You’ve seen the photos and heard the stories, now, prepare to experience the wonder of the Grand Canyon for yourself!

Here’s what to expect on your Shaka Guide North Rim adventure.

Start Planning!

Here are a few things to know in order to have the best experience on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

How to Get There

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is only open seasonally—from May 15th to October 15th. Outside of these dates, it’s completely closed to all traffic due to snow and limited access

The tour has several starting points:

• If you’re coming from the Las Vegas area, you’ll start the tour on Highway 389 East just before the Pipe Springs National Monument. 
• If you’re coming from southern Utah and/or Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, you’ll start the tour on Highway 89 South in Kanab, Utah. 
• If you’re coming from the Grand Canyon South Rim, Cameron, AZ, Page, AZ, or Flagstaff, AZ, the tour will start just north of Page on US Highway 89A at Marble Canyon.

Pro Tip: Many Grand Canyon shops and attractions close by 5:00 pm - check hours of operation in advance.

How to Get In

• Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (credit/debit only).

• Where to Pay: You can purchase your pass at the North Entrance Gate or online here.

Tips to Know

• All camping and overnight trips require a backcountry permit.
• Cell reception is spotty in and around the canyon. Don’t worry, Shaka Guide tours work completely offline - no wifi or data necessary! 
• Rafting in the canyon requires advanced booking. Check the NPS river trips page here for more information.
• Phantom Ranch, the popular inner-canyon lodging site, is booked out months in advance. To check availability, or start planning your trip, check here.

What to Expect

Kaibab National Forest, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

To Get an Early Start

It’s important to set out with realistic expectations. While the North Rim is definitely quieter than its South Rim sibling, it’s not exactly empty. You likely won’t face big crowds, but you might still run into a little congestion—especially around the lodge area or at the entrance gate during peak times.

To make the most of your day, we recommend arriving early. Try to shoot for 8 a.m., if you can. After that, there’s a chance you’ll hit a short line at the entrance.

To Spend 8-10 Hours Exploring

Our Shaka Guide North Rim tour is designed to allow you to glimpse every area of the park in just one day.

During your tour, you’ll explore:

• Jacob Lake Lookout Tower
• scenic Cape Royal Road
• the historic Grand Canyon Lodge
• the breathtaking Bright Angel Point

It’s definitely a busy day, packed full of all of the North Rim highlights you won’t want to miss! Check out our itinerary for more details.

To Be Active

CC BY 2.0

Whether your ideal day in the North Rim consists of hiking through lush forests to beautiful overlooks or getting up early to beat the sun to the canyon below, you can anticipate an active day of fun-filled activities.

For those who want to take things slowly, or who may be traveling with children, the Grand Canyon has plenty of viewpoints that are both accessible and breathtaking.

Accessible Views

Here's some favorite, easy-access views that are sure to leave you in awe. For even more suggestions, check out our North Rim Itinerary.

• Point Imperial
  The highest viewpoint in the park at 8,803 feet. Incredible views of the Painted Desert and the eastern canyon. Drive-up access with minimal walking required.

• Cape Royal
  A favorite for sunset. Offers a wide-angle view of the canyon and even a peek at the Colorado River. The 0.6-mile paved trail is mostly flat and very scenic.

• Walhalla Overlook
  A peaceful, often-overlooked stop with canyon views and nearby archaeological sites. Very short walk from the parking area.

• Vista Encantada
  True to its name—“enchanted view.” Grassy picnic area and stunning outlooks, with barely any walking needed.

If you’re on the more adventurous side, consider taking some of the more challenging hikes.

Worth the Work Views

• North Kaibab Trail

  • Supai Tunnel – 4 mi round trip

  • Roaring Springs – 9.4 mi round trip

  • Phantom Ranch – 28 mi round trip (overnight)
    Steep, iconic, and intense. Go as far as you feel comfortable—just remember the climb back is tough.

• Widforss Trail – 10 mi round trip
  Follows the rim through forest and canyon views. Long but not steep—great for solitude and scenery.

• Ken Patrick Trail – 10 mi one way
  Remote and rugged with lots of elevation changes. Best for experienced hikers.

• Uncle Jim Trail – 5 mi round trip
  A shorter option with big payoff views. Great for a moderate half-day hike.

Writer's Tip: Uncle Jim Trail may not be quite as challenging as some of the other options, but the views of the canyon are unbeatable. An absolute must-do!

To Learn

The story of the Grand Canyon's formation, like the canyon itself, is unlike anything else on the planet. And we'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't tell you about it.

On your tour, you’ll learn not just about the geology of the canyon, but also about the indigenous peoples, pioneering women, and forward-thinking conservationists who have played such an important role in its history.

Budgeting

• $10 per person: Snacks
• $10-15 per person: Lunch
• $20-30 per person: Dinner
• $35.00 per vehicle: Grand Canyon Weekly Park Pass

What to Bring With You

CC BY 2.0

As with most national parks, a little preparation can make all the difference in your Grand Canyon experience.

Check off this list for suggestions on what to bring before you set out on your canyon adventure.

• Headphones 
• Car Charger
• Layered Clothing
• Refillable Water Bottles
• Hiking/Walking Sticks
• Good Shoes/Boots
• Crampons/Spikes
• Blacklight
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Hats/Sunglasses
• Camera/Phone Cleanser.

Leave No Trace

NPS Image

The Grand Canyon isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. One that stirs the soul, stretches the imagination, and reminds us how small we really are. No wonder it’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

To keep it that way, we ask you to travel the Shaka Guide Way: with curiosity, care, and respect.

That means following Leave No Trace principles:
Carry out everything you bring in. Toss your trash in the bin—or better yet, take it with you. Leave rocks, plants, and history where you found them. Give wildlife plenty of space. And always stay on marked trails.

Together, we can help protect the Grand Canyon’s magic—for the next visitor, and the next generation.

About the Writer:

Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. When she first visited the Grand Canyon, she fell in love—with the layers, the legends, and the way nature can heal the spirit. Now, she’s on a mission to share the stories that live in the land—and the places that make us feel small in the best way.

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We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more information and to check out the tour, be sure to check out the accompanying itinerary.

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