The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is at an elevation that is thirteen hundred feet higher than the south rim and it’s more remote and difficult to get to, so the number of tourists there tends to be smaller. This provides travelers who want something a little quieter a place to go where they can experience the Old West the way that it should be experienced, on mule or horseback in a wild land where few even today dare to tread. If you’re looking for a Grand Canyon trip without the tourist traps you definitely want to try the North Rim.

When you first enter the North Rim at the edge of Walhalla Plateau you are at 8,824 feet. You can travel a winding side road at this point to take in various views of the canyon or you can continue on to the Grand Canyon Lodge, a massive structure built right into the rock of the canyon itself and the only indoor lodging for nearly one hundred miles. There are no chain hotels on the North Rim, but there are some log huts you can stay in and an eighty-three site campground. There is also a general store, cafe, gas station and ranger station. It’s truly a journey back in time to the Old West.

The most popular viewpoint if you want to look down into the Canyon is Bright Angel Point, overlooking Bright Angel and Roaring Springs Canyons below. There are trails going down into these canyons if you want to see the interior. The North Kaibab Trail is the only one that is maintained and you can book a walking or mule-back trip along it at any time. Ask about these guided tours when you book your overall Grand Canyon tour. If you want to try something a little shorter and less strenuous check out the Widforss, Cape Final or Uncle Jim trails.

The two highest viewpoints in the Grand Canyon are located on the North Rim. Point Imperial (8,803 feet) and Cape Royal (7,865 feet) are both accessible off AZ 67 and both offer some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in North America. From Cape Royal you can also walk a short trail to Cliff Spring. If you’re planning a Grand Canyon tour or vacation or tour this year try the North Rim. It’s beautiful and devoid of large crowds. It’s also higher up so dress warm. You can see frost at night any time during the year.