North Rim Open for Business

After a routine six month closure for winter, the North Rim officially opens on May 15. The “other side” historically gets a fraction of the visitation that the South Rim enjoys; but most agree that this is primarily a function of proximity to major highways and urban centers.

There are great rewards for those willing to make the extra effort to reach this high-altitude paradise. Smaller crowds, loftier scenic overlooks, more challenging hiking, and a forest much more lush and diverse than its South Rim counterpart, all make a compelling case for the additional drive time. So plan early (rooms fill quickly) and expand your horizons by visiting what the neighboring Paiute Indians refer to as the “mountain lying down.”

About Mike Buchheit
Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.
As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.