North Rim Hikes – Best of the Grand Canyon
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North Rim Hikes – Best of the Grand Canyon
Picture the Grand Canyon. What do you see? Unless you are part of the elite 10% of visitors that has been to the North Rim, the picture in your mind is most likely of the South Rim. Though only 21 miles separates the North Rim from the South Rim, unless you hike this distance, you have to drive 220 miles to get to the other side. Although it seems like a reasonable idea to somehow bridge the Canyon, this event is unlikely; aircraft is forbidden to even fly through the airspace of the most popular spots in the Canyon! This current rule eliminates any sort of cross-Canyon highway. Also, let us not forget that the Grand Canyon North Rim contains some of the best hikes in the western United States!
Don’t let the slightly more remote location stop you from visiting! In actuality, the quiet on this side of the Canyon is its strength. It is close to several national wonders such as the Kaibab National Forest, the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, the Pipe Spring National Monument, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the iconic Zion National Park. If you are in the mood for a tour of several quintessential southwestern national sites, the North Rim is your best bet.
Make sure to plan your trip in the spring, summer, or fall. The North Rim has an altitude of 2438 meters, which quite tall compared to the South Rim’s 2072 meters. This added height means that the North Rim is closed in winter due to snow.
Let’s say you visit the North Rim. You are already a part of the elite 10%. If you are feeling even more elite, then you can be a part of the 1% of all visitors that actually hike into the Canyon. Whether you hike twenty feet or twenty miles, you are getting deeper into the Canyon that 99% of visitors. To help you on your way to being the elite of the elite, here is a list of the best hikes on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
#1 - Bright Angel Point Trail and Cape Royal Trail
These two trails belong in the same group for a few reasons. Both trails are about half a mile long on a paved walkway. The purpose of these trails is to take you to scenic points around the North Rim. From Bright Angel Point Trail, you finish your hike with a magnificent panorama of the canyon. This hike is accessible from the Visitor’s Center. Cape Royal Trail, located near the Cape Royal parking lot, shows off Angel’s Window and the Colorado River in addition to views of the canyon itself.
These hikes are perfect if you just want to take your time and take in the views. Sometimes breaking a sweat is what you need, but it is just as important to exercise your mind and your wonder as it to work out your legs.
#2 - North Rim Hikes - Bridle Trail
Let’s say you prefer transportation on two wheels instead of two legs. Or you like it when four, furry legs walk perkily beside your own. Then Bridle Trail is your best option! This 1.2 mile hike on a hard dirt path allows both pets (on a leash) and bikes. Your destination is the North Kaibab Trailhead. You’ll end up looking over Roaring Springs Canyon. Views along the way of the Grand Canyon itself included, of course.
#3 - Uncle Jim Trail
Now you’re catching speed after hiking the best short hikes on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon! The Uncle Jim Trail is a 5-mile hybrid trail that combines forest and canyon scenery. Not only will you see the trails and the red rock of the Canyon, more than likely you will run into some mules. These sassy animals are the favored tool of the trade for carrying goods in and out of the Canyon (those people at Phantom Ranch need a lot of supplies!).
After taking on forest and canyon scenery, and possibly interacting with mules and the myriad other forms of wildlife to be found in this national park, you will be rewarded by your destination: a point overlooking the canyon and the switchbacks of the North Kaibab trail. You’ve done your work, now you get to watch others do theirs!
#4 - North Rim Hikes – Point Imperial Trail
Depending on how thoroughly you like to conduct your adventurous investigations, this trail may or may not be for you. It is an easy 4-mile round trip hike, but some of the sections of trail passes through the 2000 Outlet Fire burn area. The fire started when a prescribed burn got out of control. If you’ve never been on the scene of wildfire, the evidence on this trail is an awakening. The land has recovered to the best of its ability, but fire leaves a semi-permanent marking on the landscape.
On the other hand, you will get majestic views into Marble Canyon. You will also be able to see Saddle Mountain, far off to the north. This hike throws in the thrill of walking through a burnt wilderness to Point Imperial, which is the highest point in the Grand Canyon.
#5 - The Widforss Trail and the Ken Patrick Trail
These trails pack a little bit more of a punch. The Widforss Trail is 10 miles round-trip. Starting near the Widforss Trail parking area, it meanders through the forest and the Canyon. If you choose to visit the North Rim closer to the summer months, then the trees will offer a welcome shade to relieve some of the dry, summer heat.
The Ken Patrick trail is 10 miles each way, and goes all the way from the Point Imperial to the North Kaibab parking area. You will see such wonders as the Mt. Hayden, a sandstone spire, and Nankoweap Basin. On clear days, you can even see Navajo Mountain, eighty miles in the distance!
#6 - North Kaibab Trail
This trail is the crown-jewel of the North Rim, in terms of strenuous yet beautiful hikes. The North Kaibab Trail is the only trail that descends to the Colorado River, and it takes a whopping 14 miles to do so! Unless you are an ultra-runner, do not attempt this hike in one day. Yes, some people do run rim to rim in a day, but this hike is truly not for the faint of heart. Over the course of 14 miles, you will descend 6,000 feet. What happens next? You must walk up 6,000 feet.
There are two campgrounds where you can rest your weary feet: the Cottonwood Campground halfway down, and then Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the Canyon near Phantom Ranch. On the way, you’ll pass the Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls, both a short hike from the main trail, and both breathtaking waterfalls. You will also walk through The Box, which a section of the trail on a narrow ledge that drops off steeply. The canyon walls soar overhead, creating a slight sense of containment.
This trail offers peace and quiet immediately, in contrast to the South Rim, where the tourists congest much of the first mile of the trail. Solitude has its own type of tranquility. It tends to heighten your ability to take in and appreciate whatever it is that you are seeing and feeling. With so much to offer in terms of adventure and beautiful views, the North Kaibab Trail has the potential to completely redefine any previously held ideas of canyons and grandeur.
North Rim Hikes – Best of the Grand Canyon - Conclusion
Is it grander on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon? It depends on what you look for your outdoor adventures. Do you like peace and quiet? How about having a variety of trails to choose from? Like being near several other iconic national parks? Are forests more your thing? If you answered positively to any of these questions, then it is probably time for you to pack your hiking boots and water bottles and hit the road for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. On a side note, if you’re planning a trip to the North Rim, consider stopping by the Grand Canyon Lodge. Alternatively, if you’re looking for more amazing destinations, consider reading our articles “How Long Does It Take to Climb Mt Whitney” as well as “Best Backpacking Loops in the US“. Happy traveling!
