The Grand Canyon North Rim Season Open

It is the season once again to enjoy the North Rim of Grand Canyon. From St. George UT, you can easily enjoy an entire day on the North Rim starting May 15, 2015. The Grand Canyon Trail Rides will also begin their seasonal operations. The Backcountry Permits Office and campground will be open for services starting at 8:00 am on May 15th.

The North Rim lies at the southern end of the Kaibab Plateau at approximately 8,500 feet in elevation and offers spectacular canyon views. Visitors traveling to the area should know U.S. Route 89 between Page, Arizona and Bitter Springs, Arizona has reopened for the first time in two years since a major landslide forced its closure.

The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, camper services, food services and a gas station, will also open May 15. Lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., lodge check-in will begin at 4 p.m. and seating for dinner will begin at 4:45 p.m. At the North Rim Entrance Fee Station, visitors can use only debit or credit cards to pay park entrance fees. However, visitors can use cash at the Grand Canyon Association Bookstore in the visitor center.

Rangers will present the first scheduled ranger program, Grand Canyon Geology, on the veranda of the Grand Canyon Lodge May 15 at 3:30 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. talk about California condors. The first evening program will be held May 15 at 8 p.m. in the lodge auditorium. All ranger programs are listed in “The Guide” (North Rim: 2015 Season), a free publication distributed at the North Rim Entrance Fee Station, the North Rim Visitor Center, other contact stations in the park.

Starting November 1, 2015 through December 1, 2015 pay-at-the-pump gas and diesel will still be available and visitors will continue to have access to Point Imperial and Bright Angel viewpoints, as well as the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Camping will be available to those that walk or hike in at the North Rim Campground provided a backcountry use permit has been obtained. Backcountry permit holders will be allowed to park overnight. Permits will continue to be available through the South Rim Backcountry Permits Office and at the visitor center at Pipe Spring National Monument.