Kaibab Plateau

Separated by a mere 10 miles, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon sees a tenth of the travelers of the South Rim, primarily as the roadways between them require more than a couple hours of driving. Escape the crowds and experience this incredible, less traveled side of the canyon.

Mount Hayden at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

This spectacular scenic drive begins in the town of Jacob Lake which is accessible by US-89-Alt and joining onto AZ-69. Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” the town offers accommodations, dining, shopping and an opportunity to stock up on travel and camping necessities and gas. The Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center (I1) is a great place to stop to learn about off-the-beaten-track hikes and maximizing your adventure within the Kaibab Plateau.

The drive winds through the Kaibab and Saddle Mountain National Forests. Aspen, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and spruce line your way to the Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor Center (I2). A few openings in the forest will present glimpses of the Grand Canyon, particularly as you approach the visitor center, but one of the better views is at the end of AZ-67, where the Grand Canyon Lodge (H1) welcomes you with a spectacular view of Bright Angel Canyon. The view illustrates the massive uplift that occurred leaving the North Rim 1000 feet higher than the South Rim. Water, wind, erosion and temperature have worked together to create a landscape of unimaginable beauty. Looking down at 2 billion years of history is incredible. The 1/2 mile round trip trail to Bright Angel Point takes you back — a Juniper tree over 600 years old, marine and crinoid fossils, a viewpoint of Roaring Springs, colorful layers of rock and of course outstanding views.

There are other easy and more challenging trails that leave from the Grand Canyon Lodge, including trails that head to the Grand Canyon’s floor. Keep in mind that during the summer, the floor’s temperature is hotter than the rims and can easily exceed 100° F. Bring plenty of water and remember that going down is easier than going up. Do not attempt the entire hike down to the river and back up in one day, but there are plenty of good spots to turn around that make good day hikes.

From the Grand Canyon Lodge, backtrack a few miles, pass the Grand Canyon Entrance to Cape Royal Road on your right. The drive starts up again as a forested adventure.

In a few miles, you will arrive at a fork where the left heads to Point Imperial Road and the right continues on Cape Royal Road. You cannot go wrong with either choice! Point Imperial Road will bring you to Point Imperial (V1) which is the viewpoint with the highest elevation in all of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado River, Navajo Nation Reservation, Granite Gorge, and layers of red and black Precambrian rocks.

Back on Cape Royal Road, wind your way towards Cape Royal (V2). On your way, take advantage of the many turnouts to take in the dramatic views. From Cape Royal Point, you will have endless panoramas of the canyon, Angels Window and the Colorado River. The Cape Royal Trail is a self-guided 1/2 mile round trip from the parking area. This area is also popular for both sunrise and sunset viewing.

From here, backtrack back to US-89-Alt and consider a side-trip to Zion National Park by heading North on US-89-Alt or head south to explore the south rim with our Grand Canyon Loop.