How long is the drive from south to North Rim?

The average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles, however, the drive between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village is about 212 miles and takes about 4 1/2 hours to drive. It takes time, planning, and effort to visit both rims in one trip.



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The hike across the canyon from South Rim to North Rim is 21 miles (34 km). However, driving from the South Rim to the North Rim by automobile requires a five-hour drive of 220 miles (354 km). Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim.

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The North Rim does not have an airport and the only way to access the Park's entrance is by car or motorcoach. Take Highway 64 east to Cameron, AZ. From Cameron, take Highway 89 north to Bitter Springs, AZ. From Bitter Springs, take Highway 89Alt west to Jacob Lake, AZ.

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The sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon is much more visible from the South Rim. The South Rim is more “user friendly” with paved paths along the rim. In the winter, The South Rim is covered in snow. It's a beautiful sight, but make sure to wear your winter gear.

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Hands down, the South Rim is THE place to visit at the Grand Canyon. It's often described as the real Grand Canyon and it's the part of the National Park that you've undoubtedly seen in movies, photographs and magazines.

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In order to safely rebuild and maintain the North Kaibab Trail and repair damaged sections of pipeline, there will be a continuous trail closure in effect from April 12-June 2, 2023. The closure area will be from Cottonwood Campground to the North Kaibab Trailhead.

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The North Rim Has a Short Season The entrance to the North Rim is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ on Highway 67 (the actual rim of Grand Canyon is an additional 14 miles south of the park entrance). Jacob Lake, AZ is located in Northern Arizona on Highway 89A, not far from the Utah border.

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The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours.

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1. Mather Point, South Rim. If you're headed to the park's South Main Entrance on the South Rim for the first time, Mather Point is usually the go-to iconic viewpoint.

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The town of Tusayan, which is just 15-20 minutes away from the main Visitor Center on the south rim, has a great selection of places to stay. Grand Canyon Junction (formerly known as Valle) is further out (about 30 minutes to the rim), but is another good option. If you want a hotel, stay in Tusayan, which has plenty.

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Who should visit the South Rim? Because it's home to many of the most memorable viewpoints, the South Rim is the ideal destination for first-time Grand Canyon Visitors. If you have small children, you may prefer to visit the South Rim for its many amenities and activities.

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Here are 9 viewpoints you can't miss on your North Rim adventure.
  • Point Imperial. Image Source: Grand Canyon National Park via Flickr. ...
  • Cape Royal. Image Source: Grand Canyon National Park via Flickr. ...
  • Bright Angel Point. ...
  • Roosevelt Point. ...
  • Walhalla Overlook. ...
  • Cape Final. ...
  • Uncle Jim Point. ...
  • Widforss Trail.


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