Bus-Tours

Grand Canyon North Rim Bus Tours

North Rim Bus Tours of the Grand Canyon deliver some of the most spectacular views you'll find anywhere in the world. Once you've reached the North Rim, put on your hiking boots and explore. You can hike numerous trails or drive to the three main viewpoints.

Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial and Cape Royal

The North Rim National Park is closed during the winter because of heavy snow from late October until mid-May. It is fairly cool during the summer months with highs in the mid 60's (F). At this high elevation, temperatures drop considerably at night so jackets and sweatshirts are recommended. Rainfall is lowest during April to June and highest in August when rainstorms accentuate the views with spectacular shows.

There are three developed viewpoints on the Grand Canyon North Rim which offer a sense of looking across the expanse of the canyon, rather than into its depths. Views of the Colorado River are rare and distant. These descriptions should help you to plan your visit to the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Point Imperial and Cape Royal are both reached via a winding, scenic drive; with short walks at each. There are several stops at pullouts along the way, which can easily take you half a day to see them both.

First stop is Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet, which overlooks the beautiful Painted Desert and the eastern end of Grand Canyon National Park. Here the canyon transforms as the narrow walls of Marble Canyon, visible only as a winding gash, open dramatically to become "grand." Layers of red and black Precambrian rocks, which are not visible at Bright Angel Point, add contrast and color. Cape Royal provides a panorama up, down, and across the canyon. With seemingly unlimited vistas to the east and west, it is popular for both sunrise and sunset. The sweeping turn of the Colorado River at Unkar Delta is framed through the natural arch of Angels Window. Look for the Desert View Watchtower across the canyon on the South Rim. This popular viewpoint is accessible via a paved, level trail.

It takes some effort, and a sturdy four-wheel drive vehicle, to reach Point Sublime, the western-most part of the North Rim viewpoints. A rough, two-hour (one-way) trip to this remote point is rewarded by a view that lives up to its name. Be sure to inquire about road conditions and possible closures with the park rangers before heading out on your self guided Grand Canyon tour.

Most visitors make a stop at Bright Angel Point, at the southern end of the entrance road. From the parking area it is a short, easy walk to Grand Canyon Lodge and a classic view of the canyon. This facility is wheelchair accessible. A paved, half-mile (round-trip) trail leads from the lodge, out the spine of the ridge, to Bright Angle Point. This trail is steep in places, with drop-offs and stairs, but provides dramatic views into Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons.

Glen Canyon Bus and
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A North Rim Bus Tour is a great way to visit one of the most remote parts of the Grand Canyon; including Glen Canyon, Monument Valley, Point Imperial, Cape Royal, and the world-famous Rainbow Bridge!