For an alternative to the heavily visited South Rim of the Grand Canyon, baby boomers should consider the 212-mile journey to the famous canyon’s other side. The 4-plus hour drive travels through the Kaibab National Forest , where golden leaves of quaking aspen trees shimmer in the light breeze on a crisp, fall day. Boomers are sure to spot wildlife like turkey and mule deer playing in the meadows bordered by ponderosa pine forests that continue to the very edge of the canyon.
View from the North Rim
Although only 10% of visitors to the Grand Canyon make it to the North Rim due to its isolated location, park lodging books up quickly, more than a year in advance. Accommodations are basic, log cabins with no telephones, television and very limited cell service. When Alan and I visited we were lucky enough to arrange a last minute booking in one of the Frontier cabins that included one double bed and one single bed with little space left over. Of course if we were campers, we could have stayed in the campground, if a reservation had been available (no hook-ups).
But who cares about luxury lodging with a Grand Canyon view steps from the cabin? We walked the short path to Bright Angel Point to catch the sunrise before chowing down on an asparagus omelet in the dining room of the Grand Canyon Lodge. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the stone and timber building appears to melt into the environment. In the late afternoon, we sat on the lodge’s veranda overlooking the canyon waiting for a sunset show as the wind rustled through the trees to the click, click, click of camera shutters.
Frontier Cabin
We enjoyed the 15-mile drive along Cape Royal Rd. that ended at Cape Royal. Numerous stops along the way offered chances to get out of the car and walk to scenic overlooks.
Baby boomer hiking enthusiasts of all levels have plenty of options for hiking the North Rim, or choose from a variety of mule ride excursions. Die-hard adventurers can hike from rim to rim on multi-day excursions.
The North Rim is open from May to October. Besides the Grand Canyon Lodge, food is also available at Deli in the Pines and Camper Store. Once winter weather settles in, the North Rim is closed although hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers with a backcountry permit may use the campsites.
Have you visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon? Please post a comment. We’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to visiting the North Rim.
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I’ve been to the Grand Canyon but the hard way. We vised the West rim and lived to see another day. Took 3 kids, 1 dog and ourselves down a 120 mile dirt road to get to the rim. We only saw one other car on the road. But the view was certainly grand. No one else there – pretty special. I don’t recommend it. there are no amenities and no place to get gas.
I’m with you Donna, not camping anywhere. Never happening, no matter how beautiful the scenery is. I camp at the Marriott anywhere or the Venetian in Vegas.
I always like hearing about the road less taken
Beautiful. I’d love to go sometime. I went to the Southern Rim one day and the weather was terrible and I could hardly see anything. Obviously, I’ll have to try again.
what’s the view like from over there? can you see the tourists lined up on the other side?
donna,
a good friend and her husband did this several yearss back and loved the quieter aspect of the canyon. nice to know it’s still a good option.
Donna:
I would like to announce that you are the awardee of the Sisterhood Award for women bloggers who have great attitude and gratitude toward others. On my blog today, http://atravelerslibrary.com, readers will see this : I hereby hand the Sisterhood Award off to world traveler Donna L. Hull, whose My Itchy Travel Feet particularly appeals to members of the boomer generation. Don’t miss the gorgeous photos she posts along with her interesting travel stories. She finds bargains for our home town at Tucson on the Cheap as well. Donna has been my blogging mentor and patiently answered endless stupid questions.
Thanks and congratulations,
Vera Marie Badertscher
Loved the Grand Canyon! My husband and I traveled down it on a raft! A trip to remember!
My husband and I visited the North Rim in 2004 and LOVED it! We did some hiking, but I didn't go far because I knew the hardest part would be hiking back up when I was already pooped. We stayed in Kanab for 3 days and I would go back in a heartbeat!
My husband and I visited the North Rim in 2004 and LOVED it! We did some hiking, but I didn't go far because I knew the hardest part would be hiking back up when I was already pooped. We stayed in Kanab for 3 days and I would go back in a heartbeat!
spent a week on the north rim. camping in almost complete isolation. It was life changing. ain’t gonn tell you where!
Judith, I bet you went to Toroweap. It’s about a 3-hour drive down a rough dirt road. Alan took a solo trip there last summer. He dry camped in the car so he could be there for a morning photo shoot. The haze was bad so the photos aren’t the best. He loved the isolation and dramatic view. That’s my man. I’ve promised to go but we’ll drive in and out the same day. No dry camping for me. I’m a lux girl.
Thankfully, no. But North Rim is higher in elevation so view into canyon is even more dramatic.
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