Planning a Stay in Lodging Near Grand Canyon National Park

When most people think about visiting the Grand Canyon, they think of the South Rim. Located just a few hours from cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, this section of the park is the most popular. But what many visitors don’t realize is that there is another section of the park located to the north of the Grand Canyon.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon draws just one-quarter of the national park’s annual visitors but offers incredible views of this natural wonder that rival those found at the South Rim. It’s also located just two hours from Kanab Utah, making it a great choice for a day trip from Canyons Lodge.

Thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon during your next stay? Keep reading to learn how to plan your visit and choose lodging near Grand Canyon National Park.

Choosing Lodging Near Grand Canyon National Park

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is located close to the border between Utah and Arizona. This remote region offers some incredibly scenic views you’ll get to enjoy during your drive. But it also means that lodging near Grand Canyon National Park is limited.

Staying close to the North Rim might make it easy to get to the national park. But it will also mean being far away from other outdoor attractions, as well as services like restaurants, grocery stores, or gift shops.

Instead, the best lodging Grand Canyon National Park has to offer is located a short drive away. Staying in Kanab Utah makes it easy to plan a variety of day trips and adventures during your getaway. Stop by the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Take a day trip to Zion National Park. There’s no shortage of things to do!

Traveling to the North Rim From Kanab Utah

Staying in lodging near Grand Canyon National Park like Canyons Lodge means that getting to the park is a part of the adventure. You’ll leave the red rock deserts of Kanab Utah behind as you ascend into higher elevations. Your journey will wind through forests of pine trees as temperatures drop. 

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is around 1,000 feet higher in elevation than the South Rim. It’s also much higher in elevation than Kanab Utah. This means that during the winter months, the area frequently experiences heavy snowfall. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed for most of the winter season. If you have your heart set on visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, you’ll want to plan to visit Canyons Lodge from late spring to mid-fall.

What to See at the North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon has its own visitor center and lodge. You can talk to a ranger about trail conditions, shop for souvenirs, and learn more about the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the park.

Thanks to its higher elevation, the view from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a little different from what you’ll find at the South Rim. At the South Rim, the view lets you look down into the canyon. But at the North Rim, the view is more panoramic. The best place to take in the Grand Canyon at the North Rim is at Bright Angel Point. This short, easy trail is located just a half-mile from the main parking lot, located at the Grand Canyon Lodge.

There are also plenty of other hiking trails to enjoy at the North Rim. The Transept Tour is a three-mile trail that travels between the Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Rim Campground, with great views of the canyon far below. While it is possible to hike between the North and South Rims, this trail takes more than a day, and is very challenging. But there are plenty of other easier trails that let you enjoy the canyon without having to have advanced hiking experience.

Planning a Stay at Lodging Near Grand Canyon National Park

Planning a day trip to the Grand Canyon during your stay at Canyons Lodge is a great way to experience a unique side of this popular national park. With incredible panoramic views, fewer visitors, and cooler temperatures, the North Rim is a must-see, especially if you’ve never had a chance to experience this incredible natural wonder.