The North Rim feels like a different park. At around 8,000 feet it is about 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, cooler and greener, surrounded by the spruce, fir and aspen of the Kaibab Plateau. It sees a small fraction of the South Rim’s visitors, partly because it is remote — about 210 miles (some four to five hours) by road from the South Rim — and partly because heavy snow closes it for the winter.
Important: in July 2025 the Dragon Bravo Fire burned through the developed area of the North Rim, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and many other buildings, and the North Rim was closed for the rest of that season. Facilities and access for later seasons may be limited or changed. Always check the National Park Service website for the current status before planning a North Rim visit.
What to see and do: North Rim
Bright Angel Point
A short, paved but exposed walk from the area of the former lodge to a narrow point with views down Bright Angel Canyon towards the South Rim. Check whether it is open, given the fire damage.
Point Imperial and Cape Royal
The scenic drive across the Walhalla Plateau leads to Point Imperial, the highest point on either rim, and Cape Royal, with a wide view and the natural arch of Angels Window. Access depends on current conditions.
North Kaibab Trail
The only maintained trail from the North Rim into the canyon, used by rim-to-rim hikers. Day hikes to Coconino Overlook or Supai Tunnel are popular when the trail is open.
How to get to North Rim
- The North Rim is reached by Highway 67 from Jacob Lake, itself on Highway 89A. Highway 67 is closed in winter. From the South Rim the drive goes via Cameron and Marble Canyon. From Las Vegas, the North Rim is roughly four and a half to five hours by car.
Insider tips
- In a normal year the North Rim opens around mid-May and closes in mid-October, but after the 2025 fire you must check the current season and services.
- Gas, food and lodging are scarce between Jacob Lake and the rim; fill up before you leave Highway 89A.
- Nights are cold even in summer at this altitude.
Best tours & tickets for North Rim
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to North Rim:
Scenic helicopter flight from US$269 Grand Canyon 30-Min Helicopter Flight + Hummer Tour Option
The classic South Rim flight: a half-hour loop from the heliport in Tusayan out over the Kaibab Forest and across the canyon, with thousands of reviews behind it. Flights over the national park stay above the rim and follow set air corridors, so this is a sightseeing flight, not a landing tour. Add the Hummer option to see the rim viewpoints on the ground afterwards.
- Flight over the national park from Tusayan, just outside the South Rim
- Optional guided Hummer tour along the rim
- The most-reviewed Grand Canyon flight on GetYourGuide
Scenic helicopter flight from US$359 Grand Canyon National Park: South Rim Scenic Helicopter Tour
A longer flight from Tusayan that crosses the Kaibab National Forest and then flies through the Dragon Corridor, where the canyon is at its widest and deepest. On a clear day the route takes in distant views of the Painted Desert and Marble Canyon. One of the highest-rated flights at the South Rim.
- Longer route over the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest part of the canyon
- Views towards the Painted Desert and Desert View Watchtower
- Frequent departures through the day
Scenic helicopter flight from US$359 50-Min Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight + Hummer Tour Option
The longer version of the Tusayan helicopter flight, with more time over the deepest and widest stretch of the canyon. As with every flight inside the national park, the helicopter stays above the rim; combine it with the optional Hummer tour to visit the viewpoints in person.
- Extended flight over the deepest and widest part of the South Rim
- Kaibab Forest views on the way out
- Optional guided Hummer tour on the ground
Coach day tour from US$398 Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend
Three of the Southwest’s most famous sights in one very long day from Las Vegas, with over two thousand reviews and a 4.8 rating. Expect a pre-dawn start and a late return; the reward is the South Rim, a guided walk through Antelope Canyon and the view over Horseshoe Bend.
- Grand Canyon South Rim
- Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide
- Horseshoe Bend overlook
