Services, Facilities, and Viewpoints Inside the Park
North Rim Visitor Center / Grand Canyon Lodge
Information, lodging, restaurants, services, and Grand Canyon views
Park in the designated parking area and walk to the east end of the parking lot. Bring this Pocket Map and your questions. The park store is located at the south end of the parking lot and features books, gifts, passport stamp, restroom, drinking water, self-pay fee station, canyon views, and access to Bright Angel Point Trail. Hours vary.
Turn in found items at the North Rim Visitor Center. Inquire about lost items at the visitor center or Grand Canyon Lodge front desk.
Due to high demand, advanced lodging and dining reservations required. Contact Aramark: 866-499-2574; grandcanyonnorth.com. Reservations available on a 13-month rolling basis. Features National Historic Landmark, ranger programs, restroom, drinking water, and access to Bright Angel Point Trail, Transept Trail, and Bridle Path. Operates mid-May to mid-October.
Meals and grab and go food are available in the vicinity of Grand Canyon Lodge at the Deli in the Pines, the Lodge Dining Room, and the Roughrider Saloon. The General Store at the Campground offers limited grocery and drinks. Inquire at the lodge, or at grandcanyonnorth.com for hours. Food service is available from mid- May to mid-October.
Souvenirs and books; 8 am–9 pm.
Window service Monday through Friday, 8 am to noon and 1–5 pm; closed weekends and federal holidays.
Check the bulletin board in the lodge for a schedule of services.
Offers 1-hour rides along the rim, 3-hour rides to Uncle Jim Point, and 3-hour rides to Supai Tunnel. Register at canyonrides.com, the Canyon Trail Rides desk in the lodge lobby, 7 am–5 pm, or call 435-679-8665.
18 miles (30 km) north of the North Rim Visitor Center. Information at 928-638-2389 or kaibablodge.com.
18 miles (30 km) north of the North Rim Visitor Center; open May 15 to mid-October. Offers convenience store, gas station, tire repair, propane, and ATM. 928-638-2383
45 miles (72 km) north of North Rim Visitor Center in Jacob Lake, Arizona; open year-round, hours vary by season. Offers a restaurant, gift shop, propane, and gas station with 24 hour pay-at-the-pump. 928-643-7232
45 miles (72 km) north of North Rim Visitor Center in Jacob Lake, Arizona. Offers information and a Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store with books, maps, and gifts. 928-643-7298
Grand Canyon National Park offers free park ranger programs on the North Rim. Learn about geology, plants, animals, and people during walks, talks, hikes, and other ranger guided experiences! Programs may be canceled in inclement weather or during special events. Check North Rim Visitor Center or go.nps.gov/gc_programs for a full listing.
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NPS
Campground / Backcountry Information Center
Camping, fuel, services, and hiking information
Operated by the National Park Service; no hookups; dump station. Reservation only May 15 to October 15: 877-444-6777 or recreation. gov. Features park ranger programs and access to the Bridle Path and Transept Trail.
On the road to the campground; open daily 8 am–5 pm; 24 hour pay- at-the-pump; gas and diesel available.
Adjacent to the campground; groceries, gifts, camping supplies, ATM, limited Wi-Fi. Hours vary by season.
Located in the Administration and Backcountry Office, 11.5 miles (18.5 km) south of the entrance station. Open 8 am to noon and 1–5 pm. Information, hiking maps, overnight backcountry permits; drinking water, restroom. Information: nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/ backcountry.htm
18 miles (18.5 km) north of North Rim Visitor Center. Half the sites are first-come, first-served; reserve sites at recreation.gov.
45 miles (72 km) north of North Rim Visitor Center. Half the sites are first-come, first-served; reserve half the sites at recreation.gov.
0.25 miles (0.5 km) south of Jacob Lake on Forest Service Road 461 off AZ 67. Reserve sites at 928-643-7804.
Stop at the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center in Jacob Lake, Arizona for information. Pack out what you take in. Bring water. Camp at least 0.25 mile (0.4 km) from water sources. Check fire restrictions; be fire safe; carry a shovel and bucket. Bury human waste at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep and 100 feet (30 m) from water sources and drainage bottoms. Practice backcountry ethics and eliminate all signs of your camp.
Hiking, viewpoints, and scenic drives
1-2 Hours
Take the Bright Angel Point Trail to one of the best views of Grand Canyon (15 minutes from the Visitor Center). Then, wind along the Canyon rim on the Transept Trail. Take in sweeping views on this easy to moderate trail. Follow the path until you are ready to turn around, or make a loop with the forested Bridle Path. 4 miles (6.4 km), 90 minutes round trip.
OR
Point Imperial, Vista Encantada, and Roosevelt Point make for a quick, but spectacular visit on the scenic drive. Stroll the Ken Patrick Trail south from Point Imperial for a half mile for an easy hike with breathtaking views. 20 miles (32 km), 30 minutes one way. More details below.
© JESSE BARDEN
Take the Bright Angel Point Trail to one of the best views of Grand Canyon (15 minutes from the Visitor Center).
Next, enjoy magnificent views on the Widforss trail. This trail skirts the Canyon rim for most of its 5 miles (8 km) before arriving at Widforss Point. Hike as much as you have time for, but remember your return trip. Parking and restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water is not available.
OR Hike the North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook. Hiking into the Canyon offers a different perspective. Be prepared for strenuous hiking and high temperatures. Hike Smart: Bring water, salty snacks, sun protections and avoid hiking between 10 am and 4 pm to avoid the hottest part of the day. 1.5 miles (2.4 km), 1-3 hours round trip.
Explore the viewpoints and trails along the 23 mile (37 km), 45 minute (one way) scenic drive. Cape Royal and Point Imperial are the “must see” views. Hike to Cape Final for sweeping canyon vistas (4.2 mi, 6.8 km round trip). Allow at least three hours to travel the entire road. Visit Point Imperial, Vista Encantada, and Roosevelt Point for a shorter stay. Bring food and water. More details below.
Best Places to See Sunset Cape Royal Bright Angel Point Grand Canyon Lodge Veranda
Best Places to See Sunrise Point Imperial Bright Angel Point Grand Canyon Lodge Veranda
A winding scenic drive to diverse viewpoints, picnic areas, and hiking trails. No food or water is available on the Scenic Drive. No vehicles longer than 22 feet (7 m). Allow a half- to a full-day.
Parking, restroom, picnic area, and access to the unmaintained Ken Patrick Trail and Point Imperial Trail. Highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet (2,683 m); overlooks the Painted Desert, Marble Canyon, and eastern Grand Canyon. Layers of red and black Precambrian rocks, not visible at Bright Angel Point, add contrast and color. Part of the viewpoint is accessible. Eleven miles (18 km) from North Rim Visitor Center; allow 20 minutes driving time one-way.
Parking, picnic area, canyon views.
Parking, access to Roosevelt Point Trail.
Walhalla Overlook / Walhalla Glades Pueblo Parking, canyon views, short trail to ancestral Puebloan home site.
Parking, restroom, picnic area, accessible Cape Royal Trail leads to a viewpoint giving expansive east and west vistas. See the natural arch of Angels Window framing the Colorado River, and look for Desert View Watchtower across the canyon on the South Rim. 23 miles (37 km) from the North Rim Visitor Center; 45 minutes driving time one-way.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Use sunblock, stay hydrated, take your time, and rest to reduce the risk of sunburn, dehydration, nausea, shortness of breath, and exhaustion. The North Rim’s high elevation (8,000 ft / 2,438 m) and dry climate affects you differently than your home environment.
Drive with care. Watch for people and wildlife. Increase caution at night and during wet conditions. Observe posted speed limits; maximum speed limit 45 mph (72 kmph). Vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m) prohibited on the roads to Cape Royal, Point Imperial, and Widforss Trail. Oversized vehicle parking limited; park at Grand Canyon Lodge or North Rim Campground. Arizona highway information: 511 or 888-411- ROAD or az511.gov.
Monsoon storms are common in summer. When you hear thunder or see lightning, move away from the canyon rim. Do not stand under a tree. Seek shelter inside a vehicle or building. Be aware of possible flash floods and falling rocks during and after storms.
Weather varies greatly and changes suddenly. Be prepared to layer clothing for heat, cold, rain, wind, or snow. Weather posted in North Rim Visitor Center. Park road and weather conditions: 928-638-7496.
Free, spring-fed drinking water is available from bottle filling stations at the North Rim Visitor Center, Administration and Backcountry Office, and North Kaibab Trailhead.
Camping is only permitted in the North Rim Campground. For backcountry camping options (permit required) check with the Backcountry Information Center.
Superintendent Ed Keable Grand Canyon National Park PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023-0129 USA
Located in northern Arizona, this World Heritage Site encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon offers visitors incomparable vistas.
The Pocket Map is published by Grand Canyon National Park with support from your entrance fees. Ask at the North Rim Visitor Center for a hiking brochure.
The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
NPS
Keep wildlife wild. Approaching and feeding wildlife is dangerous and illegal. Bison and deer can become aggressive and will defend their space. Keep a safe distance of two bus lengths or 100 feet (30 m) from all wildlife. Do not feed the squirrels. They will bite and can carry disease.
Leashed pets are only allowed on the Bridle Path and Arizona National Scenic Trail—Pets are not allowed on any other trail or in buildings. These restrictions do not apply to service animals. Anyone wishing to take a service animal below the rim must check in at the Backcountry Information Center before starting their hike. No kennel is available on the North Rim.
Stay behind railings and away from cliffs. Hold on to children. Do not back up without looking around you. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Hikers and wildlife can be injured by rocks, coins, and trash tossed over the edge of Grand Canyon and rocks dislodged by walking off trail.
Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) is prohibited inside Grand Canyon National Park.
The walls of Grand Canyon tell an amazing story. You alter that story when you leave graffiti.
Leave rocks, plants, wood, and artifacts where you find them.
Day hiking beyond Redwall Bridge is not recommended
To Manzanita and Cottonwood Campground
Arizona National
Scenic Trail
i z a N a t i o n a l S c e n 0.3 mi 0.4 km
Stock use
0.5 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip; allow 30 minutes. A short, but steep, walk on a paved trail to a spectacular view of Grand Canyon. Begin at the log shelter in the parking area near the North Rim Visitor Center or from the Grand Canyon Lodge back porch.
2 miles (3.2 km) one-way; allow one hour. Follow the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to past the North Rim Campground along the Transept, a beautiful side canyon.
1.9 miles (3.1 km) one-way; allow one hour. This trail follows the road as it connects Grand Canyon Lodge with North Kaibab Trailhead. Pets on a leash and bicycles are permitted on this hard- packed trail.
9.6 miles (15.5 km) roundtrip; allow six hours. Wander through a blend of forest and canyon scenery—even a short walk can be very satisfying. To locate the trailhead, take the dirt road 0.25 miles (0.4 km) south of the road to Cape Royal for one mile (1.6 km) to the Widforss Trail parking area.
4.7 miles (7.6 km) roundtrip; allow three hours. Stroll through the forest to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon and North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. Begin from the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. Mules use this trail; step off the trail, keep still, and follow the wrangler’s instructions.
9.8 miles (15.8 km) one-way; allow six hours. Wind through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area on this unmaintained trail.
12.1 miles (19.5 km) one-way; allow seven hours. A section of this trail enters the park near the north entrance and roughly parallels AZ 67 until it connects with the North Kaibab Trail. Pets on a leash and bicycles permitted.
Distances and hiking times vary; ask for a hiking brochure at the North Rim Visitor Center. This is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the Colorado River and back in one day. The opening of this trail may be delayed due to winter damage. Mules use this trail; step off the trail on the uphill side, keep still, and follow the wrangler’s instructions.
0.2 miles (0.3 km) roundtrip; allow 20 minutes. Stroll this secluded woodland loop offering spectacular views and benches for relaxing. Trail begins from the Roosevelt Point parking area.
4.2 miles (6.8 km) roundtrip; allow two-three hours. Enjoy a forested walk from the dirt parking area to Cape Final. This trail offers a view of the canyon and beyond to the Painted Desert. Trail begins 2.4 miles (3.9 km) north of the Cape Royal parking lot.
0.8 mile (1.3 km) roundtrip; allow one hour. Path meanders down a forested ravine and ends where a chest-high boulder rests under a large overhang. The spring is on the cliff side of the boulder—do not drink the water. Trail begins across the road from a small pullout on a curve 0.3 miles (0.5 km) north of Cape Royal.
0.8 miles (1.3 km) roundtrip; allow one hour. An easy walk on a flat, paved trail with views of the canyon, Angels Window, and Colorado River. Signs interpret the area’s natural history. Trail begins from the southeast side of the Cape Royal parking area.
Ar
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ic Trail