Grand Canyon North Rim Full-Day Self-Guided Tour

Constructed in 1927, the Navajo Bridge provided easier travel and trade access from Utah to Arizona across the Colorado River.

These days it's a historic landmark that you can walk across andmarvel at the river below.

Built by The Betsy and Bill Russel in 1927, this one-time makeshift shelter became a thriving lodge for travelers and a unique roadside attraction.

Spanish priests Francisco Dominguez and Silvestre Escalante, explored this area in 1776. They were in search of a possible trade route from Mexico to California, and they may have been the first Europeans to see the Arizona Strip on their expedition in 1776

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a vast wilderness area spanning nearly 300,000 acres.

While most drivers will choose to continue their journey straight to the North Rim, this stop marks the beginning of rugged 4-wheel drive routes leading to attractions like Wire Pass Day Hikes and the Condor Viewing Site.

You'll soon reach a scenic turnout offering a final breathtaking view of the Vermillion Cliffs and the House Rock Wildlife Area.

This stop provides a perfect opportunity to savor the rocky landscape before we transition into the lush Kaibab National Forest, marking a dramatic change in elevation and environment.

The National Park Service's website(nps.gov/pisp) sums this unique national monument best: "The rich history of Pipe Spring and its flowing water comes alive as you explore the traditions of the Kaibab Paiute and the Mormon settlers through the museum, historic fort, cabins, and garden. Hike the Ridge Trail to enjoy geologic wonders, plants, and wildlife. Attend living history demonstrations and talks and be sure to visit with our amazing ranch animals!

One of the four visitor centers within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

The Kanab Visitor Center focuses on the geology and archeology of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

There’s only one stop for visitors coming from Fredonia before they arrive at Jacob’s Lake, and that’s the Le Fevre Overlook.

This roadside stop looks out at the red-orange bands of the Grand Staircase Escalante. There’s even binoculars so you can admire the staircase with a better, closer view!

The Jacob Lake Inn is a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their dining room, and their on-site bakery is famous for its giant cookies.

This 80’ Aermotor steel tower with a 7’ x 7’ metal cab was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and used by wildland firefighters and rangers to spot far-off wild fires. It was decommissioned in the 1970s but is still open to visitors.

The Country Store is a great place to load up on supplies, snacks, and gas before going out to hit the trails.

Point Imperial has the distinction of being the highest point on the North Rim. At 8,803 feet above sea level, you'll be able to see Boundary Ridge and its central peak Saddle Mountain to the North. The Nankoweap Trail runs across the lower ridge, and views of Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte and Alsap Butte are visible from the upper part of the ridge.

A quiet viewpoint along Cape Royal Drive, Vista Encantada is a picnic area that's blanketed in wildflowers and offers views of Nankoweap. The viewpoint of Vista Encantada looks out over the Walhalla Plateau. On clear days, youmay be able to see the Painted Desert in the east.

Another viewpoint along Cape Royal Road. Roosevelt Point is accessed through a very short walk and has resting benches. Despite the high ridge, a fair amount of the scenery to the north is visible including the furthest section of the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River forms an unbranched gorge just a mile or so across, cutting into the flat desert plain between the Vermilion and Echo Cliffs.

This is a 4-mile out and back trail leads to Cape Final. The trail is rated easy, which means it's relatively flat and shaded. The first part of the trail winds through the Ponderosa pine forest until you get to Cape Final Overlook, which provides expansive views of the North Rim. Many people say that this is the best overlook on the North Rim.

The Walhalla Ruins--or Walhalla Glades--was once the summer home of the Basketmakers during the Pueblo period. Here you'll be able to tour 10 rooms that have been left behind, and attend ranger-led talks and tours through the artifacts!

The Walhalla Overlook is just across the road from the Ruins. Here, you'll be treated to views of the Echo Cliffs, the Painted Desert, and the Little Colorado River Gorge.

Angel’s Window Viewpoint is a great place to get a wide-angle photo of the stone arch. If you wanna check it out, then park in the pullover on your left.

Some of the most spectacular overlooks at the North Rim are tucked away on this nine and a half mile paved road.

Moderately challenging 32.5 mile out-and back hike

Named for artist Gunnar Widforss, this trail is a long one, ut a flat one. It's 10 miles of relatively flat trail.

The first part is slightly uphill through forest. It will then follow the rim of the canyon before dropping down into the valley and then to a final plateau for the best views.

The Uncle Jim Trail is a moderate 4.7 out-and-back trail that leads to the Uncle Jim Trail Overlook and views of the canyon.

This trail has several uneven points and is a popular trail for guided mule rides, so watch your step!

This is the most visited viewpoint on the North Rim! Bright Angel Point can be accessed behind the Lodge on the Transept Trail.

This is only a half-mile, paved path that leads to the Point, where you'll be treated to view of three peaks named for three Hindu deities:

Deva Temple,
Brahma Temple and
Zoroaster Temple.

Plenty of parking here! The North Rim Visitor Center also offers educational programs, interactive exhibits both indoor and outdoor, a large gift shop, ranger information stations and those all-important restrooms, too!