Category: Our World Tuesday

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?

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