See The Grand Canyon Without The Crowds At This Historic Lodge
With close to five million visitors back in 2024, The Grand Canyon has earned itself a spot as one of the most lauded tourist destinations in the entirety of the United States—but in spite of its popularity, there's one fascinating region of the park that tends to fly under the radar with tourists. While the vast majority of visitors spend their time exploring the South Rim, those who venture to the opposite side will be richly rewarded with unique views combined with just a fraction of the crowds. Challenging hiking trails, pristine forests and iconic animals abound across the Grand Canyon's North Rim, and when it comes to accommodations, the aptly-named Grand Canyon Lodge serves as the perfect base.
Officially opened in 1928, this storied property offers ample opportunity to discover an oft-unexplored side of the Grand Canyon, with cozy cabins and a diverse array of expeditions available for guests. For a quick glimpse into the beauty of the North Rim, visitors are welcome to embark on a jaunt down the Bright Angel Point Trail—an easily-navigable path that spans just one half mile—and bask in the beautiful views of the Roaring Springs, while ambitious hikers can tackle the Ken Patrick Trail, a grueling expedition that clocks in at 20 miles round trip. However, for those wishing to gain some added perspective on the rich history and biodiversity of the Grand Canyon, it's tough to beat a guided park tour.
Spanning three hours in total, this outdoor adventure opportunity showcases some of the most fascinating sites along the North Rim with vista points spanning from Walhalla Overlook to Point Imperial. During the trip, participants can gain perspective on how the canyon came to be as well as the ancient and contemporary history of the region—and to sweeten the deal, each tour also brings an opportunity to spot the fascinating flora and fauna that call the region home. More heavily forested than its southern neighbor, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is home to vast swathes of ponderosa pine, with no shortage of native animals to spot as well. For visiting birders, Cooper's hawks, broad-tailed hummingbirds and great horned owls are just a few of the species that can be spotted during a hike, while iconic mammals like the elk and American bison can be found in abundance as well.
And while there aren't a whole lot of dining options found across the North Rim, there's no need to worry—the Grand Canyon Lodge comes equipped with its fair share of restaurants offering all sorts of flavorful food and drink. For early risers, the Roughrider Saloon is perfect for grabbing a coffee before setting off to enjoy a spectacular sunrise, while Deli in the Pines is a top lunch spot thanks to its wide assortment of sandwiches and pizzas—but the crown jewel of North Rim cuisine is most certainly the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. While the space offers spectacular views of the surrounding region, it's also mastered the art of American comfort food, providing diners with hearty dishes like balsamic-glazed salmon, char-grilled ribeye and smoked brisket.
While the Grand Canyon is certainly no hidden gem, the North Rim offers an opportunity to explore a less-trodden side of the park, with no shortage of captivating creatures to encounter along the way. Brimming with tiny hummingbirds and mighty bison alike, the North Rim is a living reminder of the Grand Canyon of yore, immersing guests into the pristine habitats that were once widespread across the western United States. If you're planning an all-out road trip across the Rockies anytime soon, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge, a historic space that's certain to leave you with fond memories of North America's most celebrated natural wonder.
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