Grand Canyon

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The Guide

North Rim: 2008 Season

Also available in Deutsch, Espanol, Franais, Italiano, ,

Look inside for information on:

Ranger Programs . . . . . . .2 North Rim activities . . . .35 Sunrise and sunset times . .5 Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Hiking and trails . . . . .911 News and science . .7,12,13 Kaibab National Forest . .14 Lodging and services . . . .15 Area information . . . . . .16

North Rim map on page 8.

Welcome to the North Rim . . .

of Grand Canyon National Park. Mule deer and turkeys feeding in mountain meadows, white-barked aspens reaching for the deep blue sky, cool days and even cooler nights, and expansive views of Grand Canyon highlight your visit to the North Rim. The high elevation compresses the seasons. Visitors in May drive past still unmelted snowdrifts. Summer with green meadows, wildflowers, and dramatic thunderstorms comes and goes quickly. Golden aspens and scarlet rocky mountain maples punctuate the fall. Snowstorms in November once again close the road. This is an isolated areaan uplifted, forested plateau surrounded by desert. Although only 10 miles (16 km) as the raven flies from the busy South Rim, it is more than 200 miles ( 320 km)by road. One paved road crosses the top of the plateau to end abruptly at the rim of the canyon. Visitors soon discover that the North Rim offers a slower pace and the opportunity for quiet exploration. Experience the wild and remote feeling of the North Rim. Solitude can be found hiking the trails, exploring the roads, and enjoying an awe-inspiring view. Enjoy, discover, and celebrate the unique world of the North Rim.

The Visitor Center . . .

is a great place to start your adventure on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Bring this newspaper with you to speak to a ranger who will be happy to help with questions you may have about the area. The Visitor Center also features interpretive exhibits and a bookstore. The Grand Canyon Association, a non-profit park partner since 1932, operates the bookstore, where your tax-free purchases help support ranger programs and research projects in Grand Canyon National Park. To reach the Visitor Center, park in the designated parking area (map on page 8) and walk to the south end of the parking lot. The North Rim Visitor Center is open daily 8:00 a.m.6:00 p.m.

Use Caution Near the Edge!

Footing can be dangerous.

Emergency 911
24 hours-a-day Dial 911 from any phone 9-911 from hotel phones

Mountain Standard Time

What time is it?

Most of Arizona, including Grand Canyon National Park, remains on Mountain Standard Time year-round. During the summer, Arizona is on the same time as California and Nevada and is one hour earlier than the Navajo Reservation, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Drive with care.

Observe posted speed limits. Reduce speed in congested areas. Watch for pedestrians and wildlife. Increase caution at night and during wet conditions. Maximum speed limit is 45 mph.

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Photo courtesy of Larry Andrews

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Ranger Programs
During your visit to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service encourages you to enjoy these free programs. Rangers recommend wearing a hat and sunglasses and bringing water to all daytime programs due to the high elevation and arid conditions. Please check times and frequencies carefully to insure that you participate in the programs that interest you. All times are Mountain Standard Time. We hope that learning about Grand Canyon National Park will lead to a greater appreciation of your national park.

North Rim
Activity Meeting Place Dates Given Time Duration Frequency

Nature Walk
Learn about the natural processes that sustain ponderosa pine and aspen forests. Start your morning with a relaxed 1.5-mile (2.4-km) walk with some elevation gain and loss. North Rim Visitor Center May 24Oct. 15 8:00 a.m. 90 min. Daily

Into the Past

How did the people at Grand Canyon survive hundreds and even thousands of years ago? Discover the powerful ties between people and place. Ask the ranger about a nearby excavated ancestral Puebloan site. Walhalla Overlook parking lot (45 minutes from Bright Angel Point) May 31Sept. 27 11:30 a.m. 3545 min. Daily

Condor Talk
What has a 9-foot (2.7-m) wingspan and a face only a mother could love? The California condor. Come discover the life and death story, and the science that saved this incredible bird. Grand Canyon Lodge fireplace on back porch May 16Oct. 15 2:00 p.m. 3040 min. Daily

Whats Rockin? Grand Canyon Geology

Why is Grand Canyon here and not in your backyard? Enjoy a 1/2-hour talk with a ranger and then test your new skills with a short, optional stroll to Bright Angel Point. Bright Angel Point is not easily accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Grand Canyon Lodge fireplace on back porch May 16Oct. 15 4:00 p.m. 3545 min. Daily

Campfire Program
Programs cover some aspect of the Grand Canyon story. Topics are posted in the campground, lodge, and visitor center. Campground amphitheater May 23Sept. 27 7:00 p.m. 3545 min. Daily

Evening Program
A variety of programs explore the scenic, scientific, and cultural aspects of this special landscape. Nightly topics are posted in the lodge, visitor center, and campground. Arrive 15 minutes early for an Ask the Ranger discussion. Grand Canyon Lodge auditorium May 15Oct. 15 8:00 p.m. 3545 min. Daily

Fun for Kids

Discovery Pack Junior Ranger Program
Explore the wonders of Grand Canyon ecology with your family. Check out a Discovery Pack for the day. Participants, ages 914, can earn a Junior Ranger Certificate and badge. Limited to 10 families; first-come, first-served. North Rim Visitor Center June 13Sept. 6 11:30 a.m. 3045 min. Mon. 11:30 a.m. 3045 min. Wed. 11:30 a.m. 3045 min. Fri.
Spend the rest of the day with the Discovery Pack.

Way Cool Stuff for Kids

Activities, games, and stories will hone your senses and open your eyes to the environment of the North Rim. Children must bring an adult. Campground amphitheater June 13Sept. 6 11:30 a.m. 4560 min. Tues. 11:30 a.m. 4560 min. Thur. 11:30 a.m. 4560 min. Sat.

Children must be accompanied by an adult on all programs, including Discovery Pack. All outdoor programs are subject to cancellation during rain, snow, or lightning storms. These programs are wheelchair accessible with assistance. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the visitor center. These family-oriented programs are ideal for meeting the ranger program requirement for the Grand Canyons Junior Ranger award. Any ranger program, however, will meet the requirement on page 2 of the Junior Ranger Activity Booklet.

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Special Programs
Superintendents Greeting
Welcome to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. This is truly a land apartan island of forest and meadow isolated by the rugged expanse of Grand Canyon. Temperatures are a little cooler, vegetation greener, and the pace a bit quieter. The North Rim offers many opportunities. Stop by the visitor center and talk with one of our rangers. Walk the short trail to Bright Angel Point for expansive views across the canyon. Drive through mountain meadows to Point Imperial or the viewpoints along the Walhalla Plateau. Join a ranger-guided activity to learn more of the North Rim's secrets. Watch a California condor float effortlessly over the Canyon's buttes. Experience a summer thunderstorm from the safety of the lodge. In 2008 we are celebrating the centennial of the preservation of Grand Canyon as a national monument. Thanks to the foresight of President Theodore Roosevelt we enjoy this awe-inspiring landscape today. Having received this gift, it becomes our responsibility to pass it on for the enjoyment of future generations.

Special Events
Western Arts Day: July 12
Western Arts Day celebrates the western culture which helps define what Grand Canyon, northern Arizona, and southern Utah are today, focusing on music and poetry. Programmed activities take place in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area. Presentations may include cowboy poetry, a mandolin presentation, flint-napping, rug weaving and quilting, beading, and 1840s-era survival skills. Please inquire at the Visitor Center for a complete list of event activities, as well as the times and locations of each.

Native American Heritage Days: August 1415

The fifteenth annual Native American Heritage Days will honor Grand Canyon's original inhabitants and others who have contributed to its colorful history on August 14 and 15. Featured will be talks about the use of natural resources by native groups and individuals, cultural practices, and present day customs. Individuals will present crafts and skills demonstrations and lead nature walks. Heritage Days began in 1994 featuring individuals from the Kaibab Band of the Paiutes, the last native group to occupy, on a seasonal basis, the North Rim area. The event has grown over the years to include a variety of presenters.

Steve Martin, SuperintendentGrand Canyon National Park

Would you like to be a Junior Ranger?

Grand Canyon National Park offers a Junior Ranger program for children ages 4 and up. To take part in the program, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the North Rim Visitor Center and complete the activities listed for the appropriate age level. Once completed (dont forget attendance at one or more ranger programs is mandatory) bring the booklet back to the visitor center to receive an official Junior Ranger certificate and badge.

Interagency Annual Pass

If you are a frequent visitor to National Park Service or other federal agency sites that charge entrance fees, you may be interested in the new America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass. The $80.00 pass is valid for one year from the time of first use. Five federal agenciesNational Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Serviceparticipate in the pass. The program also offers a lifetime senior pass ($10.00) for U.S. citizens 62 or over and a free access pass for citizens with permanent disabilities. Those who already have a Golden Age or Golden Access pass do not need to obtain the new passes. The interagency pass may be purchased at park entrance stations, Grand Canyon Association bookstores, or online at www.recreation.gov.

Artist-in-Residence Program
The wonder and majesty of Grand Canyon has been preserved and celebrated in many waysthrough photography, music, painting, sculpture, and the written word. Artists frame our heritage in literature and images for those who visit now, those who will come in the future, and those who will know the park only through this artistic legacy. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to spend three weeks living and working on the North Rim. While here, and in the months following, the artist creates a body of work that fosters an understanding of the need to preserve this inspiring natural and cultural resource. The artist also shares his or her inspiration with park visitors through public programs and demonstrations. Attend an Artist-in-Residence program, should one be offered during your stay. For more information visit the Grand Canyon National Park website www.nps.gov/grca/

North Rim Star Party: June 2128

Explore the night sky with Phoenix Saguaro Astronomy Club volunteers. Enjoy a slide presentation and then view the night sky through their telescopes. Dress warmly. Meet at the lodge auditorium at 7:00 p.m. for the slide show. Telescope viewing continues into the night. Watch for special daytime viewings of the sun through a filtered telescope.

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Enjoying the North Rim

Personalize Your Grand Canyon Experience
There are many ways to experience Grand Canyon. Individual interests, available time, and the weather can all influence a visit. The following list of activities may assist you in personalizing your Grand Canyon experience. Refer to the map on page 8 to locate the places mentioned below. Activity Option Open 8:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. Talk with a ranger. Enjoy the new interpretive exhibits. Walks and presentations are listed on page 2. All programs are free.

Brighty of the Grand Canyon

Drop in at the Visitor Center Attend ranger programs Take a drive to:
Point Imperial
11 miles /18 km one-way. 20 minute drive one-way.

Highest point on either rim (8803 feet /2684 m). Spectacular views of Mt. Hayden and Marble Canyon. View a landscape changed by fire. Walk the nature trail to view the Colorado River. Visit Angels Window overlook. Stop at scenic overlooks along the way. View ancestral Pueblo structure at Walhalla Overlook.

Cape Royal
23 miles /37 km from the visitor center. 45 minute drive one-way.

Go on a hike:
Bright Angel Point
0.5 mile / 0.8 km round-trip. See and hear Roaring Springs. Excellent views of the South Rim, side canyons, and the distant San Francisco Peaks. Transept, Widforss, others. See page 9 for details. Even a short hike down the North Kaibab Trail will impress you with the enormity of the canyon. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as to hike down. Do not attempt to hike to the river and back (28 mi./45 km) in one day. Permit and fees are required. (See page 10 for details.) Permitted on paved and dirt roads unless posted. Prohibited on all trails, except the Bridle Trail. Roads can be congested. Bicycle safely. Wear a helmet. Ride single-file.

In 1953 Marguerite Henry wrote Brighty of the Grand Canyon. Ever since, children and adults have been fascinated by the small burro who played a role in Grand Canyon history. Who was Brighty? And how much of the tale is true? There was a real Brighty. He lived at Grand Canyon from around 1892 until 1922. He was given the name "Bright Angel" after the creek that flowed into the canyon from his home on the North Rim, but everyone called him Brighty. He spent his summers carrying water from a spring to early tourist accommodations on the North Rim. He was tolerant of children, who would ride on his back for hours. Most of the events and people in Marguerite Henry's book were based on fact: Brighty was the first to cross the new bridge at the bottom of the canyon, and he did meet Teddy Roosevelt. In spite of his friendliness toward people and his willingness to act as a beast of burden, he was essentially a wild creature who roamed the canyon at will. It is this spirit of independence, more than anything, that has captured the hearts of readers for years. Today a life-size bronze statue of Brighty (the work of sculptor Peter Jepson) sits in Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, where he is admired and remembered by children and adults alike. Legend has it that a rub on the nose brings good luck.

Walk the rim trails Into the Grand Canyon

Backpacking overnight

Ride a bicycle

Let Wildlife Be Wild

The North Rim is well known for its wildlife. Deer, turkeys, coyotes, and Kaibab squirrels frequently can be seen in the lush meadows and forests. For your own safety and the well-being of the animals, when viewing wildlife:

Pets
Pets, except signal and guide dogs, are not allowed on trails other than the Bridle Trail that connects the Grand Canyon Lodge with the North Kaibab Trail. Pets must be on a leash. A kennel is not available on the North Rim. Pets are not permitted in Grand Canyon Lodge.

Keep your distance. Discourage animals from approaching you.

Scare them away. Yell or stamp your feet.

Never feed them. Natural foods should be abundant this year.

These foods are still the best. Once a wild animal is fed human food, it may become addicted. Animals will often ingest wrappers and plastic bags along with the food, eventually leading to their death.

Inform others. If you see other visitors approaching or feeding wildlife, let them know that their actions are a danger to themselves and the animal. Report the offenders license plate or other identifying information to a ranger. It is a crime to feed or even approach wildlife. Offenders can be fined up to $5,000. [36CFR2.2(A)(2)] Protect yourself, family, and pets. Deer can be aggressive. Serious bites from squirrels happen all too
often. Fleas on squirrels may carry bubonic plague. Enjoy the wildlife from a distance.

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Enjoying the North Rim

Sunrise Sunset
Date May 18 May 25 June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 29 July 6 July 13 July 20 July 27 Aug. 3 Aug. 10 Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Sunrise 5:20 a.m. 5:16 a.m. 5:13 a.m. 5:11 a.m. 5:11 a.m. 5:12 a.m. 5:15 a.m. 5:18 a.m. 5:22 a.m. 5:27 a.m. 5:32 a.m. 5:38 a.m. 5:43 a.m. 5:49 a.m. 5:54 a.m. 6:00 a.m. 6:05 a.m. 6:11 a.m. 6:16 a.m. 6:22 a.m. 6:27 a.m. 6:33 a.m. 6:39 a.m. Sunset 7:30 p.m. 7:36 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 7:44 p.m. 7:47 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:46 p.m. 7:42 p.m. 7:37 p.m. 7:31 p.m. 7:24 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 7:06 p.m. 6:57 p.m. 6:47 p.m. 6:36 p.m. 6:26 p.m. 6:16 p.m. 6:06 p.m. 5:56 p.m. 5:47 p.m.

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Tuweep/Toroweap
What a conflict of water and fire there must have been here! Just imagine a river of molten rock running down into a river of melted snow. What a seething and boiling of the waters; what clouds of steam rolled into the heavens! John Wesley Powell The view from Toroweap Overlook, 3,000 feet (900 m) above the Colorado River, is breathtaking; the sheer drop, dramatic! Equally impressive are the volcanic features, cinder cones and lava flows, which make this viewpoint unique. While offering one of the most frequently published views of the canyon, this remote and isolated section of the park, known as either Tuweep or Toroweap, is seldom visited. A trip to this area can be challenging, but rewarding. Since the National Park Service manages the area for its primitive values, improvements and services are minimal. No gas, food, water, lodging, garbage collection, or other services are provided. The primitive campground with eleven sites offers picnic tables, fire grates, and composting toilets, but no water, electricity, or garbage collection. Spring and fall are the favored times to visit Tuweep, as the summer months can be hot. All routes are secondary county roads, graded occasionally and generally in good condition, but may be impassable after heavy rains. The Sunshine Route (BLM Road 109) provides the best access. It leaves Highway 389 about 7 miles (12 km) west of Fredonia. Traversing 61 pinyon, juniper, and sagebrush-studded miles (100 km) across the Arizona Strip, it is subject to washboarding and dust. RVs, trailers, and low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. Tuweep rewards adventurers with solitude, seldom trod trails, dark night skies, and spectacular views, but go prepared.

Monsoon . . . in Arizona?
Vibrant thunderstorms and accompanying heavy rains often surprise visitors coming to Grand Canyon National Park in the summer. During these events, one often hears Isnt this rain unusual? This is Arizona. Its supposed to be dry desert, isnt it? Much to the surprise of our visitors, summer rains are not unusual. They are very much a vital contributor to the ecosystem. Flora and fauna rely on these rains to sustain life and have adapted to taking advantage of the moisture that becomes available. The thunderstorms that sweep across the Grand Canyon during the summer are part of the monsoon season, a term commonly used in Arizona. Monsoon comes from the Arabic word mausim which means season. It refers to the large-scale seasonal changes in wind that often bring rains to southern and southeast Asia. The interaction of a high pressure system over southeastern Colorado and the Texas Panhandle interacting with a low pressure system over southern California causes the Arizona monsoon. This interplay of atmospheric conditions draws moist, tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California over Arizona and New Mexico resulting in frequent, sometimes violent, thunderstorms with heavy rains. The monsoon in the Southwest begins in July and can continue into early September. While you are visiting, if it starts to rain, do not be discouraged. Rain in the desert is something special, something to celebrate. If you are thinking, The day we visit Grand Canyon is the one day it decides to rain, do not feel dismayed. Kick off your shoes and join in the celebration. When lightning is present, celebrate safely indoors. Usually the storms pass quickly leaving the forest renewed and the air refreshed.

Full Moon
Date May 19 June 18 July 17 Aug. 16 Sept. 15 Oct. 14 Moonrise 7:41 p.m. 8:18 p.m. 7:41 p.m. 7:17 p.m. 6:38 p.m. 5:36 p.m.

All times are Mountain Standard Time.

Avoid Shocking Experiences Critter Notes

Keep your eyes open for some interesting sights here at Grand Canyon. Creatures such as this horned lizard are among the surprises you may encounter during your visit. Remember to be respectful to all plants and animals. Lightning strikes on the North Rim of Grand Canyon are a common occurrence and extremely dangerous. Stay away from exposed rim areas during thunderstorms. Hair standing on end is a warning. It signals that an electrical charge is building near you and that lightning may strike. Move away from the rim immediately! The safest place to be during a storm is inside a vehicle with the windows closed or in a building. Avoid touching anything metal. For further information, Lightning Awareness brochures are available at the Visitor Center.

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Park News
Six Questions: A Geology Sampler
How old?
The rock layers that make up the walls of Grand Canyon range from fairly young to fairly old. The Kaibab Formation, deposited approximately 270 million years ago, forms the cap rock in most of this region. The oldest rocks exposed at the bottom of the canyon, gneiss (NICE) and schist, date to about 1,800 million (1.8 billion) years old.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

How new?
The canyon itself formed over the last 56 million years. Tentative evidence suggests that the lower 2,000 feet (600 m) of the canyons depth was carved in the last 750,000 years. If that is correct, and not all geologists agree, almost half the canyon eroded in a geological instant.

Why here?
Beginning about 70 million years ago a large section of what became the southwestern United States began rising. Pressure caused by the collision of tectonic plates pushed the Colorado Plateau from near sea level to more than 10,000 feet (3,000 m) high. Amazingly, this uplift occurred without much tilting or deforming of the layers. Some areas rose even higher. The section of the canyon viewed from the North Rim cuts through a bulge in the southwestern part of the Colorado Plateau called the Kaibab Uplift. Why does the canyon cut through the Kaibab Plateau (Uplift), rather than going around it? is a question that has plagued geologists since Powells time. There have been many hypotheses advanced to explain this event. Research conducted today strives to increase understanding of the origin and evolution of Grand Canyon.

Why deep?
The goal of every raindrop, every rock, every grain of sand is to return to the sea. As water drained off the western slopes of the southern Rocky Mountains and across the Colorado Plateau, it carried sand, gravel, and rocks, cutting down through the ancient layers. Without the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, there would not have been thousands of feet of rock above sea level to cut through. From Point Imperial on the North Rim to the Colorado River is an elevation change of 6,000 feet (1,800 m), yet the river is still 2800 feet (850 m) above sea level.

Why wide?

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Want to know more?
The geologic story is much richer in detail and mystery. Attending a free ranger program may move you from wonder to comprehension. Programs are described on page 2.

Simply stated, as the Colorado River cuts down, the walls collapse around it. Water flowing down the sides of the canyon carries away material forming side canyons. Water freezing in cracks in rocks or plant roots growing in cracks force rocks apart into smaller chunks, which cascade down the canyon sides. Softer layers erode faster, undermining the harder layers above them. Without adequate support, the cliffs collapse. Ultimately, the river carries this eroded material to the Gulf of California. Over its 277-mile (446 km) length, Grand Canyon varies in width. Along the North Rim it is from 8 16 miles (13 26 km) wide, depending on where you choose to measure.

Why Grand?
It is the ensemble of stunning dimensionsthe melding of depth, width, and length that sets Grand Canyon apart. Nowhere else is such a dazzling variety of colorful rock layers, impressive buttes, and shadowed side canyons revealed in such a dramatic chasm. Grand Canyon is the canyon by which all other canyons want to be measured. Illustration:
1. Kaibab Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270 million years 2. Toroweap Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273 million years 3. Coconino Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275 million years

11. 12.

4. Hermit Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280 million years 5. Supai Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315285 million years 6. Redwall Limestone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .340 million years 7. Temple Butte Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .385 million years 8. Muav Limestone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .505 million years 9. Bright Angel Shale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .515 million years 10. Tapeats Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525 million years 11. Grand Canyon Supergroup . . . . . . . . . . .1,250740 million years 12. Vishnu basement rocks . . . . . . . . . . . .1,8401,680 million years

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Park News
Grand Canyon Lodge: 80 Years of Service
Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is often the first prominent feature that visitors see, even before viewing the canyon. The highway ends at the Lodge. The lodges sloped roof, huge ponderosa beams and massive limestone facade fit its 8000-foot (2400 m) setting, but where is the Grand Canyon? To experience the full impact of the design of the lodge, take the historic route. Go through the front entrance. Walk across the carpeted lobby and descend the stairwell. Shining through great windows across the Sun Room is the much-anticipated first view of the Grand Canyon. The architect, Gilbert Stanley Underwood, following the wishes of then-Director of the National Park Service, Steven Mather, designed a rustic national park lodge. The Grand Canyon Lodge served as a symbol of the importance of the preservation of this natural wonder, while allowing for luxury and enjoyment. Yet, Underwood had incorporated something extraa surprise view! Underwoods 1928 Grand Canyon Lodge, designed for then-concessionaire the Union Pacific Railroad, is not todays lodge. Underwoods design included a massive Spanish style exterior with a high front topped by an observation tower. The original burned down in 1932 and a new 1937 lodge sits on its footprint. The fire that destroyed the 1928 lodge spread from below the kitchen to engulf the structure within minutes. On the top floor over the auditorium slept the only inhabitantsthe lodge manager, his wife, and the maids. All exited safely to stand watching helplessly in the early morning hours of September 1, 1932. The employees must have wondered if their jobs were burning up that night, but the nearby cabins, except two, escaped the blaze. The Utah Parks Company, Union Pacifics subsidiary, hastily erected a cafeteria and recreation hall. The next summer the buses brought more visitors, but Underwoods secret surprise of having your first view of the Grand Canyon inside the lodge, was lost until the summer of 1937. That June, the Grand Canyon Lodge reopened. Utilizing the same floor plan, the builders had erected a more sensible structure with sloped roofs, better able to shed the heavy snows. They also preserved Underwoods surprise view. Todays visitors will not have the experience of pulling up to the lodge in a White Motor Company bus and having the college-age employees sing them through the entrance. These same employees would later entertain with a talent show after serving dinner, and end the evening with a dance complete with a college boy orchestra. The lodge still exhibits Underwoods genius. Another genius, the geologist Clarence E. Dutton, came to the North Rim in 1880 and described his experience in his masterpiece, A Tertiary History of the Grand Canyon District. The earth suddenly sinks at our feet to illimitable depths. In an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, the awful scene is before us. Underwood must have read his book, or perhaps inspiration does strike twice.

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North Rim Map

N G E L Park Boundary

North Entrance
8824 ft. / 2690 m

North Rim

NOTE: Rim elevations range from 80008800 ft. / 24002800 m

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Point Imperial Rd 3 mi. / 5 km

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Greenland Lake

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Widforss Trail

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Uncle Jim Trail

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Admin.& Backcountry Office Laundry & Shower General Store

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Visitor Center & Lodge

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Uncle Jim Point

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Amphitheater

Uncle Jim Point

Roaring Springs

Coconino Overlook

Bright Angel area

Campground

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ROARING SPRINGS CANYON

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Lodge

Supai Tunnel

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Bright Angel Point

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Visitor Center

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Kaibab Trail

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Foot Trails Parking Restrooms Medical Picnic Area Wheelchair Access Ranger Station Drinking Water

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Cliff Spring Trail

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Grand Canyon Village South RIm

6900 ft. / 2100 m
Scale 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 Miles 3.0 Kilometers

Telephone
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WATER: Drinking water is available at the lodge, campground, visitor center, and North Kaibab trailhead. No water is available along scenic drives or at viewpoints.

67 Highway 67 to Jacob Lake, 40 mi. / 65 km

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Park Boundary

Saddle Mountain rail lT

Na nkow eap Trail

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Point Imperial 8803 ft. / 2684 m

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Vista Encantada Roosevelt Point Trail 12 Roosevelt Point

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Cape Royal area

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Cape Final

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Walhalla Overlook Cape Royal

Walhalla Ruins
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Walhalla Overlook

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Angels Window

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Cape Royal Trail

Cape Royal
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North Rim Trails

Trail Guide
Always check on the status of trails before traveling to the trailhead. The opening of the North Kaibab Trail may be delayed due to severe winter damage. Day hiking in Grand Canyon is one way to experience some of the canyons rich natural beauty and immense size. No permits or fees are required for day hikes. A good rule to follow is to decide how many hours you wish to hike. When 1/3 of the time has passed, turn around and begin to hike back. Assuming that you are physically fit and have adequate food and water (at least 3 quarts / liters per person), the following day hikes are considered reasonable for most people during the summer months. The numbers below correlate with the map on the opposite page.

1. Bright Angel Point Trail

0.5 mi. / 0.8 km round-trip; 30 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time. A short walk on a paved trail to a spectacular view of the canyon. The trail begins at the log shelter in the parking area by the visitor center or at the corner of the back porch behind the lodge. Self-guiding nature trail pamphlets are available from a box along the trail.

7. Widforss Trail
10 mi. / 16 km round-trip; 6 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. Blends forest and canyon scenery. Even a short walk can be very satisfying. Take the dirt road 1/4 mile/0.4 km south of Cape Royal Road for 1 mile / 1.6 km to the Widforss Trail parking area. Self-guiding trail brochure available at trailhead.

2. Transept Trail
3.0 mi. / 4.8 km round-trip; 1.5 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. Follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground.

8. Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail is an ambitious project that traverses the length of Arizona from the Utah border to Mexico. A section of this trail enters the park near the North Entrance and roughly parallels the highway until it connects with the North Kaibab Trail, a distance of approximately 10 miles / 16 km.

3. Bridle Trail (watch for construction on this trail)

This trail follows the road as it connects the Grand Canyon Lodge with the North Kaibab Trailhead, a distance of 1.2 miles / 2 km one-way. Pets on leash and bicycles are permitted on this hard-packed trail.

9. Cape Royal Trail

0.6 mi. / 1.0 km round-trip; 30 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time. An easy walk on a flat, paved trail providing views of the canyon, Angels Window, and the Colorado River. Markers along the trail interpret the areas natural history. Trail begins at the southeast side of the Cape Royal parking area.

4. North Kaibab Trail

Distance and hiking times vary. This is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. Even a short hike to Coconino Overlook (1.5 miles / 2.4 km round-trip) or Supai Tunnel (4 miles / 6.5 km round-trip) can give you an appreciation for the canyons rich natural beauty and immense size. A hike to Roaring Springs and back is extremely strenuous and takes a full day (7-8 hours) begin your hike before 7 a.m. Roaring Springs lies 3,050 feet / 930 m below the canyon rim and is 9.4 miles / 15 km round-trip. A day hike beyond Roaring Springs is not recommended. Many years of experience have shown that hikers who proceed beyond this point during the hottest parts of the day have a much greater probability of suffering from heat-related illness, injury, or death. This trail is also used by mules. NOTE: Round trip to the Colorado River is 28 miles / 45 km and trail descends almost 6,000 ft. / 1,800 m. Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day! Do not hike during the hottest part of the day.

10. Cliff Springs Trail

1.0 mi. / 1.6 km round-trip; 1 hour approximate round-trip hiking time. Meanders down a forested ravine and ends where a chest-high boulder rests under a large overhang. The spring is on the cliff side of the boulder. Please do not drink the water as it may be contaminated. Trail begins directly across the road from a small pullout on a curve 0.3 miles / 0.5 km down the road from Cape Royal.

11. Cape Final Trail

4.0 mi. / 6.4 km round-trip; 2 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. A 2-mile walk from dirt parking area to Cape Final. This trail offers a view of the canyon.

12. Roosevelt Point Trail

0.2 mi. / 0.3 km round-trip; 20 minutes approximate round-trip hiking time. This trail is a short, secluded woodland loop with spectacular views. Offers benches for relaxed enjoyment of the canyon.

5. Ken Patrick Trail

10 mi. / 16 km one-way; 6 hours approximate one-way hiking time. Winds through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area.

13. Point Imperial Trail

4.0 mi. / 6.4 km round-trip; 2 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. This easy trail passes through areas burned by the 2000 Outlet Fire and ends at the north park boundary. From there connections are possible to the Nankoweap Trail and U.S. Forest Service roads.

6. Uncle Jim Trail

5.0 mi. / 8.0 km round-trip; 3 hours approximate round-trip hiking time. Winds through the forest to a point overlooking the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. Begins at the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. This trail is also used by mules.

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Day and Overnight Hiking

Before You Go, Remember...
Plan Ahead. As a day hiker no permits are required. You are entirely on your own. Your descent
into the canyon, however brief, marks your entry into a world in which preparation, selfreliance, and common sense are crucial.

Overnight Hiking
Phantom Ranch
A hike into the canyon will test your physical and mental endurance. Know and respect your limitations. Rangers will be glad to help you plan a hike within your capabilities. All overnight hikers, except those staying in the lodging at Phantom Ranch, need to obtain a backcountry permit.

Temperatures Can Soar. There is a 2030 F (1116 C) difference in temperature

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between the cool, forested rim and the inner canyon. Canyon temperatures can soar to more than 110 F (43 C) in the shade, and you will not be hiking in the shade.
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Hiking Permits
Backcountry use permits and fees are required for overnight hiking. Day hikes do not require a permit or fee.

Overnight Backpackers
Avoid hiking in the middle of the day. All overnight backpacking parties should begin their trip, daily changes of camp, and return hike to the rim before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. All hikers should be aware that efforts to assist them may be limited during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat. Be prepared. Hike intelligently. You are responsible for your own safety

Double Your Calories, Double Your Fun. Salty snacks and water or sports drinks should be consumed on any hike lasting longer than 30 minutes. Food is your bodys primary source of fuel and salts (electrolytes) while hiking in the canyon.
If you do not balance your food intake with fluid consumption, you run the risk of becoming dangerously debilitated and severely ill. For every hour to one-and-a half hour hiking in the canyon, you should drink 1/2 to 1 quart (liter) of water or sports drinks. Your best defense against illness and exhaustion is to eat a healthy breakfast, a snack every time you take a drink, and a rewarding full dinner at the end of the day. This is not a time to diet.

North Rim

Backcountry Fees
$10.00 Backcountry Permit Fee $5.00 User Impact Fee per person per night (In addition to the Backcountry Permit Fee). Overnight permit requests should be sent well in advance to: Backcountry Information Center, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023. Hikers arriving without permits should contact the North Rim Backcountry Office located 11.5 / 18.5 km miles south of the North Entrance in the Administrative Offices building. Office hours are 8:00 a.m.noon and 1:005:00 p.m. daily.

Watch Your Time. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. Allow 1/3 of your time to descend and 2/3 of your time to ascend. Avoid the Danger Zone! The Danger Zone results from a combination of distance
traveled, elevation change, temperature, and direct sunlight that can overwhelm your bodys ability to keep cool, fueled, and hydrated. The Danger Zone generally starts to develop between 11/2 and 3 miles (3 to 5 km) down inner canyon trails. Its HOT down there!

Mules and Hikers

Several recent encounters between hikers and mules resulted in injuries to packers and the deaths of some mules. To ensure safety for yourself, other trail users, and mule riders, when encountering mules on the trails:

Step off the trail on the uphill side away from the edge. Follow the directions of the wrangler. Remain completely quiet and stand perfectly still. Do not return to the trail until the last mule is 50 feet (15 m) past your position.

Health Hazards
Moderation is the key to having an enjoyable hike. Hike within your ability, maintain proper body temperature, balance your food and water intake, and rest often. Emergency situations include:

Hiking Tips
1. Be cool. Hike during the cooler early morning and late afternoon hours. If you hike in
the sun, try to keep your shirt and hat wet to stay cool.

2. Go slowly. If you can carry on a conversation, you are hiking at the right pace. If you
find yourself out of breath, your legs and digestive system are not getting enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen may cause fatigue, heavy legs, and exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion is the result of dehydration due to intense sweating. Hikers can lose one to two quarts (liters) of water per hour. Canyon rangers treat as many as twenty cases of heat exhaustion a day in summer.
Symptoms: pale face, nausea, cool and moist skin, headache, and cramps Treatment: drink water, eat highenergy foods, rest in the shade, cool the body.

Hyponatremia is an illness
that mimics the early symptoms of heat exhaustion. It is the result of low sodium in the blood caused by drinking too much water, not eating enough salty foods, and losing salt through sweating. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, altered mental states, and frequent urination Treatment: have the victim rest and eat salty foods. If mental alertness decreases, seek immediate help!

3. Rest often. Find shade, sit down, prop your legs up, and take a 10-minute
break at least once every hour.

4. Eat and drink frequently. Balance your food and water intake.
Eat a salty snack every time you take a drink.

The Canyon Belongs to Everyone

During your visit we ask that you respect the canyon and the rights of others by doing the following:

Carry out all your trash. Leave all fossils, rocks, plants, and animals as you find them, so those who come after you may also enjoy them. Refrain from throwing or rolling rocks. They may injure people below you. Enjoy the natural quiet. Do not yell while on the trail.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency where the bodys heat regulating mechanisms become overwhelmed by a combination of internal heat production and environmental demands. Every year two to three Grand Canyon hikers experience heat stroke.
Symptoms: flushed face, dry skin, weak and rapid pulse, high body temperature, poor judgment or inability to cope, unconsciousness. Victim is in danger! Treatment: find shade, cool victim with water, send for help!

Hypothermia is a life-threatening emergency where the body cannot keep itself warm, due to exhaustion and exposure to cold, wet, windy weather. Symptoms: uncontrolled shivering, poor muscle control, and a careless attitude Treatment: put on dry clothing, drink warm liquids, warm victim by body contact with another person, and protect from wind, rain, and cold.

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Day and Overnight Hiking

North Kaibab Trail Profile
A
8000

Elevations and Distances

Location Elevation feet / meters Distance (one way) miles / kilometers

Kaibab Formation

Toroweap Formation Coconino Sandstone Hermit Shale

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J.

Trailhead Coconino Overlook Supai Tunnel Redwall Bridge Eye of the Needle Roaring Springs Cottonwood Camp Ribbon Falls Phantom Ranch Colorado River

8250 7450 6800 6100 5850 5200 4080 3720 2546 2400

/ / / / / / / / / /

2515 2271 2073 1859 1783 1585 1244 1134 776 732

0 0.7 2.0 2.6 3.5 4.7 6.8 8.3 13.7 14.2

/ / / / / / / / / /

0 1.1 3.2 4.2 5.6 7.6 10.9 13.4 22 22.9

7000

C
Supai Formation
Water is available at Phantom Ranch year-round. Water is also available at the trailhead, Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, and Cottonwood Campground from approximately mid-May to midOctober, depending on the weather. Check for availability
before starting your hike.

E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t )

D
6000

E
Redwall Limestone
Roaring Springs

National Park Service rangers are stationed at Phantom Ranch all year. During the summer, rangers staff the North Rim Backcountry Office and Cottonwood Campground. Backcountry campsites are located at Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch (Bright Angel Campground). All overnight backpackers must have a permit prior to starting their hike. Obtain permits in advance or through backcountry offices on either the North or South rims.

Muav Limestone
5000

Bright Angel Shale Tapeats Sandstone

G
4000

H
Metamorphic Basement Rocks

Ribbon Falls

3000

Grand Canyon Supergroup

2500

I
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

J
Phantom Ranch

T r

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Park Science
Fire: A Management Tool On the Wings of a Condor

Fire is an integral part of the park's forested ecosystems, which are dynamic and must change in order to thrive. Plants and animals here have evolved with fire for thousands of years and depend upon fire to create the conditions they need to flourish. Fire management demands a careful balance between suppressing unwanted wildland fires and allowing the positive attributes of fire under favorable conditions. Each new fire is carefully evaluated to determine an appropriate response. Many factorsweather, topography and vegetation typesinfluence fire behavior and the effects that fires have on park resources. In prolonged hot, dry and windy conditions, wildland fires pose a threat to park resources and can cause significant damage. Aggressive suppression actions are taken on such fires. Fire is used as a tool for ecosystem restoration when conditions are right. Wildland fire use fireslightningcaused fires that burn within a defined, undeveloped areaare monitored and evaluated on a regular basis. Suppression actions are taken if fire behavior contradicts resource goals. Prescribed fires are planned ignitions, implemented under scientifically determined conditions, with specific objectives in mind, such as to protect devel-

oped areas. Both prescribed fire and wildland fire serve to enhance resource values. During the last few years, important fuel reduction work was completed in the North Rim developed area. This was designed to improve defensible space and reduce the potential impacts of wildland fire near structures, campgrounds, and other values at risk. Defensible space is the area between a structure and the surrounding forest where vegetation has been modified to reduce a fires threat. Properly modified and maintained vegetation can slow a fire, shorten flame lengths, reduce the amount of generated heat, and increase the odds of saving a structure. The National Park Service has a mandate to preserve resources such as plants and animals, along with the natural processes that sustain themincluding fire. Fire management policies have evolved with our understanding of fire's vital role in nature. Fire is a powerful natural force. Its destructive potential is evident, but fire's positive attributes must also be recognized. As a land manager, how would you find a balance between suppressing destructive wildland fires and allowing the natural process of fire to continue?

Take a close look at that face. We almost lost it. By the 1980s there were fewer than two dozen California condors left in the world. Researchers trapped the remaining condors and began a captive breeding program to ensure the continuation of the species. The condors cooperated and by the late 1990s enough young condors existed to begin releasing them back to the wild. But where? Cooperators in the reintroduction program selected the Vermilion Cliffs north of Grand Canyon National Park as one of two release sites. The other was in central California. The undeveloped lands of northern Arizona offered sufficient food and plentiful nesting sites. Fossil evidence shows that condors have nested in the Grand Canyon area for approximately 50,000 years.

California condors have adapted well to this area. Currently about 60 condors are soaring over Arizona. Many of them frequent Grand Canyon, especially during the summer. The experimental release program has reached a critical time in its development. To call the program a success, the birds must not only survive, but also reproduce. And that is just what happened a few years ago! After a couple of years of unsuccessful nests, the summer of 2003 witnessed the first condor hatched and fledged in Arizona in more than a century. Unfortunately, this young condor died in the canyon three years ago. The cause of death appeared to be starvation. Additional condors fledged in the years since that first successful nest.

This year observers have documented several active nests in the Grand Canyon area. Ask a ranger for a progress report on the success of this years nests. California condors, being curious, are attracted to human activity. If you see a condor, do not approach it or offer it food. Try to read the number on the wing band and report it to a ranger. As you enjoy your next Grand Canyon viewpoint, look for these massive scavengers soaring on their nine-foot (3-m) wings over the canyon.

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Park News
The Value of Volunteering
It is a joy for me to get up each morning and drive or walk the rim to work. The serenity and ever-changing beauty give me great satisfaction. I love to share the stories of this magnificent place. The interest of others gives me energy to keep going. In what other job or volunteer position could I combine all the things I enjoy? I have talked with hundreds of visitors and have written new exhibit text for the displays in Tusayan Museum. I have hiked the canyon trails while in uniform to provide a presence, some extra water, or words of encouragement to hikers. My challenge each day is to find ways to make visitors' experiences better. The next time you see a volunteer in a green shirt with a National Park Service volunteer patch on the sleeve, know that we want to answer your questions or tell you what we are doing here. We do not take the place of park employees, but supplement and assist them in any way we can. We are prepared, well informed, and love our jobs. Should you hear the call of the canyon and are interested in volunteer opportunities here or at other national park sites visit http//:www.volunteer.gov/gov/.
Sara Officer

A Great Experience
For the past four summers, I have volunteered as an interpreter on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It has been a way for me to share my love of the great outdoors and help the National Park Service with its mission to preserve the area for the enjoyment of all. As a volunteer, I conduct nature walks and the condor and archeology talks. I help visitors at the Visitor Center and out on the trails. As one of my hobbies is photography, I enjoy taking visitors on a photo walk, with cameras in hand, and teach them how to take better pictures at the canyon and wherever else they visit. With my photography, I have created a photo album of the flora of the North Rim that we use as a reference in the Visitor Center. This all has been a wonderful way to meet and serve people from all walks of life and from all over the world. To be able to do all this on the North Rim is memorable and most enjoyable, made more so by all the wonderful people I meet and work with. I hope to see you out on the trail or at one of the various programs here on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Nancy Varga

Critter Note

Bison or Buffalo?
To scientists involved in classifying animals, buffalo are found only in the Old World, Asia and Africa. The water buffalo and Cape buffalo are good examples. Bison are the bovines that evolved in North America. However, the names are used interchangeably with buffalo probably being the most common. Many times ranchers have crossed bison with cattle in an attempt to produce heartier stock and meat with less fat content. Such crosses are referred to as cattalo or beefalo. Genetic testing on the House Rock Valley bison confirms that they still carry cattle genes. No matter what you call them, remember that these are wild animals and can do bodily harm. Do not approach them or let any wildlife approach you!

Why are you wearing a green shirt? Do you work here? How did you get this job? We are volunteers. My colleagues range in age from 1875 and work in natural resources, interpretation, maintenance, even the parks library. Last year 1,248 volunteers contributed 31,120 hours to Grand Canyon National Park. We come from all walks of life and have very different goals. One of us has spent eighteen years working as a resource protection volunteer at Phantom Ranch, while another works in the warehouse. A cadre of condor watchers spent more than 1,400 hours observing a nest from the South Rim. The one characteristic we all share is our love of Grand Canyon. Let me share my story. I am in my eighth season with the Division of Interpretation at Grand Canyon, my sixth national park. Nine years ago, I retired as a professor of Physical Education at Pacific Lutheran University. Because I cannot sit still, nor live a life that is not centered in giving, I looked for a creative outlet. National park areas are national treasures that I believe are underappreciated. I made a commitment to help save these special places. One of the challenges of coming to a new area is learning enough to help visitors appreciate and understand the park and its mission. Volunteers receive training, but most of the indepth learning comes from reading and working with rangers who share their insights and knowledge.

Rewarding to the Spirit

The summer of 2007 was my fourth season as a volunteer at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. With each years experience, I have found the time spent here educational, enriching, and very rewarding to the spirit. As a volunteer, I have had a chance to work at the Visitor Center, assist hikers and backpackers on the North Kaibab Trail, lead nature walks, host evening programs in the auditorium, and present talks on the California condor. Many nights I host the Night Watch program where thousands of people from all walks of life have shared the magnificent night sky with me as they looked through my telescope set up on the Grand Canyon Lodge patio. When I have finished my duties for the day, I feel as if I have really contributed and pulled my fair share of the workload and have indeed been useful to the rangers. At times, when dealing with foreign visitors, I feel like a goodwill ambassador. Becoming a Volunteer In Parks (VIP) is not so much about being important, but rather helping others and being a member of a team. George Varga

The National Park Service would like to thank the authors of these articles and all the volunteers who have contributed their time and talents to this and other NPS areas.

Critter Note
Keep your eyes open for the Silver Ghost of the North Rim, also known as the Kaibab squirrel. The Kaibab squirrel is only found here on the North Rim and nowhere else in the world due to the uniqueness of the Kaibab Plateau. You can spot the Abert squirrel, a close relative, on the South Rim. Illustration drawn by Ranger Mark McCutcheon

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Kaibab National Forest

Welcome to the North Kaibab Ranger District

Grand Canyon National Park is bounded on the north and south by the Kaibab National Forest. The North Kaibab Ranger District was part of the lands included in the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve, set aside in 1893. President Theodore Roosevelt created the Grand Canyon Game Preserve in 1906. The game preserve, which included 612,736 acres / 248,071 hectares of the Kaibab National Forest, was set aside for the protection of game animals and birds, and is to be recognized as a breeding place therefore. In 1908 the Forest Reserve north of the Grand Canyon was renamed the Kaibab National Forest. Grand Canyon National Park was created from Forest Service lands surrounding the canyon in 1919. Headquarters for the North Kaibab Ranger District is in Fredonia, Arizona, while the Kaibab National Forest supervisor's office is in Williams, Arizona. Much of the Kaibab Plateau, an island surrounded by lower elevations, is protected within the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park. Kaibab is a Paiute Indian word meaning mountain lying down.

Scenic Vistas
The North Kaibab Ranger District offers a variety of spectacular views of Grand Canyon, Kanab Creek Wilderness, and Vermilion Cliffs. Some of these points are easy drives in a sedan, while others are recommended only for high-clearance vehicles. Remember, get a map before heading out on the more remote routes. Arizona Highway 67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has been described as the most pleasant 44 miles in America. It flows through beautiful alpine scenery including a vast forest of pine, fir, and aspen interspersed with lush meadows. Highway 67 has been designated a National Forest Scenic Byway and a State Scenic Parkway. Due to heavy snow the road is normally closed from November through mid-May.

Be fire safe. Carry a shovel and bucket. Check with Forest Service offices for fire restrictions. Bury all human waste at least 46 inches (1015 cm) deep and a minimum of 100 feet (30 m) from water sources and drainage bottoms. Practice backcountry ethics and eliminate all signs of your camp. Camp at least 1/4 mile (0.4 km) from water sources to allow access for wildlife and livestock.

Wilderness
Wilderness is part of America's heritage. The North Kaibab Ranger District offers more than 108,000 acres (44,000 ha) that remain wild and free in two wilderness areasKanab Creek on the west side of the plateau and Saddle Mountain to the east. Elevations in the Kanab Creek Wilderness range from 2000 feet (600 m) at Kanab Creek to 6000 feet (1800 m) at the rim. This wilderness contains Kanab Creek, a major tributary of the Colorado River, and a network of vertical-walled gorges. Saddle Mountain Wilderness varies in elevation from 6000 feet (1800 m)on the Marble Canyon Rim to 8000 feet (2400 m) on Saddle Mountain. Gentle slopes on top of the plateau change to sudden drop-offs at the rim. Narrow drainages cut their way into the plateau's flanks.

hiker and camper. The best time for viewing and photographing wildlife is early morning or early evening. Meadows are especially attractive because of their increased food supply. Wild Merriam's turkeys are found throughout the forest and are frequently seen from roadways. Mule deer are also common. Watch for the flash of the Kaibab squirrel as it runs from tree to tree. For further information on the North Kaibab Ranger District contact:

Trails
Trails on the North Kaibab Ranger District offer both challenges and rewards for the hiker, bicycle enthusiast, equestrian, or cross-country skier. Challenges come from the steep, rugged terrain, the primitive trails, and the potential lack of water. Rewards include solitude among the most scenic features found in all the canyon lands, the discovery of unique rock formations, and breathtaking views of distant vistas.

North Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Association Bookstore Jacob Lake Fredonia, AZ 86022 (928) 643-7298 North Kaibab Ranger District P.O. Box 248 Fredonia, AZ 86022 (928) 643-7395

Camping
There are two developed campgrounds for picnicking and campingDe Motte, and small, primitive Indian Hollow. De Motte, located 7 miles / 11.3 km north of the park boundary should open for the season in late-May. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may camp away from campgrounds on national forest land. Such camping is referred to as dispersed camping. When you are away from the developed facilities remember:

Heritage Resources
Evidence of prehistoric cultures can be found throughout Kaibab National Forest. Historic and prehistoric sites and artifacts on public lands are protected by federal law. Please leave these sites undisturbed. Vandalism should be reported to Forest Service or other law enforcement officials. Jacob Lake Ranger Station, built in 1910, is associated with the beginning of the U.S. Forest Service and stands today on its original site.

Winter Sports
Cross-country skiing is a good way to enjoy northern Arizona's winters. The many forest roads become great ski trails. Although there are no designated snowshoeing areas, the snow-covered roads are excellent for this activity also. Many miles of forest roads and connecting meadows provide excellent snowmobiling opportunities. The area east of Highway 67 and south of Highway 89A is closed to motorized winter use and offers added solitude.

Visitor Center
A visit to the North Kaibab Ranger District should include a stop at the North Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center in Jacob Lake, Arizona. The visitor center is open 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. daily from mid-May to mid-October, with reduced hours later into the season. Displays highlight the uniqueness of the Kaibab Plateau and information about the Kaibab National Forest is available. Books about the region are available for purchase.

Above left: Racetrack Knoll from Ranger Trail. USFS photo by Tom Hooker Center: White columbines. USFS photo by M. Siders Right: Top of the Nakoweap Trail, looking east toward Marble Canyon, Saddle Mountain Wilderness. USFS photo by Susan Hittson

There is no garbage service. Pack out what you take in. Bring your own water. There are few reliable water sources on the Kaibab Plateau.

Wildlife Viewing
The diversity of wildlife found on the Kaibab Plateau provides enjoyment for the photographer, bird watcher, nature lover,

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Lodging and Services

Food
Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room
With a view of the canyon, the dining room is open daily for breakfast 6:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m., and dinner 4:45 p.m.9:45 p.m. For information call (928) 638-2611.

Camping
Camping is permitted only in designated campsites while in Grand Canyon National Park. Violators are subject to citation and/or fine.

Information
North Rim Visitor Center and Bookstore
Located near Grand Canyon Lodge. Park and regional information, maps, brochures, exhibits, and the Grand Canyon Association bookstore. Open daily 8:00 a.m.6:00 p.m.

Accessibility
Many North Rim viewpoints, facilities, and some trails are wheelchair accessible or accessible with assistance. Inquire at the visitor center for more details. Ask for a copy of the free Accessibility Guide.

Transport
Hiker Shuttle
A shuttle to the North Kaibab Trailhead is available twice daily in the morning. Cost is $8.00 for first person and $5.00 for each additional person. Purchase tickets at Grand Canyon Lodge front desk. The passenger pick-up is in front of the lodge. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.

In the Park North Rim Campground

is operated by the National Park Service. Campsites are $18.0025.00. No hookups, but dump station available. Stays are limited to 7 days per season. Reservations available at (877) 444-6777 or (518) 885-3639 from outside the U.S. or on the internet at
www.recreation.gov/.

Facilities
Restrooms at the visitor center, General Store, and Grand Canyon Lodge are wheelchair accessible. The lodge dining room and patios are accessible via a lift. Contact the Grand Canyon Lodge front desk for more information.

Deli in the Pines

Located in the Grand Canyon Lodge complex, the delicatessen is open daily 7:00 a.m.9:00 p.m.

Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center and Bookstore

Located at Jacob Lake, 45 miles/75 km north of the North Rim. Information, exhibits, ranger programs, and the Grand Canyon Association bookstore. Open 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. daily from mid-May to mid-October. (928) 643-7298.

Rim to Rim Transportation

Daily round-trip transportation between the North and South Rims is provided by Trans Canyon Shuttle. Departs the North Rim at 7:00 a.m. and arrives at the South Rim at 11:30 a.m. Departs the South Rim at 1:30 p.m. and arrives at the North Rim at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Call (928) 638-2820.

Roughrider Saloon
Located in the Grand Canyon Lodge complex, the saloon is open daily 11:30 a.m.11:00 p.m.

Campground
One restroom and two campsites are accessible.

Coffee Saloon
Located in the Roughrider Saloon, offers fine coffee, bagels, and baked goods. Open daily 5:3010:30 a.m. Light fare, appetizers, and cocktails served after 11:30 a.m.

Check at campground for last-minute availability. Campground may remain open past October 15, weather permitting.

Fuel
Service Station
Located on the access road leading to the North Rim Campground. Open daily 7:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.

Trails
Cape Royal Nature Trail is a 0.6-mile/1 km paved path with minimal elevation change leading to several points with canyon views.

Outside the Park De Motte Campground

Open during the summer only, this U.S. Forest Service campground is 16 miles/ 28 km north of the North Rim. No hookups or reservations. Campground opens in late-May.

Groceries/Camping Supplies
Located adjacent to the North Rim Campground, the General Store is open daily 7:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m.

Other Services
Laundry & Showers
Located on access road leading to the North Rim Campground. Open daily 7:00 a.m.10:00 p.m. until October 15.

Ranger Programs
Programs that are wheelchair accessible or accessible with assistance are indicated by this icon in the program listing.

Tours and River Trips

Grand Canyon Trail Rides
One-hour rides along the rim and half-day rim or inner canyon trips are usually available on a daily basis. Full-day trips into the canyon include lunch. Register in the lobby of Grand Canyon Lodge at the Grand Canyon Trail Rides desk (open daily 7:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.). For reservations call (435) 679-8665.

Lodging
In the Park Grand Canyon Lodge
Make reservations through Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge by calling (877) 386-4383 or (480) 998-1981. Information available on the internet at www.foreverresorts.com. Reserve as far ahead as possible, as lodging is booked well in advance. Check at the lodge for last-minute availability.

Jacob Lake Campground

The Jacob Lake campground is closed for renovation. Group sites available by calling (877) 444-6777.

Wheelchairs
The National Park Service provides wheelchairs for temporary day use by park visitors. No rental fee is charged. A wheelchair is usually available at the visitor center. To obtain a temporary parking permit for designated parking, inquire at the visitor center.

Post Office
Located in the Grand Canyon Lodge complex. Window service open Mon. through Fri. 8:00noon and 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Dispersed Camping
Permitted in the national forest outside the park, however there may be restrictions. Inquire at North Rim Visitor Center inside the park or at the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at Jacob Lake (928) 643-7298. In winter contact the North Kaibab Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest, P.O. Box 248, Fredonia, AZ 86022 or call (928) 643-7395.

Colorado River Trips

Whitewater raft trips through the canyon last from 3 days to 3 weeks and require reservations well in advance (ask the visitor center staff for a Trip Planner with a list of river trip operators).

Books and Gifts

Located in the visitor center, the Grand Canyon Association bookstore is open daily 8:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. The Gift shop located in Grand Canyon Lodge complex is open daily 8:00 a.m.9:00 p.m. Some gift items are also available at the general store.

Medical
Dial 911 from any pay phone or residence. Dial 9-911 from your cabin/motel room.

Outside the Park Kaibab Lodge

Located 18 miles/30 km north of the North Rim. Phone (928) 638-2389. Containing a restaurant and store, the lodge is open May 15Nov. 2. Some services may remain open at the Kaibab Lodge after other facilities in the park have closed.

Smooth-Water Raft Trips

Kaibab Camper Village (Jacob Lake)

A commercial campground is located 1/4 mile/0.5 km south of Jacob Lake on Arizona Highway 67. Full hook-ups are available. May 15October 15 phone (928) 643-7804. During off-season (928) 526-0924. Outside Arizona (800) 525-0924.

Weather Report
Posted daily in the visitor center. For recorded weather information phone (928) 638-7888 (updated at 7:00 a.m. daily).

Lost & Found

For information about lost and found property contact the visitor center information desk or the Grand Canyon Lodge front desk.

Half-day trips on the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry are provided by Colorado River Discovery (888) 522-6644; www.raftthecanyon.com.

Jacob Lake Inn

Located 45 miles/75 km north of the North Rim, the Jacob Lake Inn is open daily 6:30 a.m.10:00 p.m. Phone (928) 643-7232. Contains a restaurant, store and gas station (pay at pump 24 hours a day). Propane is available.

Religious Services
Although the National Park Service does not endorse any group or message, services are offered in the park. See the bulletin board in the lodge for schedules.

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G R A N D

C A N Y O N

N A T I O N A L

P A R K

Area Information
Protect the Remnants of Our History
Thousands of people have called Grand Canyon home during the past 10,000 years. During your visit, you may come across the remnants of cultures from long ago. You may see evidence left by miners, explorers, or cattlemen, or the remains of Native American dwellings, rock art, or artifacts such as pottery and projectile points. Unintentional damage by visitors to cultural sites is a major, but preventable, problem. Remains and artifacts are a fragile, irreplaceable legacy. The National Park Service preserves and protects these priceless resources. Federal law prohibits the excavation, injury, or destruction of historic or archaeological sites and the removal of any artifacts. Irreplaceable cultural sites tell the story of this country and remain places of ancestral importance to Native Americans. Treat these treasures with utmost care and respect. If you would like to experience an archaeological site while on the North Rim, visit: When visiting a site,

DO STOP, LOOK, AND THINK before entering a

cultural site.

Stay on trails within the site. View, photograph, or sketch the site. Imagine what life was like in the past. Contact a ranger or call 928-638-7805 if you see historic or archaeological sites being defaced or witness someone removing artifacts.

Walhalla Glades Ruin Transept Trail Ruin Cliff Spring Granary

DONT Walk, climb, or lean on walls. Touch rock art. Move artifacts or modify structures. Remove or collect anything. Eat or camp within the site. Create modern rock art. (This is vandalism.)

Walhalla Glades site. NPS photo

Bookstore and Park Information

Visit the South Rim

The average distance across the canyon as the condor flies is ten miles (16 km). However, traveling from the North Rim to the South Rim requires a five-hour drive of 215 miles (345 km). The South Rim is open year round. All visitor servicescamping, lodging, and restaurantsare available. Reservations are strongly recommended during the busy summer season. Some facilities are closed during the winter. A free shuttle bus system operates in the Grand Canyon Village area. Make your visit easier by parking your car and using the shuttle to get around. Make sure you stop at the new visitor center and Canyon View Information Plaza, which are reached only by shuttle.

Critter Note
If you venture down the Bright Angel Point Trail or the North Kaibab Trail, you may encounter a collared lizard. These lizards appear to be friendly but are actually aggressive and protective of their area. The bright colors, most intense on the males, make a beautiful photo. Remember to respect all wildlife.

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Grand Canyon Association

When you shop at the Grand Canyon Association bookstores at the North Rim Visitor Center and the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center, your purchase helps support Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest. In addition to the bookstores, park information and interpretive displays about the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area are available. Ask about becoming a Grand Canyon Association member and how to receive discounts on purchases at the Grand Canyon and other national parks or how to receive discounts on tuition for Grand Canyon Field Institute classes. Inquire at the bookstores or call (800) 858-2808. To learn more about Grand Canyon Association classes, programs, books, and products visit www.grandcanyon.org. Shipping and mail order services are available.

Grand Canyon National Park

Post Office Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 For the latest information updates, visit Grand Canyon National Parks website at: www.nps.gov/grca/ The Guide is published by Grand Canyon National Park in cooperation with Grand Canyon Association. Printed by Arizona Daily Sun on recycled paper, using soy-based inks.

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