure, the 40,600-acre Saddle Mountain Wilderness is a great option.

Located in the extreme southeast corner of the North Kaibab Ranger District, this rugged and rocky wildland is bordered on three sides by precipitous canyons.

It's also on the edge of the bison herd range in House Rock Valley.

Saddle Mountain has the only perennial, flowing stream in the North Kaibab. Located in North Canyon, the stream is home to the rare Apache trout.

The moderate 2-mile, one way North Canyon Trail drops down into the canyon to the creek and offers panoramic views east to House Rock Valley, the Vermilion Cliffs, and Marble Canyon along the way.

Notes: Contact the North Kaibab Ranger District for current conditions before you travel in the wilderness. Follow Leave No Trace principles. Be prepared for difficult terrain and conditions. Good route-finding skills are necessary for traveling in the wilderness.

Access: During summer and early fall, Saddle Mountain Wilderness can be reached from AZ 67 via either Forest Road (FR) 610 or 611. Year round access is from Buffalo Ranch Road (FR 445), off of US 89A about 20 miles east of Jacob Lake. Motorized vehicles are not permitted inside the wilderness boundary.

Facilities: None

Season: Open year round, weather permitting.

Wildlife Viewing
Another one of our favorite North Rim Grand Canyon tourism attractions is the wildlife.

Both sides of the canyon are home to many animal species, from ground squirrels and canyon wrens to mountain lions and bighorn sheep.

However, the Kaibab Plateau's wide meadows, ringed by firs, pines and aspens, are a prime spot to see elk, deer, turkeys, coyotes, bobcats, and even bison.

Birds are also numerous and include northern goshawks, blue grouse, Williamson's sapsuckers, red crossbills, Grace's warbler, and the magnificent and endangered California condor.

In the forest, keep an eye out for the striking, tassel-eared, white-tailed and dark-bodied Kaibab squirrel, which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau.

North Rim Grand Canyon Tourism Attractions Inside the Park

Grand Canyon Lodge
Although you'll get tantalizing glimpses of the canyon from the main park road, you won't get the full effect of the grandeur until you step inside the lodge.

Here, a massive picture window is your first full view, and it's jaw-dropping.

The warm and charming Grand Canyon Lodge is the hub of activities at the North Rim. In addition to providing both cabins and motel style rooms, it has four restaurants, a gift shop, convenience store, and service station.

If you're interested in taking a mule ride or want to sign up for the Grand Canyon Cookout Experience, an old fashioned cowboy cookout, stop by the lodge's front desk.

One of our favorite North Rim Grand Canyon tourism activities isn't very active at all.

We like to head outside to the broad flagstone terraces behind the lodge for their amazing views.

We recommend getting there before late afternoon so you can sit in one of the coveted and comfortable wicker chairs to watch the glorious sunset in comfort. You may even see a California condor soar by.

For more about Grand Canyon Lodge, read our page on Grand Canyon North Rim Lodging.

North Rim Visitor Center
Before your start your North Rim Grand Canyon tourism adventure, stop in at the visitor center.

Here, a ranger can answer any questions and suggest hikes and activities. There are interpretive exhibits, too, and you can pick up park maps, brochures and trail guides.

We recommend participating in one of the free ranger-led interpretive programs, which start here, as a great way to get an introduction to the North Rim.

Program topics may include the condor talk, Grand Canyon geology and the Ancestral Puebloan people.

The non-profit Grand Canyon Association runs the bookstore in the visitor center, and is a great resource for getting maps, guidebooks, and more. You tax-free purchases help support ranger programs and research projects in the park.

Notes: Open mid-May to mid-October daily 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Be prepared for the North Rim's high elevation and arid conditions. Be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring water for all daytime ranger programs. Programs may be canceled due to rain, snow or lightning. Programs are wheelchair accessible with assistance. Children must be accompanied by an adult for all programs.

Brighty of the Grand Canyon

One of the most charming North Rim Grand Canyon tourism attractions is easy to overlook but worth a visit.

In the Grand Canyon lodge sun room stands a life-sized bronze statue to one of the Grand Canyon’s most famous employees, "Brighty."

This friendly and independent burro lived at the North Rim from 1892 to 1922, and was a favorite of visitors and staff.

His life and adventures were even immortalized in a book and movie. Read more about Brighty of the Grand Canyon.

Bright Angel Point Trail
Many of the best North Rim Grand Canyon tourism activities are hikes and this is one of the easiest.

Starting from the lodge patio, this ½-mile round trip walk follows the rim to Bright Angel Point, where you'll get dramatic vistas of the South Rim and the soaring peaks that dot the San Francisco Volcanic Field beyond the park.

Along the way are great views of Transept, Bright Angel and Roaring Springs Canyons.

When you reach the point, listen closely and you may hear the sound of Roaring Springs, the only source of water for both sides of the Grand Canyon, flowing out of the cliff 3,100 feet below.

Click here for a copy of the free National Park Service Bright Angel Point trail guide.

Transept Trail
Named for the canyon it overlooks, the Transept Trail is another great North Rim Grand Canyon tourism hike.

This 1½-mile trail (one way) starts at the lodge, meanders along the western edge of the rim, and ends at the North Rim Campground.

You'll have stunning views of the canyon all along this route.

But to really get a real bird's eye view, take the short side spur a few yards west of the lodge. Climb down the steep stone steps to the dramatic finger of rock that juts out into the canyon. Although safe, the descent is not for the faint of heart.

The Transept Trail is also a good spot to see California condors.

North Kaibab Trail
Hiking into the canyon is one of the most popular Grand Canyon tourism activities.

This famous trail is the favorite for a rim-to-rim hike. It is also the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim.

The North Kaibab Trail offers dramatic scenery and a strenuous and steep, 6,000-foot descent to the Colorado River.

Although it may be tempting, DO NOT try to hike down to the river and back in a day.

The complete 28-mile roundtrip hike is too long, too strenuous, and can be potentially life-threatening, especially during the summer months.

Instead, to get a sense of what it is like below the rim, try the 1.5-mile round trip hike to the Coconino Overlook or the 4-mile roundtrip trek to Supai Tunnel, both of which are doable as day hikes.

Besides stunning views and an up-close look at the canyon's geology, highlights along the trail include Roaring Springs Canyon and the Redwall Bridge.

Notes: Remember it takes longer to climb out of the canyon than to walk down. Do not hike during the hottest part of the day.

Backpackers can camp overnight at Cottonwood Campground, Bright Angel Campground or stay at Phantom Ranch (permits and/or reservations required).

Before you hike, read the National Park Service's free North Kaibab Trail guide and the Backcountry Hiking brochure.

Cape Royal Scenic Drive
Although to get to these North Rim Grand Canyon tourism attractions requires some driving, it's well worth the time.

Many of the North Rim's most beautiful scenery is along this paved road, which crosses the Walhalla Plateau and ends at Cape Royal, 23 miles southeast of the Grand Canyon Lodge.

Cape Royal offers the North Rim's southernmost viewpoint. Try to spot famous North Rim monoliths including Apollo's Temple, Vishnu Temple and Wotan's Throne.

There's also a short, easy hike to Angel's Window, a huge natural, rock arch that protrudes into the canyon.

Other good viewpoints along this drive include Vista Encantada, Roosevelt Point and Walhalla Overlook.

Don't miss Walhalla Ruins, an ancient Native American dwelling thought to be 1,000 years old. You'll find the ruins about a little over a mile north of Cape Royal on the west side of the road.

We recommend bringing a picnic lunch and plenty of water with you for this North Rim Grand Canyon tourism outing.

Notes: Cape Royal Drive begins 3 miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge. There is no water along this route or at any of the viewpoints.

See the National Park Service's North Rim Driving map for details on the Cape Royal Drive.

Point Imperial
Point Imperial is another one of the North Rim Grand Canyon tourism sites that offers superb views.

That's because at 8,803 feet, it's the highest viewpoint anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park.

Also set on the Walhalla Plateau, the point is about 18 miles north of Cape Royal.

From up here, you'll get very good views of Mt. Hayden, Marble Canyon and Saddle Mountain.

Look north to the Utah border and you'll see Navajo Mountain, one of the four sacred peaks that marks the traditional boundaries of the Navajo peoples' homeland.

This area was once heavily forested but is now mostly meadows, a result of the 2000 Outlet Fire.

Notes: The road to Point Imperial begins 5 miles from the start of Cape Royal Drive. Point Imperial Road is 3 miles. There is no water along this route.

Toroweap (aka Tuweap)
Toroweap is a true a Grand Canyon tourism wilderness experience.

Although Toroweap is part of Grand Canyon National Park, it lies west of the North Rim on the sparsely populated Arizona Strip.

This difficult to reach corner of the park is not for the faint of heart or those inexperienced in backcountry desert travel.

Getting to Toroweap requires a high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle in order to travel the 60 miles of washboard, barely-maintained dirt road from AZ State Route 389.

Because it is so hard to reach, only about 0.2 % of all Grand Canyon visitors make it to this lonely and remote spot.

The reward for this effort is peace and quiet, and dramatic, jaw-dropping views unlike any other in the park.

At the Toroweap Overlook, the Grand Canyon narrows to less than a mile across. The sheer, 3,000 foot drop to the river provides a breathtaking viewpoint.

Other highlights include seeing Lava Falls rapids, the largest on the river and one of the most dangerous, and the Toroweap campground, which is primitive and one of the most scenic in the state.

At night, there are more stars than you thought possible.

Important Toroweap Grand Canyon Tourism Note: Interested in visiting? Before you go, be sure to read our full page on Toroweap and the attached Grand Canyon National Park Service brochure before you decide to travel there.

North Rim Grand Canyon Tourism: What to Know Before You Go

This information was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the National Park Service before making Grand Canyon tourism reservations and/or travel plans.

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