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Home/Canyon Column/2018 Archives/Over There: North Rim Re-Opens on May 15

Over There: North Rim Re-Opens on May 15

A sneak peak at the man behind the camera and words, Mike Buchheit
A sneak peak at the man behind the camera and words, Mike Buchheit

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park opens today, and will play host to hundreds of thousands of visitors, until mid-October when it closes again for the winter. Savvy Grand Canyon enthusiasts often make a tradition of spending a night or two each season on the higher of the two rims, as it has much to offer. With far fewer visitors than the South Rim, the pace on the opposite side is slower, and the number of visitors fewer, making for a more leisurely, intimate canyon experience.

Where the developed North Rim lags in below-the-rim hiking trails (limited to the North Kaibab Trail), it excels in rim-based hiking with the Ken Patrick, Widforss, Cape Final, and Cliff Springs Trails—each with unique histories, views, and terrain. As for scenic overlooks, it’s hard to beat the sweeping views from Cape Royal, Point Imperial, or Bright Angel Point. For those with high-clearance vehicles and a sense of adventure, nearby Point Sublime is a gem with command panoramic views in every direction.

The higher elevation on the North Rim translates into cooler temperatures, more precipitation, and a forest lush with high-altitude trees such as spruce, fir, and quaking aspen. At the end of the day, visitors can enjoy an adult beverage on the Grand Canyon Lodge patio while watching a dramatic sunset and savoring the day’s activities.

The biggest challenge for those headed to the “other side” is the limited number of rooms. Lodging options and other planning tips can be accessed by following this link: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/north-rim.htm

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  • North Rim Trails/Day Hikes
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  • North Rim Dining and Food Service – inside and outside the park

Published on: May 15, 2018

Categories: 2018 Archives, Canyon ColumnTags: Bright Angel Point, Cape Final, Cape Royal, Cliff Springs Trail, Ken Patrick Trail, North Kaibab Trail, North Rim, Point Imperial, Point Sublime, summer season, Widforss Trail

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.

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