The North Rim is not as well understood as the South Rim, and there are a number of public misconceptions about it. Five misconceptions you should know about the North Rim...

1. 5 Misconceptions About
the Grand Canyon’s
North Rim

2. Each year, approximately half a million visitors trek
to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to admire its
majestic beauty or engage in recreational activities

3. 223,217,31
Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Phone: 928-638-2468
explorethecanyon.com
The canyon’s South Rim receives an average of 5 million
visitors per year.

4. 223,217,31
Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Phone: 928-638-2468
explorethecanyon.com
 The truth is that the snow is less of
a problem that the antiquated,
badly designed infrastructure at this
side of the canyon.
 For example, many of the water
pipes are subject to freezing
because they are not buried deep
enough.
 The few buildings that are supplied
by deeply buried water pipes
remain open in winter.
The 1st misconception is that the North Rim is made impossible to visit in winter by snow.

5. 223,217,31
Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Phone: 928-638-2468
explorethecanyon.com
 In reality, although the Grand
Canyon Lodge closes on October
15, the park itself remains open
for visitors and their vehicles
through November 30—or until
heavy snowfall forces the closing
of Arizona State Route 67.
The 2nd misconception is that the North Rim closes for winter every October 15.

6. 223,217,31
Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Phone: 928-638-2468
explorethecanyon.com
 However, the rim can still be accessed by
hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing, and
individuals entering the area in any of
those ways are welcomed to camp along
the rim. These visitors are required to have
proper backcountry permits.
The 3rd misconception is once Route 67 is closed, only authorized park personnel are allowed at the North Rim.

7. 223,217,31
Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Phone: 928-638-2468
explorethecanyon.com
 This idea is far from true.
The primary reason for the
South Rim’s greater
number of visitors is its
location near the comforts
of civilization, such as
good roads, restaurants,
and hotels. The North Rim
is comparatively remote.
The 4th misconception is there seems to be an idea among the general public that the North Rim is less popular than
the South Rim because its natural scenery is less attractive

8. 223,217,31
Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Phone: 928-638-2468
explorethecanyon.com
 Truthfully, the most
reliable cell service is at
the Grand Canyon Lodge,
but service can be found at
occasional spots along the
rim.
The 5th misconception is that cell phone service is not available at the North Rim.