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Contents
Grand Canyon’s North Rim | An overview
- Location: 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, with another 15 miles from the park entrance to the rim and lodge. | Find on Maps
- Elevation: 8,297 ft (2,529 m)
- Open days: Mid-May to mid-October
- Average summer temperatures: 76°F (24°C) / 43°F (6°C)
- Average winter temperatures: 39°F (4°C) / 17.5°F (-8°C)
- Monsoon months: July and August, with frequent thunderstorms and risk of flash floods
About the North Rim
Formation and geology
- The Kaibab Uplift is the highest region that resulted in the North rim, created by tectonic plate activity.
- You can see exposed metamorphic rock formations on the canyon floor (Inner Gorge) from the North Rim that are about 1.8 billion years old, known as Vishnu’s Basement Rocks.
- Kaibab Limestone is the most dominant type of sedimentary rock that can be seen in the North Rim.
- The geological history of the North Rim is quite close to that of the South Rim, except for a few distinct rock formations that are more easily visible at the higher elevation.
- The Toroweap Formation, found directly below the Kaibab Limestone, is followed by layers of Coconino Sandstone (wind-created formations with distinct patterns that indicate the existence of ancient sand dunes) and finally the Hermit Shale, which are the most easily spotted deposits due to their reddish-brown color and distinct slope structure.
Flora and fauna
- The North Rim is a densely forested region with some meadowy landscapes, and the high elevation and snowfall create the perfect climatic conditions for biodiversity.
- The forest regions feature Ponderosa Pine, Engelman Spruce, Blue Spruce, Quaking Aspen, White Fir, and Subalpine Fir species.
- You can also find juniper shrubs and grasses in the North Rim, though they make up less than 5% of the total vegetation in the area.
- Higher elevations in the North Rim, coupled with dense vegetation, support a lot more diverse animal species than the South Rim.
- Fauna: Black bear, mountain lion, mule, elk, the California Condor, mountain short-horned lizard, Kaibab squirrel, Kaibab bison, and more.
Popular viewpoints and trails at the North Rim
North Rim viewpoints
- Bright Angel Point: The most accessible viewpoint in the North Rim with paved pathways and a short hike from the North Rim Lodge, great for sunrise or sunset.
- Point Imperial: The highest point in the North Rim, with clear views of the eastern canyon region, Marble Canyon, and more.
- Cape Royal: A favorite spot to catch the sunset for all visitors, photographers, and hikers alike.
- Angel’s Window: Watch the Colorado River and the canyon through an arch that creates a natural frame for the perfect photo.
- Roosevelt’s Point: Panoramic views of the Grand Canyon that you can access after navigating a short yet scenic wooded trail, named after former President Theodore Roosevelt, honoring his conservation efforts.
North Rim trails
- Bright Angel Point Trail: An easy, 0.5-mile trail that leads to Bright Angel Point, which is partially paved, and can be accessed by people of all fitness levels.
- Transept Trail: A forested trail that takes you through the ponderosa pines, approximately 3.7 miles long, from the North Rim Lodge to the North Rim Campground.
- Point Imperial Trail: Depending on where you want to start, your trail can be 2.9 miles long through a partially paved pathway leading you to Point Imperial, or a 20-mile-long, round-trip hike that combines the Ken Patrick Trail, connects with the Point Imperial Trail, and leads you towards the North Kaibab Trail region.
- Cape Royal Trail: Another 0.5-mile-long, paved trail that is easy to navigate, much like the Bright Angel Point Trail, leading you to the Cape Royal viewpoint. You will also pass Angel’s Window on this route.
- North Kaibab Trail: The 24-mile rim-to-rim hike starts from the rim and leads into the canyon, and is considered to be highly strenuous. Even for advanced hikers, it’s recommended that they do not complete it in a single day.
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Frequently asked questions about the North Rim at Grand Canyon
When is the best time to visit for weather, views, and fewer crowds?
Late May to early June or early October give crisp air, long daytime views, and far fewer people than summer. Spring and fall bring wildflower and aspen color windows at higher elevation, while summer offers the warmest temps but also the highest visitation.
Can I do a meaningful visit in a day, or should I stay overnight?
You can see the main overlooks (Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal, Point Imperial) in a long day, but staying overnight transforms the visit, especially if you want to hike or camp in the region.
How long does Bright Angel Point and other short viewpoints take? Are they accessible?
Bright Angel Point takes about an hour’s time, whereas Cape Royal and Point Imperial are drive-to overlooks with short walks. Each viewpoint highlights a different angle of the canyon and the entire landscape in general, making each hike and drive worth it.
How far is the North Rim from Las Vegas (or other gateway cities)?
Expect a long, scenic drive: Las Vegas to the North Rim is roughly 270 miles and usually takes around 4.5 hours, depending on your route and number of stops, so plan for a full travel day.
Are there food, water, and cellphone services at the North Rim?
Services are limited compared with the South Rim: food and fuel options are minimal, and cell coverage is spotty or nonexistent in many places. Bring refillable water, snacks, and a charged power bank.
What should I pack for a North Rim visit?
Layered clothing (warm mornings, hot/noon, cool evenings), sturdy shoes (even for short rim walks), 2+ liters of water per person for short outings, sun protection, a small daypack, binoculars for canyon details, and a downloaded map (or printed as cell service is spotty).