Grand Canyon North Rim Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour

The journey, in full

If you’re coming to the North Rim from Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Page, Arizona, or Sedona, you’ll start the audio tour in Bitter Springs, Arizona (just north of the Highway 89 N/Highway 89-A split. While you’re there, be sure to stop at the historical Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center for an up-close-and-personal look at the Colorado River! 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! If you’re joining us from Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, Kanab, Utah is a great stopover as you make your way south to the North Rim! Right Kanab is home to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, the Red Pueblo Museum, Little Hollywood Land, and countless short day-hikes. Take some time to stretch your legs before the road trip ahead, and we’ll meet you in Fredonia. We’ll be on Highway 89 A for about an hour. While you wind your way through the stunning Vermillion Cliffs and desert highway, our Shaka Guide will regale you with the fascinating history of the Native American tribes that came before us. 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. Stop into the North Kaibab Visitor Center to check current trail and weather conditions and chat with the Kaibab National Forest rangers. It’s also a great place to gas up the car and stock up on hiking supplies. Don’t forget to grab some sunscreen! Years ago, the US Forest Service used towers like the Jacob Lake Lookout to manually spot far-off forest fires. A USFS or park employee was responsible for manning the tower. Thanks to modern technology, these towers haven't been actively manned in years, but if you stop to check out this fascinating piece of history, you’ll be able to climb 80 feet to the top and get amazing pictures of the Kaibab National Forest from a pretty unique perspective! The Country Store is a great place to load up on supplies, snacks, and gas before going out to hit the trails. East Rim Viewpoint is an optional side trip that overlooks the Saddle Mountain Wilderness, Marble Canyon and the Navajo Nation. East Rim is just a short, 4-mile drive up Forest Road 611. Some of the most spectacular overlooks at the North Rim are tucked away on this nine and a half mile paved road. 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. 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. 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! 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. Moderately challenging 32.5 mile out-and back hike If you’re wondering why we’ve given you such a large timespan at the North Kaibab Trailhead, it’s because this one is a bit tricky. This is one of the most famous trails at both rims of the Canyon, because this is the one that connects them! The North Kaibab Trail itself descends to the Canyon floor, where it eventually connects to the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails to ascend out of the Canyon at the South Rim. Many adventurers prefer to camp at various locations near the Canyon floor. Beginner hikers or travelers without proper hiking gear should not attempt to hike this trail. So why are we including it here? Well, the North Kaibab Trail passes through every ecosystem from Canada to Mexico! Even if you’re not hiking the whole way down, it’s definitely worth a bit of exploration! Walk as far as you’re comfortable, take some great pictures, and give high fives to the Rim to Rim hikers as they ascend the Canyon! 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! This is the southernmost viewpoint at the North Rim, and it offers the most expansive views. In fact, you'll get an almost 270 degree view of the entire horizon. See if you can spot Angel's Window, a natural arch in the Kaibab limestone which frames a little section of the Colorado River. 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.