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

Most people go to the South Rim when they visit the Grand Canyon, mostly because it’s open year-round and has a lot more services and attractions. But if you’re looking to go beyond the traditional Grand Canyon experience and want a cooler, quieter, and more adventurous visit, then the North Rim might be the perfect fit for you.

Grand Canyon’s North Rim | An overview

North Grand Canyon cliffs under a blue sky, view from helicopter tour.
  • 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

What makes the North Rim unique in the Grand Canyon region

Grand Canyon view from North Rim campsite with trees and layered rock formations.
Person sitting at North Rim, Grand Canyon, watching sunset over canyon landscape.
Elk standing among trees in Grand Canyon National Park.
Tent on cliff edge at Point Sublime, North Rim Grand Canyon.
Angels Window rock formation on Cape Royal Trail, North Rim, Grand Canyon.
Hiker overlooking the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, Arizona, USA.
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Diverse forested regions

While the dominant type of forested region you will find is ponderosa pine, other areas spread across the North Rim also include a blend of oak woodlands, conifers, and meadows and grasslands.

Higher altitudes offer cooler temperatures

Since the North Rim is at a high elevation (8,000 feet), the temperatures are significantly cooler in the summers as compared to the South Rim, at a comfortable 73°F (23°C) to 77°F (25°C) range during the day.

Rich in biodiversity

You will also spot multiple animals, insects, and amphibians, depending on which area/trail you are visiting in the North Rim, ranging from the endemic Kaibab squirrel to the rare California Condors, mules, elk, or the Mexican spotted owl if you’re really lucky.

Fewer crowds for a more peaceful exploration

Since the North Rim offers fewer amenities than the South Rim, it attracts fewer visitors, even in peak tourist season (June to August), making it an ideal place to explore for those who want a more intimate experience at the Grand Canyon.

Unmatched views at viewpoints

The higher elevation offers incredible views of the canyon region from the viewpoints, especially at Cape Royal during the sunset, often leaving people stunned at the sheer “grand-ness” of the Grand Canyon.

Ideal for seasoned hikers, campers, and adventurers

If you’re looking for an offbeat experience or want to spend more time at the Grand Canyon camping, hiking, or trying to spot the unique wildlife, then the North Rim is the ideal place to do so.

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.

Frequently asked questions about the North Rim at Grand Canyon

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.

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