Grand Canyon South Rim vs North Rim: Which Side Should You Visit?
The Grand Canyon's two rims are only about 10 miles apart across the canyon but about 212 miles apart by road. This comparison covers access, seasons, crowds, lodging after the 2025 North Rim fire, and the best viewpoints on each side.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the right choice for most visitors: it is open all year, closer to airports and has the most viewpoints and lodging. The North Rim is open only May 15 to October 15, sits about 1,000 feet higher, is much quieter and, as of November 2026, has no in-park lodging. Driving between the rims takes about 4.5 hours.
Grand Canyon National Park recorded 4,430,653 recreation visits in 2025, according to the National Park Service, and the great majority went to the South Rim. The two rims face each other across the canyon, about 10 miles apart in a straight line, but no road crosses the canyon between them.
How do the South Rim and North Rim compare?
The table compares the two sides on access, season, crowds, lodging and fees, as of November 2026.
| Factor | South Rim | North Rim |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Open all year | May 15 to October 15; road closed December 1 to May 14 |
| Elevation | About 7,000 ft | About 8,000 ft |
| Crowds | Heavy, especially March to October | Light to moderate |
| In-park lodging | Several lodges plus Mather Campground | None in 2026; lodge destroyed in 2025 fire |
| Nearest towns | Tusayan (just outside), Williams, Flagstaff | Jacob Lake, Kanab |
| Nearest major airports | Phoenix (about 4 hours), Las Vegas (about 4.5 hours), Flagstaff (about 1.5 hours) | Las Vegas (about 4.5 to 5 hours) |
| Getting around | Free shuttle routes, Rim Trail, Hermit Road | Own car only, scenic drives to Cape Royal and Point Imperial |
| Views | Wide, open panoramas into the main canyon | Deeper side canyons, forested rim, views toward the South Rim |
| Vehicle entry (7 days) | $35, covers both rims | $35, covers both rims |
The North Rim is reached only by road. According to the park’s directions page, there is no airport or rail service on that side, and the North Rim entrance station is 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on State Route 67.
Why visit the South Rim?
The South Rim offers the most famous views with the least effort. You can walk the paved Rim Trail between viewpoints, take free park shuttles along the Village, Kaibab Rim and Hermits Rest routes, and drive Desert View Drive about 25 miles east to the Desert View Watchtower. From March 1 to November 30, Hermit Road is open only to the shuttle, bicycles and walkers.
- Mather Point and Yavapai Point: the classic first views, a short walk from the main visitor center.
- Hopi Point and Mohave Point: popular sunset spots along Hermit Road.
- Grandview, Lipan and Navajo points: quieter stops on Desert View Drive with river views.
- Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails: the main routes below the rim; the park advises against hiking to the river and back in one day, especially in summer heat.
In-park lodging includes El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina and Thunderbird lodges, Maswik Lodge and Yavapai Lodge, plus Mather Campground. Tusayan, just outside the South Entrance, has more hotels. Summer rooms in the park often sell out many months ahead; see our guide on how to book national park lodges.
Why visit the North Rim?
The North Rim is for travelers who want cooler weather, quieter viewpoints and forest scenery. The rim road runs through ponderosa pine, aspen and fir, and meadows along State Route 67 often hold deer and wild turkeys. Summer highs are typically in the 70s °F, about 10 degrees cooler than the South Rim.
- Point Imperial: the highest viewpoint on the rim, looking east toward the Painted Desert.
- Cape Royal and Angels Window: a scenic drive to a rock arch and wide views of the canyon’s eastern side.
- Roosevelt Point and Walhalla Overlook: short stops on the Cape Royal Road.
- North Kaibab Trail: the only maintained trail from the North Rim into the canyon.
Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not allowed on the Cape Royal and Point Imperial roads, and parking at the North Kaibab trailhead is limited to vehicles under 22 feet.
What is open on the North Rim after the 2025 fire?
The North Rim reopened on May 15, 2026, but the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire in July 2025, is gone, and no overnight lodging is available inside the park. The park has not announced a date for any rebuilt lodge, and a rebuild would require a separate environmental review.
According to the park’s 2026 North Rim update, Highway 67, Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road reopened, the North Kaibab Trail reopened for hikers only, Cottonwood Campground below the rim reopened, and the General Store and gas station sell basic supplies and grab-and-go food. The North Rim Campground was expected to reopen when conditions allowed. Nearby lodging outside the park includes Kaibab Lodge, open seasonally from May 15 to November 15, and Jacob Lake Inn.
For 2027, check the park website in spring before booking, because services may change again.
How long is the drive from the South Rim to the North Rim?
The drive from South Rim Village to North Rim Village is about 212 miles and takes about 4.5 hours without stops, according to the National Park Service. The usual route:
- East on Desert View Drive past the Watchtower to Cameron (about 1.5 hours with stops).
- North on US-89 to Bitter Springs, then US-89A across the Colorado River at Navajo Bridge, past Marble Canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs.
- West and up to Jacob Lake on the Kaibab Plateau.
- South on State Route 67 for 44 miles to the North Rim.
Fuel up in Cameron, Marble Canyon or Jacob Lake, because services are sparse. A detour of about an hour round trip north on US-89 takes you to Horseshoe Bend near Page; see our Horseshoe Bend guide. Many travelers sleep a night on the way, in Page, Marble Canyon or Kanab.
Which rim is better for your trip?
Match the rim to your season, route and travel style:
- First visit or short trip: South Rim.
- Winter or early spring: South Rim; the North Rim is closed.
- Flying into Phoenix: South Rim.
- Road trip through Zion and Bryce Canyon: North Rim fits easily, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Zion; our 7-day Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce itinerary covers the South Rim alternative.
- Escaping crowds and summer heat: North Rim, as a day trip from Kanab or Jacob Lake until in-park lodging returns.
- Hikers planning a rim-to-rim crossing: both, with permits for any overnight stop below the rim.
Bottom line
Visit the South Rim if you want the classic Grand Canyon with easy access, shuttles and lodging any time of year. Choose the North Rim from mid-May to mid-October if you prefer cool forest air and quiet viewpoints, and plan to sleep outside the park until a lodge returns. One entrance fee covers both rims for seven days.
FAQ
Is the North Rim worth the drive?
Yes, if you are already near Zion, Bryce Canyon, Kanab or Page. From the South Rim it is a long detour of about 4.5 hours each way, so most visitors choose one rim.
Does one entrance pass cover both rims?
Yes. The $35 vehicle pass is for Grand Canyon National Park as a whole and is valid for seven days at either rim.
Is there a shuttle between the South Rim and North Rim?
The park does not run one. A private seasonal shuttle has operated between the rims for rim-to-rim hikers, but check current service directly, since schedules change.
Which rim is better for sunrise?
On the South Rim, Mather, Yavapai and Lipan points are popular for sunrise. On the North Rim, Point Imperial faces east and is the classic sunrise viewpoint.
