The canyon lands of Northern Arizona's Grand Canyon are nature's most well known and timeless creation. Human life is too short to notice the dramatic changes that have formed the canyon over the millions of years it has taken to carve the gorges, buttes and crevices of the Grand Canyon. The imposing massiveness of what is called "one of the seven wonders of the world," lures tourists to its rim by the thousands. Different from Zion National Park where you walk on the canyon floor and look up to see magnificent monoliths, at the Grand Canyon we stand above the rim and peer down into the enormous gap in the earth. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon sits at over 8000 feet, and even though the North Rim shuts down most winters hikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers still access this section of the park. The North Rim Visitor Center and other services at the North Rim usually shut down around mid-October and open up again mid-May. Ranger programs are posted at the visitor center during when the building is open for operation. This is also the place to go for the Jr. Ranger program.
Western Canyon - Tuweep The Primitive side of the Grand Canyon
Toroweap is in a remote and spectacular section of the Grand Canyon where the Colorado River flows in full view. The 61 mile backway to Toroweap is not maintained and is known to puncture tires, so be sure to bring a spare or two. Make sure the roads are dry and stock up on supplies before you go. Camping is allowed at the river if you hike down, but obtain a backcountry permit prior to the trip. There is a primitive tent site, fee free campground at Toroweap. For more information on the Toroweap Campground call: 929.638.7888 Note: There are no services at Toroweap.
North Rim and South Rim
Rim to Rim transportation is offered daily. A van leaves the North Rim and arrives at the South Rim in about 4.5 hours. It will leave the South Rim each afternoon and arrive at the North Rim each night. For reservations call: 928.638.2820. Eleven miles separate the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon and less than one mile at Toroweap. The road from rim to rim is 215 miles and the rim-to-rim hike is over 20 miles to get from one rim to the other rim.
Directions to North Rim Grand Canyon: From Zion National Park, take on U-9 through the park to Mt. Carmel Jct. Turn south on US-89 to Kanab. There is only one stop light in Kanab; this is where US-89 changes to ALT 89. Fredonia, Arizona is 6 miles. In Fredonia take 89A to Jacob lake (36 miles), then take AZ 67 to the Grand Canyon North Rim park entrance.
The view at Tuweep from Toroweap Points is one of the best in the Grand Canyon.
Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.
Directions to the Grand Canyon North Rim - From Zion National Park, travel SR-9 to Mt. Carmel Jct., then turn south on US-89 to Kanab. There is only one stop light in Kanab; this is where US-89 changes to SR-89A. Fredonia, Arizona is just a few miles away, across the Utah - Arizona border. Take SR-89A to Jacob lake (36 miles), then take SR-67 to the Grand Canyon North Rim park entrance.
North Rim Grand Canyon Location - The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is 85 miles from Mount Carmel Junction, which is located on the east side of Zion National Park. Many who visit the National Parks of Southern Utah add the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to their travel plans and those visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon often visit Zion National Park.
Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90
Stay in the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.
This is my new favorite quote:
"I don't know who Mary Cisneros is, but I mean zionnational-park.com
It's a better site than the NPS's anyway."
Written by the authors of the book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National Park
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