5 Misconceptions About the Grand

Canyon’s North Rim

Each year, approximately half a million visitors trek to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to admire its majestic beauty or engage in recreational activities

223,217,31Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023Phone: 928-638-2468

explorethecanyon.com

The canyon’s South Rim receives an average of 5 million visitors per year.

223,217,31Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023Phone: 928-638-2468

explorethecanyon.com

The truth is that the snow is less of a problem that the antiquated, badly designed infrastructure at this side of the canyon.

For example, many of the water pipes are subject to freezing because they are not buried deep enough.

The few buildings that are supplied by deeply buried water pipes remain open in winter.

The 1st misconception is that the North Rim is made impossible to visit in winter by snow.

223,217,31Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023Phone: 928-638-2468

explorethecanyon.com

In reality, although the Grand Canyon Lodge closes on October 15, the park itself remains open for visitors and their vehicles through November 30—or until heavy snowfall forces the closing of Arizona State Route 67. 

The 2nd misconception is that the North Rim closes for winter every October 15.

223,217,31Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023Phone: 928-638-2468

explorethecanyon.com

However, the rim can still be accessed by hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing, and individuals entering the area in any of those ways are welcomed to camp along the rim. These visitors are required to have proper backcountry permits.

The 3rd misconception is once Route 67 is closed, only authorized park personnel are allowed at the North Rim.

223,217,31Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023Phone: 928-638-2468

explorethecanyon.com

This idea is far from true. The primary reason for the South Rim’s greater number of visitors is its location near the comforts of civilization, such as good roads, restaurants, and hotels. The North Rim is comparatively remote.

The 4th misconception is there seems to be an idea among the general public that the North Rim is less popular than the South Rim because its natural scenery is less attractive

223,217,31Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023Phone: 928-638-2468

explorethecanyon.com

Truthfully, the most reliable cell service is at the Grand Canyon Lodge, but service can be found at occasional spots along the rim.

The 5th misconception is that cell phone service is not available at the North Rim.