Grand Canyon

[shut up and fish]

We are traveling with our t.t. and another couple with theirs the middle of May. We have reservations for the South Rim for a couple of nights. Our traveling companions have been told by friends that the North Rim is the place to stay for better scenery.
Anyone have experiences they would like to share?

Thanx for your time and thoughts,
Syd

[shut up and fish]

We are traveling with our t.t. and another couple with theirs the middle of May. We have reservations for the South Rim for a couple of nights. Our traveling companions have been told by friends that the North Rim is the place to stay for better scenery.
Anyone have experiences they would like to share?

Thanx for your time and thoughts,
Syd

[Robert & Kiki]

I liked the view equally from both sides. A lot less people on the North side. If I remember correctly it is a 250 mile drive between the 2 sides. The Jacobs Lake / North rim country is a lot more scenic but the GC is about the same in my opinion.

[Magoo]

Lots of Japanese tour busses on both rims. We went to the N. rim two summers ago. Nice, but I prefer the views from the South rim. The Canyon stair steps down on the North while you can look directly at the bottom from the South side. I can only remember seeing one tiny portion of the bottom from one viewpoint on the North side.

[doc]

I believe the north rim is about a thousand feet higher than the south rim. Not a lot on the north rim however. Roads not as good and harder to get to.
So if elevation makes your a better view, then thay may be right....but there is enough to see on the south side for several vacations IMHO.

We were there a few years back and it was pretty neat to watch the storms on the north side cross the canyon. The wind blowing up out of the canyon was actually blowing small pieces of gravel up over the edge. It was not nearly as pretty when the lightning reached our side of the canyon and we had to make a run for cover.

[Ray,IN]

The middle of May will likely still be snow season for the North Rim, so be prepared for delays traveling there. The South rim should be great, and you'll beat most of the summer elbow-to-elbow crowds. I really like the North rim better. I think the views are greater, less crowded, and more laid-back. In addition to the campground at there, you'll also find a full hookup CG North of the canyon about 30 miles, on the same state highway.

[Cruzer]

We like both sides, but they are different. The south rim is around 7,000' while the north rim is around 8,000'. The south rim is easier to get to but has many more visitors so it's crowded. THere are a number of nice overlooks with different views. Not only can you see Indian Gardens and the Colorado River easily from the south rim but you are looking across at the taller north rim so you get the impression of being "in there".

The north rim is a long way around. It's accessed from Kanab easily enough but visitation is low on the north rim. It's cooler in summer and it opens later in spring (mid May is early) due to snow. You look across at a lower south rim so you get the feeling of "looking down" rather than being "in there". You also can't see the floor of the canyon very well from the north rim. Still, it's quiet and peaceful and there's more wildlife. It's much more relaxing and laid back.

Your choice of rims will largely be determined by which side you're on and what kind of experience you want - "see it all" or "laid back and relaxed".

[Robert & Kiki]

I think you mean Jacobs Lake for access if coming from South Rim. Kanab Utah is a lot farther North. I certainly agree there is a big difference between the two sides but enjoyable & beautiful no matter where you view it from. A meal by the window (Very large windows)at the North rim Lodge is quite awesome.

[shut up and fish]

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences. It will help me, I mean my wife, make the decision.

After the Grand Canyon we head to Monument Valley, Brice, and Zion. Then home to Redding,CA

Thanks again,
Syd

[Gus Weber]

You mentioned stopping at Bryce. If you have never been there, don't miss it. One time we were walking up from the canyon over the rim, which is sort of a raised circle around that part of it. Coming from the parking area, you see nothing until you top that rise and then you see everything. Three elderly ladies were coming up the rise, and when she saw the canyon, one of them shouted "Oh, my God." The next one also shouted "Oh, my God." When the third one also said "Oh, my God." I mentioned to my wife that those words were the best description I could thionk of for Bryce.

Have a great trip

Gus Weber

[Robert & Kiki]

They have an ATV rental spot at Bryce that will take you thru Casto Canyon if you like that sort of thing. Casto is similar to Bryce but you are in it (with trees)...

[Ding-a-ling]

Hey Syd,

If your are going to Monument Valley, be sure to look-up Gouldings CG and stay there if you can. They have one of the greatest views I have ever seen from a camping area!
The CG is up a canyon draw overlooking the MV area. They have a good restaurant too.

[bldrbob]

In 2004 we were going to go to the north rim .We were told the roads would not be open till May 15th.It may vary according to how much snow they got.
BOB

[Robert & Kiki]

Gouldings is definetly some of the best views you'll ever find in a cg.