To avoid crowds, try North Rim trailsAs the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park gets most of the press, the North Rim is just as beautiful. Fortunately, it also offers a number of great day hikes.In fairness, the South Rim is iconic and somewhat more accessible. But if coming from Utah and Colorado or all points north, the North Rim is fairly easy to reach. You’ll also find this side of the canyon much less crowded.
Widforss trails
Getting away from the Grand Canyon National Park’s crowds doesn’t mean require a backcountry hike far off the beaten path. Two long trails leaving from the North Rim’s Widforss parking area can be shortened into day hikes yet are within a few miles of the visitor’s center.
North Kaibab Trail trailhead
A great set of day hiking trails on the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim start at the North Kaibab Trail trailhead. After entering the park on Ariz. Hwy. 67, use the North Kaibab parking lot, which is immediately after the Forever Resorts Grand Canyon.
Cape Royal road trails
Plenty of North Rim trails can be day hiked without driving all the way to the Grand Canyon Lodge. A good set of them are along Cape Royal Road. Among them is the Roosevelt Point Trail, a 0.2-mile loop through a woodland along the rim, and the Walhalla Ruins Trail, a 0.2-mile round trip trail heading to an archeological site.
BONUS: Dogs allowed on North Rim trail
The usual wisdom is that to leave the family dog at home if traveling to a national park. There is some good news for hikers traveling with a dog to Grand Canyon National Park this summer, however.
Learn more about national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks series.
