Don't Go to Grand Canyon's North Rim

“The road to the promised land runs past the desert."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

10 Reasons to Skip the North Rim

Howdy, curious travelers! Now, I know most folks talk about visitin' the North Rim, but today we're doin' things a mite differently. We’re ridin’ headlong into the wild unknown and explorin’ the reasons why you might want to avoid it. Saddle up now—this here’s the flip side of Grand Canyon wanderin’.

1. Long Drives Ain’t for the Faint of Seat

If you get saddle sore quicker than a city slicker in cowboy boots, the North Rim’s a doozy. From Las Vegas it’s a 5.5-hour haul, from Phoenix it’s 7 hours, and even if you fly into lil’ airports like Flagstaff or St. George, you’re still lookin’ at 3–4 more hours in the saddle. She’s remote, partner—and while that’s her charm, it ain’t everyone’s cup of cactus tea.

2. It’s Cold—Real Cold

North Rim rides higher than the South by a full thousand feet, and with great height comes great chilliness. You might start your day in a sun-baked meadow and end it huddled in your woolies. Temps swing 40 degrees between day and night, so don’t go chasin’ sunsets without a jacket.

3. You Ain’t Hiking to the River Today

Unlike the South Rim, where a trained soul can hike to the river and back in a day (not that we’d recommend it), the North Rim’s journey is longer, steeper, and tougher—14 miles one way and a 6,000-foot descent. Best steer toward Lee’s Ferry if it’s just river views you’re after.

4. Thin Air Makes for Wheezy Cowboys

At 8,000 feet, the North Rim’s air is thinner than a gambler’s excuses. If you’re comin’ from sea level, expect light-headedness, shortness of breath, or a mighty need to sit a spell. Acclimate slow, drink water, and take your time, lest you find yourself more winded than a bellows in a forge.

5. Not Ideal for Quick Pit Stops

Thinkin’ of poppin’ in on your way past? Reckon again. It’s a 45-minute drive just from Jacob Lake to the rim, not countin’ stops for elk, turkeys, or the mesmerizing views. The North Rim ain’t a pit stop—it’s a pilgrimage.

6. No Dinner Plans? You Might Go Hungry

The Grand Canyon Lodge is your best (and just about only) bet for a meal. But if you don’t book ahead, you might find yourself waitin’ hours or walkin’ away hungry. Best bring a picnic, or at least a backup plan.

7. Harsh Light Makes Photography a Puzzle

The high elevation and canyon angle can make mid-day photos harsh and shadowy. While sunrise and sunset are a treat, they require careful timin’ and patience. It's beautiful, no doubt, but she don’t always pose for the camera.

8. Ain’t No Nearby Airports

Unlike the South Rim with Flagstaff right down the trail, the North Rim is far from the nearest commercial airport. Get ready for long rides and limited flight options—unless you’ve got your own wings.

9. No Helicopters Here, Hoss

Helicopter tours are a popular South Rim pastime, but up North? Not so much. Nearest options are at Kanab or Marble Canyon, and that’s only for charters. If you dreamed of a bird’s-eye view, you’ll have to fly elsewhere.

10. Lodging’s Scarcer Than Rain in July

There’s only one lodge inside the park, and a mighty short list outside it. With the season so brief—from mid-May to mid-October—those beds fill up faster than a saloon on payday. Plan early or sleep under the stars.

11. It’s Winter? Forget It

From October 15 to May 15, the North Rim’s closed tighter than a miser’s coin purse. No services, no plows, and no vehicles. You can snowshoe in if you’re feelin’ brave, but don’t expect a hot meal or warm bed unless you brought it yourself.

BONUS: But Don’t Write It Off Just Yet

Now, before you go scratchin' it off your map entirely, remember—sometimes the hard-to-reach places hide the biggest treasures. But if you're leanin' South, or just want the simpler path, the South Rim's got charm aplenty.

Before you plan your route, gallop on over to grandcanyonposse.com/itineraries and download yourself a Canyon Cowboy–approved travel guide. We've got trail-tested tips, meal stops, lodging picks, and secrets only a local would know.

Until we cross trails again, keep your boots dry and your coffee hot, partner.