Grand Canyon North Rim - Scenic Views, Trails & Tranquility

The North Rim reopened for the 2026 season on May 15. Highway 67 and the paved roads to Point Imperial and Cape Royal are open, providing access to several major viewpoints.

However, the North Rim is not operating as it did before the Dragon Bravo Fire. The 2026 season emphasizes day use, and some buildings, trails, overlooks, campgrounds and backcountry areas may remain closed or restricted.

Conditions can change because of weather, fire recovery work, falling trees, rockfall and infrastructure repairs. Check the official park status shortly before departure rather than relying solely on an itinerary prepared earlier in the year.

Driving is the most practical way to reach the North Rim. From Jacob Lake, follow Arizona Highway 67 south for approximately 44 miles to the park entrance and developed rim area.

From Page
Travel west toward Jacob Lake using US-89A, then turn south onto Highway 67.

From Kanab
Travel south through Fredonia toward Jacob Lake, then continue south on Highway 67.

From the South Rim
There is no road directly across the canyon. The drive between Grand Canyon Village and the North Rim is approximately 209 miles and generally takes about four to five hours without lengthy stops.

Public transportation is limited, and services may change seasonally. Confirm any shuttle before building a trip around it.

See detailed North Rim driving directions »

Half day
Visit either Point Imperial or Cape Royal and stop at several nearby overlooks. A half day can feel rushed because of the long drive along Highway 67.

One full day
Visit both scenic-road areas, take one or two short walks and allow time for photography and wildlife delays.

Two days
Stay outside the park and return for a second day of hiking, scenic driving or exploring the Kaibab Plateau.

For 2026, visitors cannot stay in an in-park lodge, so factor the drive from your accommodation into the day’s schedule.

Kaibab Plateau
Kaibab Lodge is located outside the national park near Highway 67 and provides one of the closest conventional lodging options.

Jacob Lake
Jacob Lake is approximately 44 miles from the North Rim and offers lodging, fuel, food and a convenient location at the junction of US-89A and Highway 67.

Fredonia and Kanab
These communities provide a larger selection of hotels, restaurants and services. Kanab is especially practical for itineraries that also include Zion, Bryce Canyon or southern Utah.

Page
Page is farther from the North Rim but works well for travelers combining the Grand Canyon with Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell or Glen Canyon.

There is no overnight lodge accommodation inside the North Rim section of the park during the 2026 season.

Compare North Rim hotels and nearby lodging »

Potable water is not available inside the North Rim section of Grand Canyon National Park during the 2026 season. Bring enough drinking water for every person in your vehicle, plus additional water for emergencies.

Food, fuel and other visitor services are limited. Do not assume that a restaurant, store, gas station or water-filling location will be open when you arrive.

Fill your fuel tank before driving south on Highway 67 and carry food that does not require preparation. The round trip between Jacob Lake and the rim is nearly 90 miles before any scenic-road driving is added.

The North Rim is more than 8,000 feet above sea level and is generally cooler than the South Rim and much cooler than the inner canyon.

Late spring
Snow, freezing nights and lingering winter conditions remain possible even after Highway 67 opens.

Summer
Daytime temperatures at the rim are often comfortable, but afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, hail and sudden temperature changes are possible.

Early fall
Days may remain pleasant, but nights become colder and early snow can affect travel.

Winter
Highway 67 normally closes because of deep snow, making the developed North Rim inaccessible by vehicle.

Bring layers, rain protection and sun protection regardless of the forecast. Weather at the rim should never be used to estimate conditions inside the canyon, where temperatures can be dramatically hotter.

Choose the North Rim when:

• You prefer fewer crowds and a more remote setting.
• You are traveling through northern Arizona or southern Utah.
• You enjoy forest scenery, scenic drives and quieter trails.
• You are comfortable with limited services and advance planning.

Choose the South Rim when:

• This is your first Grand Canyon visit.
• You need year-round access, lodging and restaurants.
• You want free park shuttles, museums and more guided tours.
• You are traveling from Phoenix, Flagstaff, Williams or Sedona.

Neither rim is universally better. The North Rim offers greater solitude, while the South Rim offers greater convenience and a broader range of visitor services.

Compare your options with the South Rim guide »

• More drinking water than you expect to use
• Meals, snacks and emergency food
• A full tank of fuel
• Warm layers and rain protection
• Sun protection and a hat
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• A downloaded or printed map
• A basic first-aid kit
• A flashlight or headlamp
• A charged phone and vehicle charger

Cell service can be unreliable, and help may be far away. Tell someone where you are going, avoid closed areas and do not move barriers or enter fire-damaged locations.