One of the most anticipated events of the year in Grand Canyon National Park is the official resumption of visitor services on the North Rim. Once again the target date was May 15, and with much effort from NPS personnel and park partners, they are going to meet this goal.
If you have yet to visit the “other side,” the North Rim has much to offer despite its comparatively smaller tourist infrastructure.
Looming one thousand feet higher than the South Rim in terms of elevation, the North Rim is often cooler and receives more rainfall. It also plays hosts to far fewer visitors—making it easier to avoid the crowds.
This author’s favorite things to do on the North Rim include sunrise photography at Point Imperial, hiking the length of the Widforss Trail along the rim, sunrise coffee and scones at the Roughrider Saloon (and an IPA with good company after dark), and sunset photography at Cape Royal. Throw in a ranger talk or two on the patio outside the Grand Canyon Lodge to cap off a weekend you’ll remember for years to come.
Oh yes, be sure to treat yourself to a nice meal and homemade cookies at the Jacob Lake Inn as you turn south onto Highway 67 as you head toward the park.
Reservations do fill quickly, so be sure to plan early. Follow this link the NPS website for trip planning information on the North Rim: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/north-rim.htm
