Only 10 Percent Of All Tourists At Arizona's Grand Canyon Visit The Little-Known North Rim
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 30, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
One of the most heavily trafficked national parks in the country, the Grand Canyon sees nearly six million visitors each year. Tourism is almost exclusively confined to the South Rim, with only 10 percent of people venturing across the canyon to the lesser-known North Rim. Offering the same breathtaking views and only a fraction of the crowds, this hidden gem is worthy of a spot on your Arizona bucket list.
You know what they say about taking the less frequented path, and we can't think of a place more befitting of that description than the Grand Canyon's North Rim.
A bookstore, gift shop, and museum all in one, it's the perfect jumping-off point for your North Rim adventures. The center is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
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Easily the most notable landmark on the North Rim is the Grand Canyon Lodge, which sits directly on the edge of the canyon.
All of the cabins are rustic in nature, with minimal décor and few modern luxuries. They encourage unplugging from the chaos of daily life and reconnecting with nature and the people you cherish most.
The lodge also boasts a world-class restaurant open to hotel guests and the general public.
An outdoor patio doubles as a scenic overlook, showcasing the North Rim in all its vast, awe-inspiring glory.
From the patio, you can embark on the half-mile (round-trip) Bright Angel Point Trail, which provides sweeping panoramic vistas of Roaring Springs and the surrounding landscape.
At an elevation of 8,200 feet, it's the perfect escape from the oppressive desert heat - even in the summer!
The North Rim is fully open between May 15 and October 15, and only allows day use between October 15 and October 31 (unless you have a reservation for the North Rim Campground.) Between November 1 and November 30, the North Rim is strictly confined to daytime visitors only, and it closes during winter due to heavy snowfall. You’ll find more information here.
If you’d like to make a to stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge, booking is now open for the 2022 season. Click here to see availability and nightly rates.
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