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Grand Canyon North Rim | All you need to know about the “other side”

Q: When is the North Rim open to visitors?

The North Rim is open seasonally from May 15 through October 15 each year. It is closed during the winter months due to snow and limited road access.

Q: How is the North Rim different from the South Rim?

The North Rim is quieter, cooler, and more remote than the South Rim. It offers lush pine forests, fewer crowds, and elevated viewpoints with dramatic canyon vistas.

Q: Are tours available to the North Rim from Las Vegas?

Yes. You can book airplane or helicopter tours from Las Vegas that include aerial views and ground excursions to the North Rim, often with hotel transfers and meals included.

Q: Are there hiking trails on the North Rim?

Yes. Trails range from easy walks like Bright Angel Point Trail to challenging hikes like the North Kaibab Trail, which descends to the Colorado River.

Q: Is the North Rim suitable for families?

Absolutely. The North Rim offers easy scenic drives, family-friendly hikes, wildlife spotting, and ranger programs, making it a great option for visitors of all ages.

Grand Canyon North Rim

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon go to the South Rim—and there's a good reason for that. It’s open year-round, has more services, and is easier to reach. But the North Rim offers a quieter, more remote experience that feels like stepping into another version of the canyon altogether. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a more forested setting, the North Rim is worth the extra effort.

Why go on a Grand Canyon North Rim tour

Fewer crowds, more peace

Unlike the South Rim, which sees millions of visitors a year, the North Rim hosts just a fraction of that. You’ll get wide-open views without elbowing for a photo, and hiking trails that feel genuinely remote.

Cooler temperatures in summer

Thanks to its elevation (over 8,000 feet), the North Rim stays cooler than the South Rim. That makes it a great choice if you’re visiting in summer and want to avoid the desert heat.

Unique wildlife

The North Rim is the only place where you can spot the Kaibab squirrel—a species found nowhere else. You might also see bison, which roam the open meadows nearby. Bring binoculars and a bit of patience.

Unfiltered canyon views

With fewer safety railings and commercial development, the North Rim feels wilder. Viewpoints like Cape Royal and Point Imperial offer dramatic views with little between you and the horizon.

Easy day trips from Las Vegas

If you’re short on time, airplane tours from Las Vegas make the North Rim accessible in a single day. Some packages even include hotel pickup, guided stops, and a chance to see the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead along the way.

Things to know before booking your North Rim tour

The North Rim is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15. Due to snow and road closures, it’s inaccessible during the winter months.
There’s no airport at the North Rim. The nearest one is in Kanab, Utah, about a 2-hour drive away. Most visitors arrive by car using highways like I-40, US-89, and AZ-67. From Las Vegas or Phoenix, expect at least a 5–6 hour journey.
Unlike the South Rim, public transportation is limited. However, the Trans-Canyon Shuttle connects the North and South Rims twice daily during the season. The ride takes roughly 4.5 hours and must be booked in advance.
If you're short on time, consider an air and ground tour from Las Vegas. One popular option includes a 90-minute flight plus a guided Polaris Ranger or ATV excursion on arrival.
You can also book a helicopter tour that flies over both the North and South Rims, with the option to add a Hummer tour on the ground. These experiences are a great way to maximize scenic views with minimal travel time.

Your tour options explained

Airplane tours

These typically depart from Las Vegas and include scenic flights over iconic landmarks like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River. Many packages also feature ground-based excursions upon landing, such as Polaris Ranger rides or ATV adventures, plus a hearty barbecue lunch at Bar 10 Ranch. These tours offer a well-rounded blend of aerial sightseeing and rustic canyon exploration.

Recommended tickets:

90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane and Ground Tour

Helicopter tours

These are ideal for those who want a quick but immersive canyon experience. You’ll fly over both the North and South Rims, witnessing geological wonders like the Vishnu Schist and Dragon Corridor from above. Some packages offer an optional Hummer tour for further exploration of the South Rim, either by day or at sunset.

Recommended tickets:

25-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer Tour

What to do at the North Rim

Scenic drives and viewpoints

Drive the 23-mile Cape Royal Scenic Road, a winding route lined with pullouts that lead to jaw-dropping canyon views. Stop at Cape Royal Point for one of the widest panoramic views on the North Rim, complete with picnic areas. Don’t miss Point Imperial, the highest viewpoint in the park, where you’ll see the Painted Desert stretching to the horizon. A short walk from Cape Royal takes you to Angels Window, a natural rock arch that frames the Colorado River far below.

Hiking trails

Try the paved Bright Angel Point Trail, just half a mile round trip, for sweeping canyon views within easy reach of the Grand Canyon Lodge. The Transept Trail winds gently through forests of aspen and pine and connects the Lodge to the North Rim Campground. Up for a challenge? The North Kaibab Trail is the only path from the rim to the river—a demanding hike that rewards with stunning inner canyon scenery. Other options include Cliff Spring Trail, Ken Patrick Trail, and adventurous treks to Ribbon Falls and Deer Creek Falls.

Climb the North Rim Lookout Tower

For a panoramic view that stretches across forested plateaus and the canyon’s rugged depths, head to the North Rim Lookout Tower. Perched above the tree line, this historic fire tower offers a unique vantage point. Fun fact: it was originally built to spot forest fires in the Kaibab National Forest.

Plan your trip

Timings

How to reach?

Entrance

Rules & Regulations

The North Rim is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15, with visitor services operating daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This limited window is due to snow and weather conditions in winter, so planning your visit during the warmer months is essential.

The North Rim is more remote than other areas of the Grand Canyon, which is part of its charm. Highway 67 is the only access road, and it closes in winter. There’s no airport nearby—Kanab, Utah, is the closest at about 2 hours’ drive. Services like the Trans-Canyon Shuttle connect the North and South Rims during the open season for those without a car.

The entrance to the North Rim lies 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, Arizona, along Highway 67. From there, it’s another 14 miles to the actual rim where scenic viewpoints and the Grand Canyon Lodge are located. Jacob Lake sits in northern Arizona along Highway 89A, close to the Utah border.

Stay on designated trails and viewpoints to protect the environment and ensure your safety.
Do not feed, touch, or approach wildlife under any circumstances.
Drones are strictly prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park.
Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings and may be restricted during fire season.
Pets must be leashed at all times and are only allowed in developed areas.
Pack out all trash, including food scraps, to help keep the park clean.
Observe quiet hours in campgrounds from 10 pm to 6 am to respect other visitors.

Frequently asked question about the North Rim

When is the North Rim open to visitors?

The North Rim is open seasonally from May 15 through October 15 each year. It is closed during the winter months due to snow and limited road access.

How is the North Rim different from the South Rim?

The North Rim is quieter, cooler, and more remote than the South Rim. It offers lush pine forests, fewer crowds, and elevated viewpoints with dramatic canyon vistas.

How do I get to the North Rim?

There’s no airport at the North Rim. Most visitors drive from cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City using a combination of highways, including Highway 89A and Highway 67.

Are tours available to the North Rim from Las Vegas?

Yes. You can book airplane or helicopter tours from Las Vegas that include aerial views and ground excursions to the North Rim, often with hotel transfers and meals included.

Are there hiking trails on the North Rim?

Yes. Trails range from easy walks like Bright Angel Point Trail to challenging hikes like the North Kaibab Trail, which descends to the Colorado River.

Is the North Rim suitable for families?

Absolutely. The North Rim offers easy scenic drives, family-friendly hikes, wildlife spotting, and ranger programs, making it a great option for visitors of all ages.