Plan your visit to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is open from approximately May 15 to late October (check here for specific dates). Opening and closing dates are dependent on the weather and amount of snow.

Like most national parks, your trip requires planning. Lodging books up far in advance. And, of course, you’ll need a National Park Pass.

At this time, no advanced reservations are required to drive into the North Rim. However a day pass is required to visit Tuweep (Toroweap) as I mentioned earlier in this article.

Where to stay at the North Rim: Grand Canyon North Rim Lodging

Although only 10% of visitors to Grand Canyon National Park make it to the North Rim due to its isolated location (which also makes it feel more like an off-the-beaten-path national park experience), 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. You can book them here.

You’ll find an assortment of accommodations: Frontier cabins, motel rooms, Pioneer cabins (some are Rimside), and Western Cabins (some have Rim views). If I were staying for more than a night or two, I would choose a Western Cabin, but of course those book up way early.

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.

Where to stay outside of Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

Kaibab Lodge (book here) on Highway 67 is the closest lodging to the North Rim that’s outside of the park (only 5 miles from the entrance). You’ll find log cabins in the pines of the North Kaibab National Forest, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, and a restaurant.

Jacob Lake, Arizona

Located 45 minutes from the North Rim on Highway 89A just before the turn off to Highway 67, Jacob Lake is the closest community to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You won’t find much of a lake here, especially during drought years, but you will find a place to sleep, eat, and fuel up.

Jacob Lake Inn offers the only accommodations in this small settlement. The Inn has hotel rooms, motel rooms, and cabins as well as dining and a gas station. Of course you’ll want to purchase a cookie, a very popular purchase at Jacob Lake Inn.

Kanab, Utah

Kanab, on Highway 89 near the junction of Highway 89A, is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the North Rim (80 miles). If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s convenient to Zion and Bryce National Parks, as well as the North Rim, Kanab makes a good headquarters with a variety of accommodations.

• Canyons Boutique Hotel: The Victorian-themed boutique hotel offers charming luxury rooms with contemporary amenities. Enjoy breakfast at the Origins Breakfast Buffet ($10 for adult guests, $12 for the general public). Free bike rentals are available for exploring Kanab.
• Parry Lodge: Hollywood stars have stayed in this historic hotel since 1931. Yes John Wayne and Frank Sinatra stayed here. Guests enjoy the free, hot breakfast buffet and pet-friendly rooms.
• Vacation rentals: If you’re planning a multi-day stay in Kanab to visit a number of parks, I recommend a vacation rental (that’s what Alan and I will do on our next visit).
• More Kanab accommodations: You’ll also find a number of bed and breakfasts, as well as a number of chain hotels.