Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise

Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

First Stop – Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise

After touring through Yellowstone Park on our national park tour, the next place on the hit list was the Grand Canyon. While we planned to see both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon, we were blown away by the Grand Canyon North Rim surprise!

Heading South

Leaving Jackson we travelled up over the Grand Tetons and hit I-15 for our run south. Leaving WY we entered Utah. Our route took us through the almost fully interconnected cities of Ogden, Salt Lake City and Provo.

As we travelled down I-15 we followed the flight path we took on our recent visit to Albuquerque, NM for the Balloon Fiesta. The distinctive land features we saw from the air were visible as we drove and snapped pictures. We started to see the red earth and distinctive layering of the soil that sharpened as we hit the Grand Canyon.

Hurricane AZ.jpg

The plan was to stay in Cedar City, UT for the night before we pushed on to Arizona and the Grand Canyon. We had our first road trip panic moment when our car key fob started sending “low battery” alarms. Every time we stopped that day we were worried that the car would not start again. A little internet research showed us how to change the battery. And as soon as we hit Cedar City we went battery shopping. We breathed a sigh of relief once the alarm light went out.

Planning Our Grand Canyon Visit

Most people only get to see the Grand Canyon South Rim from the Skywalk glass observation floor at Grand Canyon West in the Hualapai Indian Reservation (an easy drive from Las Vegas). But we planned for the full tour. In doing the planning, I was sure that I wanted to start with the North Rim. Even though only 10% of people visit this side of the Grand Canyon. Little did we know that the Grand Canyon North Rim surprise would prove to spoil us for the rest of the Grand Canyon tour. If you are interested in grand canyon tours you might want to visit somewhere like Tour4Fun for more information.

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Photo of Map at North Rim Visitor Center

As the rain drenched us heading into Cedar City, we wondered about the weather for our Grand Canyon visit the next day. The warmer fall would keep the roads open on both the north and south sides. But rain and visibility was another issue. When the rain stopped that night, we thought we were safe to sit on the patio for a really great Italian pizza at Centro Pizza. But had to retreat inside to eat.

Multiple weather sources suggested that we would see rain and maybe thunderstorms for our day at the north rim. But we might be ok if we arrived earlier in the day. Hustling out of the hotel by 7am proved to be the right decision. Had we really been trying to do as many national parks as possible, we would have planned to visit both Bryce and Zion National parks in Utah. I have seen a lot of amazing photos of both of these awesome places. But on this trip we passed them by.

Heading For Grand Canyon North Rim

It was an easy drive to get us to Jacob Lake and the turnoff to the Grand Canyon park north rim entrance. After a quick snack and bathroom break we were ready to move on. We were still trying to beat the weather.

Jacob Lake Inn.jpg

Entering the park, it was still another hour to the North Rim Visitor Centre. Despite there being several road signs about wildlife, we saw no buffalo and no other animals. We saw large tracts that showed signs of massive forest fires that had raged. It was late fall and while there was still some colour in the trees, as we went higher the trees were quite barren.

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Fall colours.jpg

Fall colours.jpg

It was quiet when we reached the North Rim Visitor Centre. There were few visitors and what looked like empty lodge cottages. We looked at the map of the North Rim and decided that we would try to get to all the observation points on this visit. We hoped to see it all before the weather set in. It was quite a different Grand Canyon North Rim surprise at each of our stops.

Grand Canyon North Rim - Visitor Center.jpg

Grand Canyon North Rim - Visitor Center.jpg
Photo of Map at North Rim Visitor Center

Our First View Of The North Rim

The main path to the rim was easy to find. While I had seen pictures of and we had recently flown over the Grand Canyon, I was not prepared for the steep cliffs. There was such amazing geology that lay in front of us. This first view was just a taste test of what was to come!

Bright Angel Point - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

We easily found the path to get our first view of the north rim. And then headed off on the longer path that took us out to Bright Angel Point. As the path went steadily down I was worried about the effort it would take to climb back up at this altitude. A huffing and puffing man coming back from the view point stopped to tell us that the trek was worth it. So I proceeded on, comforted by knowing that I could stop as I needed on the return trip.

Bright Angel Point - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Bright Angel Point.jpg

The views from all of the observation points at this stop were great. We got a taste of the brilliant rock colours of the Grand Canyon. And an equally interesting view of the clouds or fog as it rolled around the peaks.

Bright Angel Point - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Bright Angel Point - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Bright Angel Point - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Bright Angel Point - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Our first view certainly proved to be a Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise!

Grand Canyon North Rim In Clouds

Not wanting to miss a thing on this north side of the Grand Canyon, we headed off for a longer drive to climb to Point Imperial. As we drove steadily higher, we came in and out of patches of fog. And we were not sure if it would be worth the trip.

Point Imperial.jpg

Point Imperial.jpg

Once parked, we looked out and saw nothing but cloud. If we stood still we could see just the tip of one peak in the clouds.

Point Imperial - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

As we waited, we saw the cloud swirling in and out of the valley. And hoped to see more of the view from this highest point on the north rim.

Point Imperial - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

But not deterred, we headed off deeper into the park to Cape Royal. Getting out we were worried that the fog would again steal our view.

Cape Royal.jpg

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But we set off along the trail, pointed at the place where we saw blue sky. We were not disappointed. From several points we saw different views of the sharp steep rocks on this north rim. The colours of the Grand Canyon shone bright when the sun peaked from behind the clouds.

Cape Royal.jpg

Cape Royal - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Cape Royal - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Cape Royal - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Cape Royal - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Cape Royal - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

From two different points, far down below in the sharp valleys we saw the Columbia River.

Cape Royal - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Cape Royal - Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise.jpg

Cape Royal.jpg

The Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise Was Stunning

Everywhere we looked we were amazed and glad we started with this Grand Canyon North Rim Surprise! We left totally in awe, fully believing that starting here was the right idea. And worth the extra detour that so many people do not make. While the weather was not totally bright and sunny, we got some interesting views of the north rim as the clouds moved in and out.

We headed for the 5+ hour drive to get to the Grand Canyon South Rim. It was a good thing that we had planned to stay over night!

Did you visit both the North and the South Rim at the Grand Canyon? Do you agree that the Grand Canyon North Rim surprise was more stunning? Did you visit in off season when you were free to roam the parks?

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About TravelAtWill 759 Articles
Travel blogger and photographer! Scuba diving, luxury cruising, chocoholic, sea and sunshine addicts, camera attached and just generally curious! Join us on our adventures!

2 Comments

  1. The North Rim of the Canyon is my absolute favorite. Once you visit there, I doubt you’ll go back to the South or West Rim. We had a chance to stay at one of the cabins near the Lodge at the North Rim and loved it. You were fortunate that the clouds broke. Sadly some people visit for the first time and all they see are clouds. It’s hard to imagine the magnificence below in that scenario. We visited in the fall, not long before they close for the season. We also did a half-day mule ride partway down into the canyon. It’s truly a magical place. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.

    • Nancy, If we get out plans made well enough in advance, we would love to stay in a cabin by the north rim. A great way to catch sunrise and sunset. It would be fun to take the mule trip. Linda

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