The North Rim just re-opened for the season and did you know that side of the canyon is rarely visited? If you’re wondering whether or not you should check it out this summer, here are some good reasons to pay the North Rim a visit.
- One of the best reasons to visit? The North Rim sees fewer visitors each year when compared to the South Rim, meaning the area is also much quieter.
moar_swimps/Flickr By most counts, the North Rim has one-tenth of the visitors each year.
- In that same vein, the smaller crowds creates a more relaxed atmosphere. Without tourists rushing to squeeze a visit into one day, you’ll find people are a little more stress-free here.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
- This also means the campgrounds and lodge are less populated, quieter, and comfortable.
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
- The North Rim is about 10 degrees cooler than the South Rim.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr The North Rim sits at a higher elevation and is a little more heavily forested, making this area feel quite cooler and more shady through the summer.
- The cooler weather and smaller crowds also means you get to see more wildlife.
Justin Brockie/Flickr
- Take advantage of the additional two-hour drive to get to the North Rim.
Michael Wilson/Flickr Drive through the Navajo Nation, over Marble Canyon, past Vermilion Cliffs and Jacob Lake, all of which are beautiful lands.
- Get a different point of view.
Elizabeth Haslam/Flickr Depending on who you talk to, the North Rim is either slightly or dramatically different from the South Rim. There are fewer viewpoints here but it’s certainly different from what most people will see when visiting the canyon.
- If you want a quieter and/or more challenging hike, the North Rim is the spot for you.
ActiveSteve/Flickr
- Mule trips, other such tours, and other activities tend to be a little less expensive and less congested.
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
- A little later in the year when fall arrives, the North Rim is perfect for seeing the changing leaves.
Rachel Titiriga/Flickr
Have you visited the Grand Canyon’s North Rim? Let us know what your experience was like!
moar_swimps/Flickr
By most counts, the North Rim has one-tenth of the visitors each year.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
The North Rim sits at a higher elevation and is a little more heavily forested, making this area feel quite cooler and more shady through the summer.
Justin Brockie/Flickr
Michael Wilson/Flickr
Drive through the Navajo Nation, over Marble Canyon, past Vermilion Cliffs and Jacob Lake, all of which are beautiful lands.
Elizabeth Haslam/Flickr
Depending on who you talk to, the North Rim is either slightly or dramatically different from the South Rim. There are fewer viewpoints here but it’s certainly different from what most people will see when visiting the canyon.
ActiveSteve/Flickr
Rachel Titiriga/Flickr
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