If you've never been to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, you'll be surprised how different this experience is from the south. Even on a busy day, the area is less hectic and more relaxed than the much more visited South Rim. Experience is almost intimate if you can use the word to refer to a gaping abyss.
 |
| Cape Royal Grand Canyon North Rim |
Most people flock around the visitor center and Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge, with its attractive patio and many views. And it usually jumps to Cape Imperial and Cape Royal with a view. But you can find a lot of peace and quiet elsewhere on the northern Rim. This guide will help you plan your trip.
 |
| Cape Royal Grand Canyon North Rim |
Where to stay on the North Rim, Lodge Grand Canyon North Rim
This is the only dwelling on the northern rim. The property consists of a main lodge, which features a restaurant, meeting rooms and a popular patio, as well as several room options. From least expensive to most expensive, choose from motel rooms, Frontier cabins, Pioneer cabins, and western cabins. Some western cabins have rim types; the rest of the housing is set in pine trees.
Details: 877-386-4383, www.grandcanyonforever.com.
Camp
North Rim Camping has 90 tent and off-road sites set among pine trees and is open from 15 May to October. 31. Don't worry about showing up without a reservation - you won't get inside. Amenities include toilets, showers, laundry facilities, a general store, and a landfill station, but no connection.
Details: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-nr.htm. Reservations: 877-444-6777, www.recreation.gov.
If you prefer distributed camping, you can camp for free in the Kaibab National Forest outside the park.
5 miles from the entrance to the Northern Ring, Kaibab Lodge
This suburban property dates from around 1926. The surroundings include forest and meadow, and wildlife is abundant. It's a real vacation - there are no TVs or phones, and you won't have cellular or Wi-Fi. Accommodations consist of single to quadruple cabins to accommodate groups of different sizes. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Kaibab Lodge is open from mid May to mid October.
Details: 928-638-2389, www.kaibablodge.com.
 |
| Cape Royal Grand Canyon North Rim |
In Lake Jacob, 45 miles north of the northern rim, Jacob Lake Inn
This all-inclusive hotel is located at the junction of US 89A and State Route 67. In addition to motel rooms and cabins, the Jacob Lake Inn has a restaurant, bakery (trust me - buy some cookies), a small grocery store and a gift shop with an extensive collection of American Indian art. The gas station is located nearby.
Details: 928-643-7232, www.jacoblake.com.
Kaibab Camper Village
This campground is located in the woods near Jacob Lake Inn. Open from May 14 to October. 31. Kaibab Camper Village has tent and RV sites (water, electrical and sewer connections available) and can accommodate RVs over 30 feet. There are also coin-operated showers, a laundry room and a shop.
Details: 928-643-7804, www.kaibabcampervillage.com.
Where to eat
North Rim Lodge has three options. The dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers stunning views. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. The grocery store in Sosny is a place where you can buy regular meals, including sandwiches, salads and pizza. The café also sells muffins, cakes and burritos for breakfast, while the Roughrider Lounge offers adult snacks.
There are many picnic spots in the northern rim - there are tables and grills on the grounds (bring your own coal) and some are located right at the Rim of the canyon. Bring your cooler and eat outdoors or grab supplies from the general store.