Lodging:
We stayed in the park in a small cabin at the lodge. Book early through www.xanterra.com. Rates tend to be high but this is just the way it is for places like this. The closest lodging to the park are the Kaibab Lodge, 18 mi. north of the park entrance and the Jacob Lake Inn, 45 mi. north of the park entrance.
Meals:
Restaurants are available in the park lodge complex but can be a bit pricey, especially for families with kids. The "Deli in the Pines" has more casual food, including pizza and buffalo (bison not NY) hot dogs. I don't think a cost difference at the nearby Kaibab Lodge is significant enough to warrant driving an additional 36 miles round trip. On the way in or out of the park the restaurant at the Jacob Lake Inn has quite good food.
Sightseeing:
Lots of trails for day hikes but keep the altitude in mind. At approx. 1,000' higher elevation than the South Rim the cooler air is also thinner. If you are not used to high altitude give yourself a little time to acclimate before attempting any strenuous hikes. Common sense should also prevail and in addition to a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water always carry some lip balm. These items should be with you at all times, even if you are just driving around to the viewing points.
Good points:
Lovely sweeping vistas of the canyon from convenient viewing points. Some require some light to moderate walking but you will be rewarded by the view at the end. The is a large lovely terrace behind the lodge where there are chairs and tables for visitors to relax and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, this spot is so popular that during the crowded summer months it's almost impossible to find a place to sit.
Bad points:
The average elevation here is approx. 8,000' and walking can be strenuous for visitors with respiratory or heart problems. Be aware of this before considering a visit. The visitor season is very short here and services are onlly available from mid-May to mid-October. The road to the park, Hwy. 67, may remain open a little later subject to road conditions. After this the AZ DOT closes this road completely until mid-May.
Transportation:
Should you find yourself at the more accessible South Rim of the Grand Canyon you can visit the North Rim via the Trans - Canyon Shuttle. This once daily shuttle is the only means of public transportation from one rim to the other. The closest commercial airport to the north rim is in St. George, UT, approx. 156 mi. west. Other options would be to fly to the south rim and take the shuttle. Most people drive their own vehicle directly to the park which makes it easier to get around once you've arrived as there is no in park shuttle service.
Comments:
Approximately only 10% of all Grand Canyon National Park visitors go to the North Rim. It is remote and harder to get to than the South Rim. It's higher altitude and fewer visitor services make it a more difficult location to enjoy. However, should you decide to visit you will be rewarded with incredible views seen by a small percentage of tourists. You will just have to work a bit harder for them.

last update 12/1/07 - return home
comments or questions? email: info@eastofozroadtrips.com

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