Mike Miller

Going to GC this fall. Since we are coming from Utah, would like to know if it's worth the extra miles to go to the south rim or are the sights just as spectacular at the north rim? Also would appreciate any comments on where to stay in the area.

Theresa

The scenery on both sides of the GC are beautiful. The North Rim is higher in elevation and so the surrounding country is prettier than than the South Rim. There are also less people at the North Rim. Although the surroundings of the South Rim are more desert-like, the view of the Canyon is prettier. Possibly due to the angle of the sun. The South Rim also has more to do (mule rides, etc..) and they also have a train that I believe runs from Holbrook to the Canyon--correct me if I'm wrong! Have fun! The Canyon is always beautiful.

Larry

North Rim great and less crowded. Must have reservations - even for campground. Also cooler. South Rim crowded but better photos as sun angle is from south. Train runs out of Williams. IMax Theater well worth seeing.

(AZ) Grand Canyon Nat'l Park:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/ Grand Canyon National Park Service pages

http://www.kaibab.org/gc_home6.htm The "unofficial" Home Page on the Grand Canyon

http://www.thecanyon.com/nps/index.htm Grand Canyon Association site

http://www.gorp.com/gcjunkies/canyon.htm Grand Canyon hiking and backpacking

Too vast & spectacular to describe. Southern & Northern rims offer different views. South rim very busy - expect difficulties in parking at view points (crowded). North rim (Visitor facilities closed Oct 15 - May 15; Open for day use only Oct 15 - Dec 1 or until heavy snows close road) limited lodgings - reservations necessary even for campground. Mule trips booked up to a year in advance. Hardy hikers can hike to bottom for overnight trip - also booked far in advance. Scenic views along drive. (MUST SEE)

IMAX Theater: http://www.imaxtheatre.com/gcimax/index.htm Located in Tusayan, 8 miles south of the western entrance (AZ 64/US 180; South Rim of Grand Canyon), this 3-camera movie presents amazing views of Canyon areas. Shows daily at half past the hour. Get there early as it will be crowded (MUST SEE)

Steam Train: http://www.thetrain.com/ Runs out of Williams, AZ (I40 west of Flagstaff). Fun. Allows 3 hour stay at rim of Canyon.

Polly

I cannot compare North/South Rim, but I can tell you that the crowds at the South Rim are over emphasized. Yes, there are many people there, but folks...it's a BIG canyon! The number of people had absolutely no detrimental effect on my getting around or seeing anything I wanted to see! (And I am one who does not like crowds.)

H.Anderson

Neither. Go into it to see it.

P.Jernigan

Coming from Utah, make sure you visit Zion National Park. You actually go through the canyon: whereas, at the Grand Canyon, you are looking down (unless you hike or take an all day donkey ride) There is a beautiful motel inside Zion and the prices are less than $100 night.

M R Bell

How hot is it the first of August on the South Rim?

Patti

Anyone know the name of the motel in Zion Nat'l Park referred to in post above?