Have you ever wondered, "how big is the Grand Canyon"? Well, it is huge, it is almost indescribably big. To be exact, the Grand Canyon is 10 miles wide and 277 miles long. It's so big that it's difficult to see across the canyon and I have yet to find a spot where I can see all the way down to the Colorado River. From Kanab, Utah, the location of our Kanab Vacation Rental, the drive to the North Rim is about 80 miles and takes about 1:30 hours to get there.
The primary way to access the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from our Kanab Vacation Home is via US HWY 89A. The first 30 miles of the 80-mile drive are through the Red Rock desert, and if this is your first time in this terrain, you will love the views, especially the red rock cliffs of Kanab.
As you ascend onto the Kaibab Plateau, prepare for a dramatic transformation in the landscape! Atop the plateau, you'll be enchanted by a beautiful forest of ponderosa pine and aspen trees framing vast, picturesque meadows. This drive is truly one of my absolute favorites in the American Southwest.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is an absolute must-see for visitors in the Kanab area, with its stunning National Park, welcoming visitors center, and the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge! Perched at an exhilarating elevation of 8,255 feet, the visitor's center offers a refreshing escape from the warmer temperatures you may have encountered during your Kanab vacation. The moment you step out of your car, you'll be embraced by the delightful shade of Ponderosa trees and enjoy temperatures that are up to 20 degrees cooler than the desert floor. The Kaibab Plateau is truly a breathtaking desert oasis!
I would absolutely plan my trip around a meal at the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge! What could be more thrilling than savoring a mouthwatering meal with stunning vistas into the canyon? If the lodge feels a bit too formal or you can't snag a reservation, don't worry—you can check out the Roughrider Saloon instead. Just remember, the National Park is closed to vehicle access to the North Rim seasonally based on snowfall, typically from December 1 to May 15, so be sure to call ahead!
As stated in the title of this guide, I always want to go beyond the normal. I want to have an adventure, something that I will remember forever. Just as you leave Fredonia, I noticed a sign for Forest Service 22. After a little research, I learned that there is an extensive gravel road network on top of the Kaibab Plateau. Now, FS22 is a well-maintained road that any vehicle can drive when dry in the summer. It is a lovely road through huge ponderosa pines and maybe just enough of an adventure for you.
However, if you have a more capable vehicle, such as an SUV, truck or Side by Side you can take on some of the side roads such as NF226. NF226 is down in Lost Canyon and goes in and out of open meadows. Doesn't the name Lost Canyon inspire thoughts of adventure?
Even my wife and her dog loved exploring gravel roads on top of the plateau. Best of all, you will have the place to yourself. I have been here multiple times and rarely see other people, especially once off of FS22. There is also lots of cowboy history and catch pens along the dirt roads. Keep your eyes open, and you may spot some wildlife in the meadows! I've been lucky enough to spot bison, coyotes, ducks, and turkeys.
Instead of taking the traditional route to the National Park visitor center, I suggest following FS22 or NF226 all the way to the edge of the canyon on Timp Point Road. Timp Point Road deadends to a remote overlook on the very edge of the Grand Canyon. Yes, you can ride a bike or SxS directly to the canyon's edge. If you have never seen the Grand Canyon, what better way to experience the park for the first time than to access it from a lesser-visited area that you will likely have to yourself and avoid paying the park's entry fee.
You can learn more about Kiabab gravel adventures in our blog post on gravel cycling the plateau.
Quick facts about the Grand Canyon:
The North Rim gets 1/10 the visitors of the South Rim. Though there are no stats, I bet Timp Point gets 1/100 of the visitors as the South Rim main entrance.
Point Imperical is the highest point in the Park at 8,803 feet. (11 paved miles from the Visitor Center).
Visitor Center is open 9 am to 6 pm daily in the summer season.
Canyon trail riders are available 1 or 3 hours. 435-679-8665
Bright Angle Point, 15 minute walk from Visitor Center.
Cape Royal Road to: Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook, Angles Window and Cape Royal.
Entry fee required.
Best Grand Canyon Lodging is the Zion Adventure Home vacation rental in Kanab, Ut.