North or South Rim

jlabr2 wrote:
We have been to both sides at different times and we really like the North side for its cooler temps in the summer, less people and boondocking galore. It is a longer drive for us from the Phoenix Valley but in our minds well worth it.

And the lodge on the North rim sits right on the canyon. We though about just staying there one night to experience the canyon early in the morning. I believe it is over 100 miles one way, from the south rim. Cooler weather would make the South rim a good bet.

I've never been to the North rim. I recall researching the idea once and I thought I recall that you had to drive quite a distance on gravel roads to get to the canyon on the north side. Am I wrong on that?

"Buster52".....The south rim is the more popular side and would typically take you at least 3-4 days to see the entire thing. There is a great campground inside the park (south rim) called Trailer Village. It has full hookups and you can board the shuttle at the entrance to the campground. Grand Canyon Village, with stores and dining, are within walking distance. The campground isn't exotic, but has all of the basics, large sites and is right in the park.

Trailer Village is booked through Xanterra. If the campground is full, which it often is, there is a private campground about a 1/2 mile from the south entrance in the town of Tusayan. It's not pretty, but it's clean, reasonable and you can walk into town at the edge of the park. It also has a Grand Canyon shuttle stop in front for the south rim. It's called Camper's Village.

Williams is a great gateway town into the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It has two KOA's and several other campgrounds, one that is especially nice is Grand Canyon Railway RV. Williams has nice antique shops and some good dining. The downside is that it's almost an hour drive into the park. The south rim of the Grand Canyon really can't be seen in a day, so there would be a lot of commuting. As I said, you should alot at LEAST 3-4 days of sightseeing.

Most of the park can be seen by using the shuttle system. It will take you around the majority of the south rim, but there is another attraction, Devil's Tower that is east of the south rim about, 20 miles, that has several stops on the way. You'll need a car for this....worth seeing.

For a first-time visitor, I always recommend the South Rim. There is just more to do and see and more visitors services. The North Rim is far away and much more remote. As stated, lots to see in the area with Williams, Flagstaff, and Sedona. Then you can easily get back on I-40 to continue on to Kentucky.

We have been to both sides at different times and we really like the North side for its cooler temps in the summer, less people and boondocking galore. It is a longer drive for us from the Phoenix Valley but in our minds well worth it.

I like trees so the N rim is my favorite. Also more mule deer than I've ever seen any where else at sunset. Couple USFS CG's near the entrance and one at J LAke.

Guess it all depends on what you love in sightseeing. The South Rim is the tourist attraction. Lots of well marked viewing areas, walking paths, rest areas. If you basecamp in Williams you will be about 1hr easy drive from the park entrance. From the basecamp you can visit Flagstaff, Sedonna, Sunset Crater, and the historic town of Williams. We stay at the Williams KOA Circle of Pines. Since we are not really into hiking anymore, and at the elevation of the Grand Canyon even walking is strenuous, We prefer the South Rim. One of my kids and family who love hiking the back trails and wilderness enjoy the North Rim. I have no personal experience there.
Enjoy.

There are more facilities on the south side and the south rim is open all year.
Vegas is a long drive from the GC, if you don't want to camp in the park, south rim again, then either Williams or Flagstaff would be good choice. By the way they are about 60 miles from the village at the south rim. It is a looonnng drive to get from side to side, most decide which side they want to see and then commit. North rim is much less developed and that appeals to many people it is also at a higher elevation than south rim hence why it closes in winter.