Exploring the North Rim
of the Grand Canyon National Park
by Lisa D. Smith

  From a man walking on the moon to the creation of skyscrapers and worldwide computerized communication systems-- humans have experienced some incredible stuff; but absolutely nothing can prepare you for the astounding magnificence of The Grand Canyon--one of the seven natural wonders of the world. As you look out over 2 billion years of natural history that helped shape the southwest, one cannot help but feel spiritually humble to this vast, rugged collection of drastic colors, canyons, mesas and buttes; and marvel at it’s variety of wildlife and vegetation. This is truly an awe-inspiring and life-defining experience. (Photo of the North Rim above)
  With the Grand Canyon National Park receiving over 4 million international and American guests a year, it is wise to plan your Grand Canyon adventure ahead of time. Though most travelers tend to gather in the tourist trendy South Rim area, the North Rim--which is a full 1,000 ft. higher than it’s 7,000 ft. southern counterpart--can prove to be a beautiful and far less crowded experience.
  Surrounded by the Kaibab National Forest (photo below) and located on the Kaibab Plateau, the North Rim scenery is breathtaking. Herds of deer, along with mountain lions, coyotes, the shy and tassle-eared Kaibab Squirrels, turkeys and hummingbirds, inhabit the thick forests of spruce, fir, Quaking Aspens, Ponderosa Pines, and Gamble Oak. Changing with the seasons, the area soaks up an average rainfall of 26 inches, including 150 inches of snow in the winter--closing the roads from mid-November through May. Because the summer brings on dramatic monsoons and thundershowers, the forest meadows are lush and thick with wildflowers.
  One of the best ways to begin your Grand Canyon adventure is to drop in at the Visitor Center, chat with a ranger, and view the exhibits. The park offers a host of Ranger Programs including their Nature Walk, Geology Walk, Condor Talk, and Campfire Program--they even have kid’s programs.
  There are three developed viewpoints on the North Rim that highlight the expanse of the canyon. At a staggering 8,803 feet, Point Imperial is the highest point on either rim and offers spectacular views of Mt. Hayden, Saddle Mountain, and Marble Canyon. At Cape Royal, you can walk a nature trail to view the Colorado River, visit Angels Window overlook, and view an ancestral Pueblo structure at Walhalla Overlook. The walk to Angel Point allows you to see and hear Roaring Springs, and provides excellent views of canyons, the distant San Francisco Peaks and the South Rim--just a 10 mile ravens’ flight across the canyon.
  Day hiking is one of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon’s rich natural beauty and immense size, and the North Rim has over 11 great trails.
  A great way to end a day of exploring, is to relax with a cocktail out on the patio of the Grand Canyon Lodge, overlooking the Grand Canyon at sunset.