North Rim to Open on May 15

North Rim's Grand Canyon Lodge | Photo by Mike Buchheit — North Rim’s Grand Canyon Lodge | Photo by Mike Buchheit

One of the most highly-anticipated days at Grand Canyon National Park is the re-opening of the North Rim for the summer season. The mid-October closure is an annual affair—one that acknowledges a seasonal dip in travel during the off season and a heavier snowpack on the park’s higher rim.

If you’re planning on making the journey to the “other side” be sure to make your reservations early as accommodations are limited, and thus hotly contested by would-be visitors.

One new activity for families this year will be a morning guided tour on the North Kaibab Trail offered by the Grand Canyon Field Institute (the outdoor education program directed by this author). Follow this link for more information on the park’s official press release for the re-opening:

NPS Release – Grand Canyon’s North Rim to Open May 15 for the 2014 Summer Season

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.