Personal blog about states
The north rim is amazing! Completely different from the south. In my opinion it’s worth it. It’s only open for a few months if the year and can be very difficult to get reservations at.
Take Highway 64 east to Cameron, AZ. From Cameron, take Highway 89 north to Bitter Springs, AZ. From Bitter Springs, take Highway 89Alt west to Jacob Lake, AZ. From Jacob Lake, take Highway 67 south to the North Rim .
Nearest Lodging Outside of the Park Kaibab Plateau, 18 miles (30 km) north of the North Rim. Kaibab Lodge * (open May through October) (928) 638-2389. Jacob Lake 45 miles (72 km) north of the North Rim. Jacob Lake Inn * (open all year) 928-643-7232.
The South Rim is at a lower elevation which allows you to get a better view of the walls of the opposite rim . The sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon is much more visible from the South Rim . The South Rim is more “user friendly” with paved paths along the rim . In the winter, The South Rim is covered in snow.
110 miles
The Grand Canyon’s Best Scenic Viewpoints Mather Point , South Rim. Redwall Bridge, North Rim. Hopi Point, South Rim Trail. Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail. Shoshone Point, South Rim. Desert View. Angel’s Window, North Rim. Black Bridge or Silver Bridge view from the River.
Both of these Parks offer great outdoor activities for all ages. For canyoneering and rappelling, Zion beats Bryce . You’ll find world-class hiking in either Park, but in Zion you can find yourself hiking through streams or on sandstone ledges, like Angels Landing – one of the scariest hikes in the world!
The North Rim Visitor Center and campground will remain closed until further notice. The Grand Canyon Lodge, Food and Beverage Services, General Store, Trail Rides, Gift Shop, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy Bookstore will remain closed with opening dates yet to be determined.
270 miles
It is possible to visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in one day . These two National Parks are only 1.5 hours of driving time always from each other so with travel between parks it is possible and can be done fairly easily.
Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim Closed for the Winter Season. Grand Canyon , Ariz. –The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim is now closed to vehicle traffic for the winter.
124 miles
The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November when daytime temperatures are cool and the crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park’s peak season ), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.