I am going to the Grand Canyon and I am wondering which is better. North or South rim?

Question

I have been 2 times before to the South rim and I will be coming from Phoenix. (I don't live in Phoenix, just visiting).

Answer 1

The two rims are very different and which is better depends on what sort of an experience you are looking for. The North Rim is only open during summer (mid-May to mid-October). This fall it will be closing on Oct 15.

As the poster above notes, the South Rim is more developed and has more lodges and stores and more overlooks that you can easily reach. The North Rim has only one lodge and is much more quiet and peaceful. Because the North Rim has only one lodge (and few other lodging options near by), it is harder to get reservations. All the lodges in the park are ran by Xanterra (see reservation links below).

Aside from facilities, the North Rim is a 1000 feet higher in elevation which makes it quiet a bit cooler and creates an environment of dense pine forests and meadows.

The views are also quiet different. Because the river runs closer to the South Rim, the views there tend to focus on looking downward into the canyon. The North Rim has many long side canyons and so the views tend to be sweeping landscape views looking out over all the intervening mesas, ridges and canyons. They are both spectacular and Point Sublime on the North Rim is considered by many to be the best rim view in the canyon.

Personally, I greatly prefer the North Rim in summer because of the cooler temps and lesser crowds and the very relaxed and peaceful feeling to the historic lodge which is built right on the rim with a big stone patio that is perfect for sunsets. Nice easy hikes can be done along Cliff Spring Trail (near Cape Royale overlook) and out to the old cabin and spring at Muav Saddle near Swamp Point (if you have an SUV). There are also several nice mountain bike trails (including the fantastic Rainbow Rim trail) in the area.

If you have not been to the North Rim yet, than I would definitely recommend it as it is a very different experience than the South Rim. Just make sure you go before it closes and have your reservations lined up in advance. Remember it is much cooler there than even Flagstaff, so dress appropriately.

If you do go, be sure to stop by the little lodge/cafe/store at Jacob Lake (north of the park) and pick up some of the best homemade cookies in the universe. If you drive there along highway 89-89A, interesting side stops can be made at Cameron Trading Post, Lee's Ferry and the nearby old original Navajo Bridge at Marble Canyon.

Answer 2

The South rim is closer to Phoenix and is the more commercial of the two places.

The North rim is about 20 miles away if you are walking (pretty tough walk through the canyon) and more than 200 miles away by car.

The South rim has the attractions that tourists like with better accommodations and more choices for hikes, sightseeing and food. The North rim is quieter with far fewer people.

Make reservations, especially at the North Rim as there is nothing else out there. Also, the North Rim will close for the winter, so check the NPS web site for closing dates.

Answer 3

Both are beautiful. The North Rim is up by Page, AZ near a Navaho reservation. Lake Powell is there. The South Rim is easier to visit.

Answer 4

The North rim is alongside methods from the south rim. you enter many times from utah, by Zion Nat'l Park. the north rim front is especially and there are extra trails yet no longer a lot else. attempt the indian ruins around the grand canyon identifying to purchase and advertising positioned up at Cameron sunset crater walnut creek ruins meteor crater montezumas fortress sedona and rock slide

Answer 5

The North rim is better to me I like to see it in it's natural state not with all the buildings around it.

Answer 6

north rim is nicer! a little farter too, but real nice less crowded..than south rim doesn't have a train (cost per adult $100 plus) williams is nice too place to eat!!! 100 miles.
north rim maybe 150 miles..