Grand Canyon

[TurboCanScoot]

Hi folks,



I am planning on driving as far south as the Grand Canyon. Can any one tell me which is better, the North Rim or the South Rim? What are the differences in amenities? Is one less crowed? Pictures would be great. I start heading down the road next Friday.



Thanks for the help.



Richard.

 

[bighammer]

I rode my bicycle to the North Rim and was completely blown away by it. (Solo trip while single) A few years later, I wanted to show my wife and we drove up to the South Rim from Phoenix.

While it's still an impressive sight, I think the North Rim is better because of the extra elevation. It's also rolling/mountainous on the north side and when you look south, you see the other side as well as miles and miles of flat desert beyond.

If I remember right, you see the Colorado River from the South side more. Also if you plan to hike down, the south side is less elevation to climb back up to.

The weather was better on my bike trip and I spent 3 days camped about 10 feet from the edge vs. an afternoon on the driving trip, so I might be a bit biased.

If you have time Zion NP is spectactular and sort of on the way if you're driving down from the north.

Hope this helps. Enjoy!

 

[MMichaels]

Though more remote, the north rim of the Canyon is far less crowded than the more accessible south rim, which, by this time of year, is a real zoo including long lines of backed-up traffic and an endless stream of tour buses.



There's more "going on" at the south rim - more exhibits, hotels, restaurants, etc. - but you'll have to wait in line to experience them...

 

[JMetzger]

What bighammer & MMichaels says is correct. If you have the time try to make both the North & South rims but I prefer the North Rim & Zion NP is a must also.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

. . and throw in Bryce Canyon for good measure!

 

[BarryG]

As others have said the north is less crowded and has less amentities as well as the temp is cooler. However the south side does have some redeeming qualities. Many more views of the canyon and you can see much more of the canyon. More trails to hike more exhibits etc. Also more people. If you have time both would be great. I will also recommend stopping by Zion for a day or even just driving through and if you can hit Bryce all the better. Three totally different parks and each is utterly unbelievably beautiful in its own right

 

[BigFun]

Don't forget Capitol Reef National Park. As the driving experience goes, CRNP is a lot more close and personal. A couple of gourges you can drive through and the close proximety of the shear walls and mountains made this one for me a best seen on the trip. The drive through Glen Canyon was spectacular as well. A tad out of the way but worth the trip IMHO. We're planning on a trip through the Grand Canyon in 2008 when I retire from the Navy. Last time we went there was a basic drive-by photo shoot in 1979 on the South end with a pregnant wife, two cats, a Chevy step-side shortbed loaded with a two motorcycles, and a loaded VW Beetle in tow. Looking forward to the return trip.

Have fun! BF

 

[Bob Cochran]

I was going to add to this but it seems like all was covered. I prefer the North Rim but the South is good too. You will enjoy it no matter what side you go to though I prefer the South in Winter and the North in the summer. Cannot even get to tyhe North Rim typically in the winter. Have fun.

 

[bighammer]

I agree Bryce was pretty cool as well. (hit that on the way to Zion)

After the North Rim, I pedaled east thru the Navajo Reservation to the 4 corners area and up thru Monument Valley, Moab, Arches NP, etc. I wanted to tour the desert before it got too hot. (early June) I went north to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole for the finalle. What a trip! I think any and all those places are well worth a visit. Hope you have plenty of time to really enjoy the beauty. Utah and Arizona are incredible.

 

[RonCar]

We went a couple of months ago and stayed HERE and rode the train up to the south rim and it was really cool. this is a picture form the rv park. It is in williams which is not to far from the canyon...



#ad

 

[jelag]

One season we took the goldwing to first the north rim... and around northwest across the river to the south rim..... both are beautiful... ... both have good points and bad points... . while in a motel at the south entrance to the park... . we found that all water is trucked into the south entrance... the only wells in the area are in the park and only service the park... and are 50 years old...



as we looked out the motel on the south end... we saw 5 or 6 stainless tankers heading up the hill to several large tanks... . and we found no ice water in the restaurants..... asking told the story..... the motels had a figure of like $5 per person per night for water... to provide showers and toilets..... and thats why there were so few houses at the south entrance ... ... . no wells.....



lets see... that was 7 or 8 years ago.....



Hope this helps...

 

[bgwhtjp33]

I didn't pull a trailer, but there were a bunch of them up there. Anyway I think that the North rim is better. I was up there over Memorial weekend here are the pics.



http://community.webshots.com/myphotos?action=viewAllPhotos&albumID=550917988&security=LdHBYi

 

[vegasredneck]

Like many of the guys have said. The route I would take would be the North rim. Start at Zion and once you see it. the grand canyon will seem like a big ditch but that is just me. Take a hike up the narrows in Zion once you do it. You will know what I am talking about. It is like a mini Yosemite but with red rock. The north rim is the nicer part of GC and the views are spectacular at sunset. Don't do the hike it really is not worth it. And the last stop is Bryce, If it not to hot do the hiking tour.



I don't know your trip plan but if you come south on 15 fill up in Cedar City or if you come out of vegas 15 north fill up in St George,Utah before going into Zion and the North rim. Once you get on the other side of Zion not many places to fill up.

Have a safe trip