The Grand Canyon – North or South Rim?

Visiting the North and South Canyon Rims in Arizona

Jul 8, 2009

Visiting The South Rim Of The Grand Canyon, Sharon Falsetto

The North and South Rim of Arizona's Grand Canyon offer the visitor two very different experiences; decide which rim of the Grand Canyon to visit.

The Grand Canyon, situated in the northern end of the state of Arizona, is one of America's greatest icons and one of the seven natural wonders of the world; each year, the Grand Canyon is visited by millions of visitors,in different ways, from all corners of the world, each looking for a unique Grand Canyon 'experience'.

The Grand Canyon is vast, with two different rims to choose from. Over 90% of visitors opt to visit the South Rim; for those who choose to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, this can be a bonus. However, whichever rim of the Grand Canyon visitors choose to visit, a visit to the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience.

The Size of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is approximately 277 miles long, 10 miles wide and a mile deep. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is over 200 miles (5 hours) by remote stretches of road from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is over 1000 feet higher than the South Rim; the South Rim has an elevation of 7200 feet whereas the North Rim has an elevation of between 8200 feet (Bright Angel Point) and 8800 feet (Point Imperial).

What to do at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers the following activities and services:

visitor center
gas station (East entrance only on Highway 64)
hiking trails
Historic El Torvar Hotel
camping at Mather Campground and Desert View Campground
IMAX Grand Canyon theater (South entrance)
restaurants
lodging (both at the South entrance at Tusayan and inside the Grand Canyon National Park)
bank
grocery store
the Kolb Studio
Mary Colter's Watchtower at Desert View
mule rides
drives along the South Rim, including shuttle rides.

What to do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers the following activities and services:

visitor center
gas station (near the campground)
hiking trails
historic Grand Canyon Lodge
camping at the North Rim campground
restaurants
bookstore
general store
drives to various viewpoints.

Seasons, Hours and Visitor Fees for the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year round, although some facilities may be limited in winter; the North Rim services are operational between mid-May and mid-October. Depending on the weather, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon may be open for day use from mid-October, but the road is often closed by snow during the winter months and no services are available during this time.

There are visitor fees for entrance to both the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park; cost is currently $25 per vehicle or $12 for individual foot visitors, bicycles, or motorcycles This fee is good for 7 days and can be used to enter both the North and South Rim National Parks; however, there are no refunds for bad weather. Additional fees are payable for camping and lodging within the Grand Canyon National Park.

Advantages of Visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is more accessible, is open year round and has more facilities and activities. It is possible to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on a day trip from Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Sedona and Phoenix; there are many organized tours available to the Grand Canyon South Rim from these cities. If staying overnight at the Grand Canyon, however, it is advisable to book accommodation months in advance to ensure availability.

Advantages of Visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Due to its geographic isolation, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has less tourist traffic, offering the combination of solitude and natural beauty. The North Rim is less commercialized than the the South Rim of the Grand Canyon but still offers the basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. However, like the South Rim, accommodation is quickly booked up and, in some instances, it is advisable to book accommodation at the North Rim up to a year in advance.