Mount Hayden and beyond from Point Imperial
Fun on the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park begins Tuesday, May 15th. The Forest Service will open the gate at Jacob Lake to Highway 67 at 6am. The budding forest drive for about an hour should coincide with the National Park Service opening the entrance gate at 7am. There could be a waiting line, so please have patience. The Grand Canyon isn’t going anywhere.
From the entrance station drive 13 miles to the end of the road where the parking lot is. Think about making a stop in the Visitor Center for recommendations on what to see and do with your allotted time. Bring along the park newspaper you’ll receive when entering the park which includes a map of road and trail opportunities plus lots of good information. Stop by a Ranger program to learn more about the geology, ecology, natural and cultural history of Grand Canyon.
Bright Angel Point trail
Going to hike? Please remember to bring plenty of water and snacks along. Delicious spring water is available at several locations but small disposable water bottles are no longer sold in the park so ether bring along your own or be prepared to buy reusable bottles. Take your time and enjoy the views and experience. Hiking at 8200 feet (2499 meters) can cause breathing difficulties and altitude sickness.
Food services are available in the Grand Lodge for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make reservations for dinner. Another option is Deli in the Pines also located in the Lodge. I really like their pizza. And if you want something early the Rough Rider Salon serves coffee and donuts from 5:30 –10:30am.
Western rim view cabin
Accommodations at the Lodge’s cabins and hotels usually fill six months to a year in advance. But don’t give up. Try the Forever Resorts online reservation and there might be a cancellation. The next nearest over night accommodations are Kaibab Lodge and Jacob Lake Inn, located outside of the park.
The park’s developed campground recommends reservations made through recreation.gov. The Kaibab National Forest adjacent to the park allows dispersed camping for free. Please stop at the Forest Service visitor center in Jacob Lake for a good forest map and information about fire regulations.
If you want to experience the inner canyon without hiking consider a mule ride. The North Rim ride goes two miles down the North Kaibab trail just past the Supai Tunnel with amazing views into Roaring Springs Canyon. Only the South Rim mules go to the bottom.
Most of all, have fun. Enjoy America’s National Parks with respect and awe. What national parks will you be visiting soon?
To visit more of this magnificent world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.
Finally open again! You lead such an idyllic life. I love the very first photo – it’s spectacular. I have never made it to the North Rim – one of these years…
The rush is one, I hope you are ready. I’m sure you are.
Awe-inspiring as always!
Almost as good as being there Gaelyn! Thanks. Just this morning I was re-reading the park newspaper handed out last week when we visited Everglades NP recently. There is always more information than one can digest in one sitting, but we ALWAYS get them when we go in…they are founts of information! I’d love to go back to the Grand Canyon again (on my Bucket List)….
Enjoy your busy Season ahead!
Hope to be there late July…can hardly wait!
Let the fun begin. It’s great when someone enjoys their “job” as much as you do. I hope to take my grandchildren to participate in many more Junior Ranger programs. You can always tell when you have a ranger who really likes their job.
Fantastic pictures. I hope I get back there again one day.
Oh, we love our National Parks! So looking forward to being at the Grand Canyon again. We like getting all the stamps in our passport book and are hoping that they have a Phantom Ranch stamp at the ranger station!
We may just come up and visit you this summer:) Oh I want summer break to get here:) Good tips on the lodging…..I want to stay in a one of those places and I’ve heard good things so it sounds like fun:) Enjoy your week!
So near, yet so far for me. I’ll get there….
Enjoy your season there. I won’t make it there this year, I’m scheduled to stay here at Mesa Verde until October 26th. But, I will definitely be back at the North Rim to hike, maybe next year.
Those are great photos! Actually, I haven’t seen them even before and I just am excited to see them personally.. Thanks for providing those..
Bright Angel Point trail sure looks inviting and so does that bench in your last image! Have a great season Gaelyn!
Beautiful photos of the views, Gaelyn. Makes me want to pack up and head for the north rim.
So by now it has been two bust days and you are back into the working routine. And loving it I imagine.
It’s fascinating to me how often people discount altitude when making travel plans. I’m glad you included it in your guide here. 8200 feet is really high!