Only 10 Percent Of All Tourists At Arizona’s Grand Canyon Visit The Little-Known North Rim

One of the most heavily trafficked national parks in the country, the Grand Canyon sees nearly six million visitors each year. Tourism is almost exclusively confined to the South Rim, with only 10 percent of people venturing across the canyon to the lesser-known North Rim. Offering the same breathtaking views and only a fraction of the crowds, this hidden gem is worthy of a spot on your Arizona bucket list.

You know what they say about taking the less frequented path, and we can't think of a place more befitting of that description than the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

As opposed to the South Rim, home of the world-famous Grand Canyon Village, only 10 percent of park tourists visit the North Rim.

If you decide to visit this hidden gem, the first place you should go is the Visitor Center.

A bookstore, gift shop, and museum all in one, it's the perfect jumping-off point for your North Rim adventures. The center is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

Easily the most notable landmark on the North Rim is the Grand Canyon Lodge, which sits directly on the edge of the canyon.

It's the only hotel on this side of the park, boasting a variety of different lodging accommodations.

The motel rooms sleep a maximum of three, with one queen-size bed and an optional rollaway bed (additional charges apply).

Amenities include a private bathroom, mini-fridge, and ceiling fan.

Several types of cabins are available for rent: Western, Pioneer, and Frontier.

The Pioneer cabins are the largest of them all, accommodating up to six guests with one queen bed, one full bed, and a twin bunk.

Western cabins sleep four on two queen-size beds, while Frontier cabins accommodate up to three on one double and one single bed.

All of the cabins are rustic in nature, with minimal décor and few modern luxuries. They encourage unplugging from the chaos of daily life and reconnecting with nature and the people you cherish most.

The lodge also boasts a world-class restaurant open to hotel guests and the general public.

An outdoor patio doubles as a scenic overlook, showcasing the North Rim in all its vast, awe-inspiring glory.

From the patio, you can embark on the half-mile (round-trip) Bright Angel Point Trail, which provides sweeping panoramic vistas of Roaring Springs and the surrounding landscape.

Since the hike is so short, you can spend as much time as you'd like soaking up the scenery.

There's also a primitive campground where you can pitch a tent if the lodge is all booked up.

At an elevation of 8,200 feet, it's the perfect escape from the oppressive desert heat - even in the summer!

The North Rim is fully open between May 15 and October 15, and only allows day use between October 15 and October 31 (unless you have a reservation for the North Rim Campground.) Between November 1 and November 30, the North Rim is strictly confined to daytime visitors only, and it closes during winter due to heavy snowfall. You'll find more information here.

If you'd like to make a to stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge, booking is now open for the 2022 season. Click here to see availability and nightly rates.