The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is more remote, has fewer visitors, and is less commercialized then the South Rim. The North Rim is twenty-three miles by trail from the South Rim, ten miles straight across by air, yet two hundred fifty miles to drive.
After a drive, through the town Jacob’s Lake, past the beautiful meadows that are edged by pine woodlands, the visitor is almost abruptly at the North Rim parking area. It is a short walk to the Visitor Center and the Grand Lodge. Entering the lodge, you pass from a parking lot to the massive sitting room. This room is filled with cushion chairs positioned for a survey of this section of the Canyon. The south-facing wall is covered floor to ceiling windows. The view from the Grand Lodge is magnificent. The added height of the North Rim allows for better views than the South Rim, some encompassing over 80 miles. The laid back atmosphere at the North Rim is often referred to as "camping like in the fifties".
In the sitting room is a statue of Brighty. Brighty, a legendary mule of the Grand Canyon, is literally a touch point for the history of the Grand Canyon. The visitors relive the legends of Grand Canyon (be sure to rub Brighty’s nose), and dream of making their own.
Two observation points are right out the door of the Grand Lodge. A walk out to both the views will last a lifetime and draw you back again and again. The first is just to the right, a short walk to a point which allows views into this side canyon. The second of these two is Bright Angel Point, a one-half-mile trail. Both Bright Angel Point and anywhere along the trail provide remarkable views.
These views include portions of the North Kaibab Trail. Because of its heights, the North Rim is where most rim to rim hikers choose to start. The North Kaibab trail starts just outside the developed area of the rim (lodge, cabins, campground, visitors center). Take some time and venture below the rim on this trail. The forest is in sharp contrast to the south rim and less than five percent of the visitors ever go below the rim. This trail can be taken as a day hike with a turn around at Roaring Springs.
If the time at the Canyon does not allow for a rim to rim hike, explore outside of the immediate developed area of the North Rim with drives to Point Imperial or Cape Royal.
The first rule of hiking is, always carry enough water. The North Rim provides a supply of water and ice direct from Roaring Springs. This marvelous free sample of the Grand Canyon must to be sampled, and if hiking, fill a canteen. This water provides a wonderful refresher the entire hike. Be sure to fill your bottles and stay healthy. Good hiking boots protect your feet and prevent slips and slides along the edge. The third key rule is hold children's hands! Don't forget the sunscreen, especially at this altitude.
Kim Youmans - Kim Youmans is an acclaimed educator, teaching preschool through graduate school. He writes about Theology, travels, and the outdoors.
