The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, often overshadowed by its bustling counterpart on the South Rim, is gearing up to reopen its gates for the summer season, offering travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the park’s awe-inspiring vistas.
Scheduled for reopening on May 15th at 6 a.m., the less-frequented North Rim had been closed to overnight guests since October, with its entrance gate shuttered about a month later. However, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced the eagerly anticipated return of visitor services, including camping facilities, lodging options, retail outlets, dining venues, and the gas station.
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim is poised to resume operations on May 15th as well. The lodge’s dining room will be ready to serve guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dinner reservations being a prerequisite.
In an enthusiastic Facebook post, the NPS encouraged enthusiasts to mark their calendars for the reopening, highlighting that the 2024 season would span from May 15th to October 15th, urging visitors to plan their excursions accordingly.
Following the reopening, the North Rim will be accessible for day use until November 30th, or until weather conditions dictate closure. The Backcountry Information Office will continue to serve visitors through October 31st.
Throughout the season, the park will offer daily Park Ranger programs at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk until October 15th.
Nestled close to the Arizona-Utah border, the North Rim is renowned for its tranquility and scenic beauty, drawing fewer tourists compared to its bustling counterpart. Visitors can revel in picturesque viewpoints such as Bright Angel Point and the Redwall Bridge.
Even after the seasonal closure, adventurers can access the North Rim for backcountry camping with appropriate permits, as well as engage in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing activities.
In contrast, the South Rim remains open year-round, catering to visitors throughout all seasons.
Last year, the North Rim’s reopening faced delays owing to unprecedented snowfall, with the park accumulating over 250 inches of snow, setting records in the process.