North Rim Grand Canyon Visited Again

The first time we visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon 3 years ago, we spent about 5 hours total, surely not enough to see everything.  So visiting this time around we made sure we went to all lookout points, walked some trails, and experience all we could.  On the drive to the Rim you pass through large meadows and we both said that area reminded us of Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park.  Lots of deer out, you really have to be diligent because they are everywhere.  Did not see the Tatankas (buffalo) that we saw 3 years ago but the warning signs along the road told you to beware, do not approach.  Yesterday we spent at the Rim picking the most clear day to hopefully see the vista views.  Absolutely gorgeous day - when we left the campground it was a chilly 48 degrees but by the time we got to Cape Royal and the trails there, it was 61.  Big puffy clouds, slight wind, very clear.

Angel's Window - walk out to point

Beautiful! 

Imperial Point

The North Rim has only been open for a week but there were plenty of people there.  We experienced the Cape Royal views and hiked over to Angels Window, a wonderful viewpoint that has fantastic views of the Colorado River.  From there we went to Imperial Point and was stunned at the vista view there.  We were at the highest point in the entire park - both South and North sides, 8804 feet, and was the deepest point looking down into the canyon. We could see in the distance the Vermilion Cliffs that we visited the other day.

Colorado River - look center of photo

Been a nice relaxing visit here, cold at night dropping down to 33 with frost on the vehicles, but during the day was pleasant.  Have had to run the space heaters to keep the chill out of the RV but we have been comfortable.

We pack up Friday morning and head to Torrey, Utah, where we will be 3 miles from Capitol Reef National Park. Grand Canyon is a beautiful place to visit, would put it on any one's list of things to see but we both agree that the North Rim, for nature and less people, is our favorite of either rims.  South Rim is more people friendly, more interpretive trails and hikes, more things to do and experience but North Rim is so pristine and natural, you really need to experience both.