Okay we don%26#39;t have the time to make it around to the South Rim and this will be our family%26#39;s first time to the Grand Canyon so I am hoping to get some great ideas of what to see, do and all that at the North Rim.. Right now we have 3 nights book in a Western Cabin but most likely will be getting in a little late the first night so not much time to do anything that day. We are a family of four- mom, dad, kids 8 %26amp; 11 and are up for most anything! Can handle hikes around 4 miles round trip. So what do you suggests
Here are our dates
August 9 - Arrive late
August 10 %26amp; 11 - GC North Rim
August 12 - Drive to Zion - but could do something early in the day
What do you think?
Give me your touring ideas - North Rim!
Hi and welcome,
If you and your family are big outdoors people you will love the North Rim. One of my favorite places!
The first night if it%26#39;s not to dark when you get settled, you might want to take a little hike on the Bright Angel Point Trail. This is a paved path that goes south about 0.5 miles from the Grand Canyon Lodge parking area to Bright Angel Point. The moon will be half full so it might be pretty spectacular! If it%26#39;s to dark, just hang out on the back porch in one of the many chairs and enjoy the beauty and save the walk for the morning and watch the sun come up.
The next two days you have a lot of options. You can hike down aways into the Canyon on the North Kaibab Trail. You can go as far as Supai Tunnel which is approx 2 miles down one way or if you think it would be to much for the kids you can stop at Coconino Overlook which is approx 1 mile down one way. Just remember it will probably take twice as long to come up as it does to go down! Bring plenty of water and snacks for everyone and wear good fitting shoes.
There%26#39;s also Cape Royal Trail and The Transept Trail. Both are short hikes.
You can drive to Point Imperial which is the highest spot on the North Rim side. There is a trail that goes along the top of the rim from there with some pretty awesome views of the canyon. I believe this is the Ken Patrick Trail.
Then if you%26#39;re really ambitious, there is the Point Sublime Trail which is accessible by a 4x4 vechile only! This is a long drive, approx 2 - 2 1/2 hours one way for a 20 mile drive!!! The view is awesome, but be warned it is wide open with BIG drop-off over the side. There is a picnic table there and that%26#39;s about it. This isn%26#39;t a place to let the kids run so be prepared! Just a beautiful spot for a picnic lunch and some relaxing if your children would enjoy that!!
You can also catch a ranger talk back at the lodge with the kids that they will enjoy.
There is only one dinning room at the NR and you need to make reservations there for dinners. Open seating for breakfast and lunch. There is also a snack shack type deli that has sandwiches, pizza and things that%26#39;s not to bad. We did have breakfast in the saloon in the mornings. Just bagels, muffins, coffee, hot chocolate and things. Was good! We usually try and stop at a grocery store before we get there and pick up supplies like fresh fruit, snacks and drinks.
Stop in at the gift shop area and maybe grab a map of the area and do some planning. The people in there are very helpful and friendly!
The North Rim is very remote. You won%26#39;t see tour buses here. It%26#39;s also very open with not a lot of railings to block your view. Be prepared and make sure your children are also!!! Come back with more questions if you need to.
You will have a wonderful time....enjoy!!!!
SJG
Give me your touring ideas - North Rim!
Okay so sunset will probably be around 7-something in the summer you think? We might be able to make it by then..
Those hikes sound good and I do have to remember if we are hiking down it is always harder and longer coming back up so will keep that in mind..
We will be in a minivan so I guess that 4x4ing adventure will not be on our agenda but sounds really wonderful..
Thank you for your ideas! Got my wish list started now..
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