Summary
Opening of the Grand Canyon North Rim
Offering fantastic views and a quieter experience away from the crowds at South Rim, the North Rim at Grand Canyon National Park is set to open on May 15. This date marks the official start of the 2022 season and coincides with the reopening of Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides.
Moreover, visitor services, including the campground and most commercial operations, will also be back in business on the same day.
A significant advantage for backpackers, sightseers, photographers, and mountain bikers is that Kaibab Plateau will reopen on May 15 following its closure in September 2019 due to the Ike’s Fire.
In contrast to the South Rim, which is open year-round, the more remote and rugged North Rim typically closes for winter around October due to snowfall, reopening again in mid-May.
Furthermore, mid-May marks the onset of Grand Canyon’s summer season. If you’re planning to visit this stunning natural wonder in Arizona during its peak season, it is crucial to plan your trip in advance to secure accommodations and avoid lengthy lines at park entrances.
The park anticipates the longest wait times for entry between 10am and 4pm during peak visitation times. Consequently, parking lots near the visitor center, which is one of the most popular spots, may reach capacity by noon on busy days.
How to Avoid the Crowds at the Grand Canyon
To minimize exposure to crowds, the park recommends that visitors arrive before 9am or after 5pm if traveling by car. Additionally, it is advisable to purchase your park pass or day pass in advance online or at local vendors such as the IMAX Theater, Canyon Plaza Resort, Red Feather Lodge, or Westwind Air Service in Tusayan, a town located just outside the South Entrance to the park.
Another option is to take the train from Williams, Arizona, which helps avoid traffic. The train departs from Williams at 9am Arizona Standard Mountain Time daily, reaching the Grand Canyon at 11:45am. According to the train’s schedule, this allows visitors about three hours to explore before the return trip to Williams at 3:30pm (arriving at 5:45pm).
In response to high demand, a second train may operate. This train services only the South Rim, and ticket prices vary based on the class and experience, ranging from $67 to $226 for the Luxury Parlor Class.
Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Information
The South Rim shuttle routes will maintain a spring schedule until May 27. The Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route), Village Route (Blue Route), and Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) will operate daily starting at 4:30am.
The Kaibab Rim and Hermits Rest routes will cease service an hour post-sunset, while the Village Route will continue running until 10pm daily.
This season, the Hikers’ Express Bus has expanded its morning service. The one-way route departs from Bright Angel Lodge, stopping at the Backcountry Information Center and Grand Canyon Visitors before reaching the South Kaibab Trailhead.
The Hikers’ Express Bus operates from Bright Angel Lodge at 5, 6, and 7am in May and September. During June, July, and August, departures adjust to 4, 5, and 6am.
Additionally, the Tusayan Route, linking hotels and services in Tusayan to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, will resume on May 28 to assist summer visitors.
Accessing the North Rim
The North Rim can be accessed by car on State Route 67 upon opening on May 15. It is also accessible via hiking the inner canyon trails from the South Rim (23.9 miles) or from Jacob Lake (45 miles).
The North Rim Campground will open on May 15, available for overnight stays with a backcountry permit.
This article was first published on March 2, 2022, and updated on May 5, 2022.
