The Grand Canyon: North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is markedly different to the South Rim. The altitude of 2,500 meters and a better supply of water means the canyon rim is covered with large firs, spruces and aspens which is a contrast to the generally more arid south rim. The topography also differs in subtle ways, on the north rim the slope down to the Colorado is longer and more gradual than the south however there is still plenty of massive drop-offs. Regardless, the canyon offers the visitor an extensive mosaic of intricate colours, layers and patterns regardless of which rim you visit.

The North Rim has far less visitors than the South and it also closes down during winter (due to snow and the problems it poses to the long access road). As luck (or good planning) would have it we stayed on the Rim the very last night that it was open for the season. It was still surprisingly warm but with a fraction of the people on the south side and with the rim just 1 minute from our cabin door we perhaps found the North Rim a more satisfying experience.

We walked (Eric hobbled) out for the evening to enjoy the spectacular late afternoon/early evening views of the canyon. As with the South Rim it's a great place to take photos or just find a rock to sit on and enjoy the views of sunset. The path out to view the Canyon from the Lodge follows a spectacular narrow spur before ending in a tiny lookout with a fantastic 270 degree view.

Eric even got out of bed early enough to enjoy the dawn views.

Before leaving we walked about 1km down the North Kaibab Trail (where Eric climbed up yesterday) to enjoy the magnificent views back down the trail.

The North Rim requires a bit more time and effort to visit than the south but it's a very worthwhile trip if you're visiting the Canyon.

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