Where to eat at the North Rim

Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a room filled with a magnificent view of the canyon (try to sit by the window). Alan and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast, and also dinner, in the dining room.

We found the food to be outstanding, especially considering the remote location. Dinner reservations are recommended, actually these days they are a necessity.

For a more budget-friendly meal, step next door toI Deli in the Pines (open 10 am to 9 pm), where grab and go meals include sandwiches, salads, and made-to-order pizza.

The Coffee Saloon (part of the Roughrider Saloon) is the place to go for a quick breakfast (open 5:30 am to 10:30 pm). You’ll find breakfast burritos, fresh pastries, espresso and coffee.

In the evenings, the patio of the Roughrider Saloon is a scenic spot to enjoy a glass of wine, beer or cocktail.

The North Rim General Store, located at the entrance to North Rim Campground sells basic grocery items. You can also pick up quick breakfast items (warm them up in the general store microwave) or that all important ice cream after a morning of hiking.

Outside of the park, Kaibab Lodge dining room (5 miles from the entrance) serves buffet meals for breakfast and dinner. They also offer grab and go lunches such as sandwiches and burritos.

Or you can drive back to the junction of Highway 67 Highway 89A for a meal at Jacob Lake Inn. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (also to-go options), Jacob Lake Inn dining room provides a sit down meal with interesting options. Kaibab Jagerschnitzel is their specialty.

How to drive to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

You’ll find the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona’s northwest corner. The closest community is Jacob Lake located on US 89A. This is the place to fill your gas tank, grab a meal, or even stay for the night at the motel or campground. Don’t blink your eyes or you’ll miss it!

At Jacob Lake, turn south onto the paved Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway (Arizona Highway 67). Enjoy the 44 mile journey through the Kaibab Plateau with its thick ponderosa pine forests fringed with aspen trees.

Watch for wildlife in the sub-alpine meadows that border the road. The luxurious nature filled scene is a far different experience from the high desert landscape of the South Rim.

From the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

If you’re driving from the South Rim Grand Canyon Village to the North Rim (about 220 miles), plan on a 4.5-hour drive (without stops). You’ll be traveling east on the Coconino Plateau (AZ 64) before going north on Highway 89 into the Painted Desert of Navajo land.

Turn west at Highway 89A to continue your scenic drive to the North Rim. The road crosses the Colorado river at Lees Ferry and then skirts the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, home to White Pocket, Coyote Buttes and the famous Wave rock formation.

After the steep climb through the Kaibab National Forest and onto the Kaibab Plateau, you’ll arrive at Jacob Lake and the turnoff to the North Rim.

From Kanab, Utah

While a one-day visit doesn’t do the North Rim justice, it’s possible (although I don’t recommend it) to see the highlights on a day trip from Kanab. Take Highway 89A for the 80-mile drive to the North Rim (about 90 minutes).

Kanab also makes a convenient headquarters for exploring the trails, dirt roads, and slot canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. And it’s a fun stop on a southwest road trip itinerary that includes Zion National Park (about a 2.5 hour drive) and Bryce National Park (3 hour drive from Kanab).

From Page, Arizona

If you are headquartering in Page, Arizona, the North Rim is a 2.5 hour drive (122 miles) on Highway 89 to Highway 89A to AZ Highway 67. While that’s a lot of driving, this is doable if you only have one day to spend at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.

Page is also a good choice if you are planning to visit Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend or spend time at Lake Powell.

How to fly to North Rim Grand Canyon

Flying to the North Rim offers the opportunity for a fun road trip (rent your vehicle here) that includes other destinations and national parks in the American Southwest:

• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (275 miles/4.5 hours driving) is the closest international airport to the North Rim.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 350 miles/6 hours driving.
• Salt Lake City International airport is 400 miles/6.5 hours driving