The North Rim Is Open for the 2021 SeasonBetween November 1 and November 30, the North Rim is open for Day Use only. During winter months, the North Rim closes because of snow.
Bright Angel Trail is considered the most popular hiking trail in the park. Well-maintained and graded for stock, it is fairly easy to walk down. The return hike back up and out of the canyon is far more difficult and requires much more effort. Plan for at least twice as much time back up as it took to go down.
Hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is a bucket list adventure. Over the course of nearly 24 miles, hikers descend below the level of the rim, cross the mighty Colorado River, and climb back up the other side. It's challenging, it's exhilarating, and it is truly an unforgettable experience.
However, the Grand Canyon also poses risks despite numerous safety measures. The chance of falling into the Grand Canyon is about one in 400,000. Falls, heat stroke, dehydration: Each year, hikers die on their Grand Canyon trip because they underestimate the dangers of the wilderness.
Q: How long will it take to get to the bottom from the South Rim? A: The South Kaibab Trail is 6.8 miles to Bright Angel Campground and the Bright Angel Trail is 9.3 miles. It will take most hikers between 4 and 5 hours to get to the campground on either trail.
The North Rim stays pleasantly cool, even during the summer. Since it's covered in trees, the North Rim has a natural shade while the South Rim heats up drastically during the summer months. The atmosphere at the North Rim is much more relaxing because so few people visit.
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.
6 Things Not to Miss at the Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon Village.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk.
- Historic District.
- Havasupai Falls.
- Desert View Drive.
- North Rim.
Both the North Rim and South Rim (the two rims of Grand Canyon National Park) are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
Drawbacks of Visiting in AprilThere aren't many drawbacks to visiting the Canyon in April. The possibility of a winter storm is a potential drawback, as are the spring break crowds in the first week of the month. The North Rim is closed for the winter still (early Nov – May 14), which is another drawback.
Weather in the Grand Canyon is at its best between April and June, when rainfall averages are low and temperatures have not yet reached their scorching summer highs. The park becomes extremely crowded when school lets out in June, so plan your visit before then, if possible.
The North Rim does not have an airport and the only way to access the Park's entrance is by car or motorcoach. 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.
While the Grand Canyon Village has plenty to offer visitors, make sure you don't ignore the rest of the South Rim. The Rim Trail is one of the most popular and comprehensive trails in the Grand Canyon and one of the best ways to see the South Rim's most popular attractions and viewpoints.
Grand Canyon National Park Tourism Creates Over $467 Million in Economic Benefit - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
FIRST CLASS - ADULTS (ages 16+): $159.00 | CHILDREN (ages 2-15): $121.00 | CHILDREN UNDER 2: FREE. Ride in first-class style, with oversized, reclining seats, plenty of leg room, and grand picture windows that enhance the scenic journey.
All visitors are required to pay a park entrance fee. All 7-day passes are only valid for entrance at Arches National Park. The annual pass is valid for entrance at Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Nautral Bridges National Monument & Hovenweep National Monument.
There is a fee of $10 per permit plus an additional fee of $8 per night per person. Camping in the Grand Canyon requires planning ahead for Backcountry Permits. More information on camping in the Backcountry.
$12 per person for a 7-day pass. Not to exceed $25 per family. Most buses, RVs, trailers, and dual wheeled trucks require an escort to travel through the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel. There is a $15.00 fee per vehicle in addition to the entrance fee.
Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase a General Admission ticket. Optional activities, such as Skywalk, helicopter/boat tours, Zip Line tours, and biking trails, can be purchased at an additional cost.
Taking a driving trip around the Grand Canyon allows you to fully experience the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Driving also lets you explore the small towns, Native American lands, and Western scenery along the way. Budget a week or more for a driving trip around the Grand Canyon, though it can be done more quickly.
Hike the North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook, Grand Canyon North Rim. Taking the North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook provides an easy Grand Canyon hike. Winding through a few switchbacks, this trail leads to an overlook with views of the Roaring Springs Canyon and the cream colored Coconino Sandstone.
Hiking The Grand Canyon requires supportive hiking boots. We recommend and prefer you to wear over the ankle supportive hiking boots, but ankle-high boots will suffice. Start with Socks! Your socks and boots work together to keep your feet comfortable throughout your training and hike day.
It's a strenuous hike and, with very few exceptions, one that requires a backcountry overnight. It's not a "dayhike". Distance-wise, it's about 9.5 miles (15.5 km) each way but with an elevation change of over 4,300 ft (1300+ m) and it's really that elevation change that makes it a tough hike.
Staying OvernightPhantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is a popular destination for both hikers and mule riders. Overnight hiker dormitories and cabins can be reserved and meals are available for purchase. Advance reservations for meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch are required.
11 Top-Rated Hiking Trails at the Grand Canyon
- South Rim Trail. South Rim Trail | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane.
- Bright Angel Trail. Bright Angel Trail | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane.
- South Kaibab Trail.
- Bright Angel Point Trail.
- North Kaibab Trail.
- Havasu Falls.
- Grandview Trail.
- Widforss Trail.
10 Best Things to Do with Kids in the Grand Canyon
- Become a Junior Ranger. Swearing in new Junior Rangers at the Grand Canyon.
- Bike the Rim. Biking along the Rim Trail.
- Hike Bright Angel Trail.
- Join Summer Ranger Programs.
- Ride the Train.
- Get a Feel for Geology.
- Walk to Shoshone Point.
- Party with the Stars.
