Grand Canyon North Rim - Scenic Views, Trails & Tranquility

Grand Canyon North Rim is a less-visited area of Grand Canyon that sits atop the Kaibab Plateau, offering cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and fewer crowds. It is a more remote, peaceful, and secluded experience compared to the popular South Rim. Still located within Grand Canyon National Park, the north rim is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and seasoned hikers.

Grand Canyon North Rim Weather & Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon North Rim is from mid-May to mid-October, when all visitor services and roads are open. Due to its elevation of over 8,000 feet, the North Rim is much cooler than the South Rim:

Summer (June–August): Pleasant days between 60–80°F; cool evenings.

Spring & Fall: Temperatures range from 40–70°F with crisp mornings and ideal hiking conditions.

Winter (mid-October–mid-May): Heavy snow closes access roads; the North Rim is not accessible during this time.

*Always check weather forecasts before traveling and bring layers, especially for chilly nights.

North Rim Tours, Hikes & Things to Do

Although fewer guided tours operate on the North Rim, the experience is no less spectacular. The region offers unforgettable scenic overlooks, peaceful hikes, and adventure opportunities:

» Explore Grand Canyon North Rim Tours & Guided Adventures

Top North Rim Viewpoints and Attractions:

Point Imperial: The highest viewpoint on the North Rim, offering dramatic canyon views.
Cape Royal: Panoramic sights including the Colorado River and Angel’s Window.
Bright Angel Point: A short, paved trail from the Grand Canyon Lodge to one of the most photographed viewpoints.
Roosevelt Point & Walhalla Overlook: Ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
Hiking Trails: Trails like Widforss Trail, Uncle Jim Point, Cape Final, and Point Sublime offer remote hiking experiences with minimal crowds. Most require at least 2–3 miles of hiking each way.

How to Get to the North Rim

The most convenient way to reach the Grand Canyon North Rim is by car. Public transportation is extremely limited, and only a few companies provide shuttle service from cities like Flagstaff (fares range from $158 to $200 per person). Private tours or helicopter tours from Las Vegas are also available for luxury travelers.

Driving Directions to the North Rim:

Travel to Jacob Lake, Arizona via US-89A.

From Jacob Lake, take Highway 67 south for 44 miles (about 1 hour) to reach the North Rim entrance.

Grand Canyon North Rim Lodging & Where to Stay

Because the North Rim is remote and only open during summer. lodging options are limited and often sell out months in advance. The only in-park accommodation is the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, which features a mix of rustic cabins and motel-style rooms perched on the canyon's edge. Room rates typically range from $124 for motel rooms to around $173 for rim-view cabins.

Just outside the park entrance, Kaibab Lodge offers a forested retreat 5 miles from the rim. For a quieter stay further out, Jacob Lake Inn is located about 44 miles north at the junction of US-89A and Highway 67. If you prefer sleeping under the stars, the North Rim Campground inside the park and nearby forest campgrounds offer RV sites and tent camping.

» See Grand Canyon North Rim Hotels & Lodging

Travel Tip: A single day is not enough to enjoy the North Rim. For the best experience, plan to stay at least one or two nights either inside the park or in nearby towns like Page, Fredonia, or southern Utah.

GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM TOURS & PLACES TO STAY

Maverick Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas

Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon South Rim and West Rim with landing options. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tou … More

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9.8

Papillon Helicopters

Tour Grand Canyon with the "World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company!" Only Papillon is a recipient of the 5-star Diamond award and certified to fly both the South and West Rims of the Canyon. Choose from Air Tours departing Grand Canyon or Las Vegas and ground t … More

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Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly

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9.6

Maverick Helicopter Tours from GCNP Airport

Canyon Spirit is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim, taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines. Upon reaching the edge, the rim drops away as the magnificent Grand Canyon comes into full view.… More

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Leaves from Tusayan | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided

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9.8

Grand Canyon Airlines

Don't just view the Canyon from the rim when you can fly the Grand Canyon with a legend! Since 1927, Grand Canyon Airlines has been the premier fixed wing provider of scenic Grand Canyon tour flights. Specially patented, exclusive aircraft provide crystal clear viewing with narration in ei … More

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9.5

Arizona Private Tours

Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

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Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Flagstaff | Multi-Attraction Tours

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Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion

The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly beautiful, but this helicopter tour of the iconic canyon elevates the views to a whole new level. Soar over Kaibab National Forest and into the Dragon Corridor—the deepest and widest part of the canyon. Upgrade your tour to include a Hummer tour of other … More

Grand Canyon North Rim helicopter tour
Bring your camera for unbeatable views of the canyon
A memorable travel experience great for first-time and return visitors alike
Upgrade to include a Hummer tour after the helicopter ride

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Optional Ground Tour | Family-Friendly

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9.6

Wildland Trekking

Join The Wildland Trekking Co. on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.

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9.5

North & East Rim Imperial with Ecostar Family Flight

Recommend for groups of 4+. Take the Imperial Air tour on an aircraft dedicated exclusively for yourself and your family/friends.

Experience the Grand Canyon aboard a helicopter tour reserved entirely for your party. These helicopters have been designed with ecological impact in mi … More

Recommend for groups of 4+. Take the Imperial Air tour on an aircraft dedicated exclusively for yourself and your family/friends.

Experience the Grand Canyon aboard a helicopter tour reserved entirely for your party. These helicopters have been designed with ecological impact in mind and feature lower noise to minimize disturbance. Set off from the Grand Canyon air terminal for aerial sights of the incredible rock gorges, the Colorado River twisting below, and the forested areas of the North Rim. Enjoy the most environmentally-friendly and exclusive way to tour the Grand Canyon by air!