So I can't knock it too much because its the Grand Canyon. Living out of the area we had no idea about the fire that took out the Visitor Center. Breaks your heart a little. We saw the burn area coming up but had no idea the extent to which it affected everything.
Glad we went though. I originally thought signs on the way up stating the visitor center was closed or was gone would have been helpful, but in hindsight we likely would have turned around and missed the majesty of everything.
We were humbled at the sight of the destruction, much like I was after Katrina, or watching the aftermath of a tornado ripping through a small town in Texas. But also you have to know that they are rebuilding. Its a slow process, but it will happen and I can't wait to go back.
When we left the north rim, we opted to go check out Point Imperial before we left and I am glad we did. It was every bit what I imagined seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time in my life would be. Make sure you go out to the point when you are there.
Unfortunately burned down and in the midst of being rebuilt, the whole area leads to memories of better times. However, workers say “within five years or so” of today it will be back and better than ever-ready for new experiences and fond memory generation. The views of the North Rim and the available vistas make the drive worth it for our family. Don’t sleep on seeing the Canyon from a different view, less traveled, less experienced, and beautiful from all over.
I gave the North Rim 4 stars because the visitor center burnt down in a forest fire and they did not even put up a sign at the beginning of the long road into the park to alert people of the closing.
The visitor center and several of the better trails are closed.
Other than that, the Grand Canyon is breathtaking and well worth the visit. I would suggest visiting the south rim, if possible, to get a better experience.
As of August 16, the North Rim visitor center is CLOSED. Please save your time and don’t visit here until the North Rim is open. I couldn’t see the fullness of the North Rim and wasted a lot of time driving up here. Had I known, I would’ve headed to a different location in the Park. I’m sharing updated maps as well, so people can see what’s closed and what’s not right now after the fire. It’s still beautiful and VERY underrated. I would love to come back someday. The little view I had of the North Rim was absolutely breathtaking!
Grand canyon definetly worth a visit
Best to inform yourself on their official website which routes are open, but def any route has enough patking spots and great views
If you are multiple people its best to have a resident with you who can buy an annual pass for $70 (at the entrance) and then can take you with them for free, because without it every non resident needs to pay $100 non resident fee + entrance fee + vehicle fee which for 2-4persons can get very expensive
