If you are not sure which side of the Grand Canyon to visit, the North Rim is less visited, higher in elevation, and the trails and view points are a bit more spread out than you will find in the South Rim.
After a three-day camping trip at the North Rim campground over Labor Day weekend, we loved how it was not very crowded. It felt less like the other national parks in the area because of this. Also, with the temperatures hovering around 110 degrees, we were pleased to be in the higher altitudes and cooler temperatures.
Here is our guide to a great trip at the Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim.
Hikes
North Kaibab Trail to the Supai Tunnel – We ended up going a bit further, but not quite to the Redwall Bridge. It was the main hike of our trip, but it was unusually hot the weekend we were here (110* at the bottom of the canyon). It gave us motivation to come back one day and hike Rim to Rim!
Transept Trail – Staying at the campground, we liked to take this trail one way to the Lodge and the next trail (Bridle Trail) on the way back to the campground.
Bridle Trail – This really seems like a trail to connect you to all of the trailheads in the main North Rim area, yet, it takes you right along the edge of the Canyon plus provides great shade!
Bright Angel – We watched the sunset from this trail on our first trip to the Grand Canyon. Our plan was to go back for sunset while we were there in our most recent trip. However, with putting the baby to sleep and the appeal of a campfire (+s’mores!) was very strong and we ended up staying by our tent every night.
Cape Royal Drive, Viewpoints, and Hiking Trail – This is a 23 mile scenic drive with many viewpoints along the way and a short trail at the end of the road to see the Angel’s Window. We love these spots, and they are the best views of the Grand Canyon (in my opinion).
Where to Stay
North Rim Campground – We got a spot here for Labor Day weekend, when booking it back in June. It is a very nice campground, far less crowded and chaotic than the campgrounds in Zion National Park, the bathrooms are clean, and there are pay showers and laundry available!
North Rim Lodge – This will be where we stay if we ever hike Rim to Rim!! It is not easy to book, so you have to book it very early!
Jacob Lake Inn – In order to cut down on the driving to the park, we stayed here the night before. It is about 50 minutes – 1 hour away from the park, but it is cozy, and they have a nice gift shop, convenient store, and restaurant. I would NOT recommend filling up on gas here. There are much cheaper stations closer to the park.
What to Eat
General Store
Packed Meals (my favorite!) and Jet Boil
