G.C. - South or North Rim?
 

AS I mentioned in an earlier posting, we'll be visiting the G.C. next spring, along with Bryce and Zion, for the first time. Someone mentioned staying at the North Rim. I have no idea about which is "best" (subjective, I know)to visit/stay at. I'd love to hear about your impressions of either/both and which rim would be best for the first-time visitor to get that "Grand Canyon experience". Thank you.

mlc,

You might not have a choice in the matter. The N. Rim does not open until Mid-May. I don't know when in spring you were going.

If it is after Mid-May then I still vote for the S. Rim. I think you get a GRANDER overall view. You also get more different overlooks in a larger area than the N. Rim.

Early spring shouldn't be to bad for crowds. In fact, you might have some cold weather depending on what month you go.

Utahtea

I agree with UT. The north rim is much more isolated and the number of view points is less. On the other hand, because the north rim is higher, it catches more moisture. As a result, the forest as you approach the viewing area is beautiful. It is worth the trip in many respects.

The cabins at the north rim are nice to stay in, and the restaurant is usually good, but you might eat fairly late!

Let me put it this way, visiting the north rim is fun, but if you want to see the canyon, visit the south rim.

I don't think any series of view points rivals those that you can find along the West Rim Drive. There is a shuttle bus that stops at every major overlook going out to Hermit's Rest. You can jump on and off at each stop.

I like to ride to the first overlook, and then hike along the rim. I soon find that I am away from the crowds and can find a nice tree to sit under (little trees mostly) for some shade and enjoy the canyon.

Visits to both rims are enjoyable, but for a first visit, I recommend the south rim.

The great advantages of the North Rim during the summer season are that it is much less crowded and much less touristy. While the previous posters are correct in their comments about the South Rim, still the North Rim ain't too shabby either!

I would respectfully disagree with the previous posters. I just returned from the N. Rim and we thought it was great! I do not have experience in the spring but I heartily recommend the N. Rim.

The first time I went to the GC, I was 12 years old on a bus tour; we went to the North Rim, and I was spoiled from that point on. The South Rim is so much more built up and crowded. It's also warmer because it's 1000 feet lower than the North Rim. That's an advantage in early spring, but for mid-May to October, I'd choose the North Rim every time.

If you're looking for warmth and lots of amenities, choose the South Rim; if you want cooler temps and more privacy, choose the North.

I've been to both, and I liked the North Rim MUCH better! It's more isolated and has more wildlife. The Lodge was fantastic (sitting out on the porch watching the sun set) and not crowded. The South Rim had some better views, but it was a complete madhouse, even in April. WAYYY too touristy.

I have been to both rims. I think the south rim is much more impressive. It is true that the north rim is less congested, but to grasp the size of the canyon, one needs to ride for miles and miles along the south rim. It is awesome!