Grand Canyon possible trip would it be worth it if staying on top only

**aslyfox** · 03-21-2021, 10:31 AM

my wife has a possible work trip to Las Vegas in August

we both will have been vaccinated

thinking about tagging along and heading to the Grand Canyon

is a trip to the Grand Canyon worth it if all you do is stay up top on the rim ?

not in shape to walk in and out and over weight limit for the mule trip

**jatrax** · 03-21-2021, 10:35 AM

YES! Don't even hesitate. 5.97 million people visit each year and less than 1% hike down.

**gump** · 03-21-2021, 10:46 AM - **2 Likes**

We have been to the North Rim and it was spectacular, the south side is said to be more so. So, I would suggest you go. I would guess there are plenty of other sights/sites that would be worthwhile. You might take a camera if you have one.

**aslyfox** · 03-21-2021, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by gump

. . . You might take a camera if you have one.

that idea never crossed my mind

any suggestions?

**Kiddo70** · 03-21-2021, 01:24 PM

It will be hot in August but worth the trip. Mornings and evenings provide some beautiful scenes. Check on required reservations in the summer and covid protocols may still be in force. The south rim is the most visited and the north rim is rather remote, particularly for a one day visit. The trip is well worth it. As a college geology major back in the 1960s, we spent our summers in the canyon. It will change your mind about what constitutes grand scenery.

**paulh** · 03-21-2021, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

any suggestions?

Refrain from selfies near the edge.

SpecialK · 03-21-2021, 02:29 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

is a trip to the Grand Canyon worth it if all you do is stay up top on the rim ?

Absolutely not. All you will get are images you can't unsee of one of the planet's major deformities and sideshow sights.

I somehow was lured down Bright Angel trail. Took me over 6 hours round trip and I only got to 3-Mile house (right of center, below). Never saw the supposed river the whole time...sheesh.

Last edited by SpecialK; 03-21-2021 at 03:04 PM.

**rogerstg** · 03-21-2021, 05:58 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

is a trip to the Grand Canyon worth it if all you do is stay up top on the rim ?

Definitely yes. There are shuttle buses to various lookouts along the rim. My wife and I were there last year.

**aslyfox** · 03-21-2021, 06:08 PM

additional question for all

north or south rim

stevebrot · 03-21-2021, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

additional question for all

north or south rim

The north rim is much less accessible (long drive from Vegas or even the south rim) and has fewer facilities and services. The south rim can be sort of a mess of tour buses and such. Early and late in the day provides the best photos.

Yes...definitely go...aim for sunrise...

Steve

stevebrot · 03-21-2021, 07:00 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by paulh

Refrain from selfies near the edge.

Over The Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, Newly Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition: Michael P. Ghiglieri, Thomas M. Myers, M.P. Ghiglieri, Kim Besom & Bronze Black: 9780984785803: amazon.com: Books?tag=pentaxforums-20&

Steve

**aslyfox** · 03-21-2021, 07:26 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The north rim is much less accessible (long drive from Vegas or even the south rim) and has fewer facilities and services. The south rim can be sort of a mess of tour buses and such. Early and late in the day provides the best photos.

Yes...definitely go...aim for sunrise...

Steve

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

4 hr 14 min
265 miles

Via I-15 N, AZ-67

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village Ar

4 hr 05 min
279 miles

Via US-93 S, I-40 E

stevebrot · 03-21-2021, 07:54 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

4 hr 14 min
265 miles

Via I-15 N, AZ-67

Well, I be! I was under the impression that it was further around than that from the NW and that it was better to go east on I-40 to US-89 then up near Page to cross the Colorado at Marble Canyon (US 89A). If you have the time, I would do both, using SR 64 between US 89 at Cameron, AZ and the south rim to make the circle.

Steve

MarkJerling · 03-21-2021, 07:55 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The north rim is much less accessible (long drive from Vegas or even the south rim) and has fewer facilities and services.

Note to self. Head for the North rim.

**aslyfox** · 03-22-2021, 02:01 AM

Originally posted by paulh

Refrain from selfies near the edge.

note to myself and wife

don't fall in

Originally posted by Kiddo70

It will be hot in August but worth the trip. . . .

the North Rim is higher and thus would be cooler than the South Rim

Quote:

Elevations:
South Rim 7,000 feet (2,100 m)
North Rim 8,000 feet (2,400 m)

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/statistics.htm

note to self " cooler " is a relative term

mean temperatures by month

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/weather.htm

03-21-2021, 10:31 AM	#1
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Grand Canyon possible trip would it be worth it if staying on top only my wife has a possible work trip to Las Vegas in August we both will have been vaccinated thinking about tagging along and heading to the Grand Canyon is a trip to the Grand Canyon worth it if all you do is stay up top on the rim ? not in shape to walk in and out and over weight limit for the mule trip

03-22-2021, 02:01 AM	#15
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583 Original Poster	Originally posted by paulh Refrain from selfies near the edge. note to myself and wife don't fall in Originally posted by Kiddo70 It will be hot in August but worth the trip. . . . the North Rim is higher and thus would be cooler than the South Rim Quote: Elevations: South Rim 7,000 feet (2,100 m) North Rim 8,000 feet (2,400 m) https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/statistics.htm note to self " cooler " is a relative term mean temperatures by month https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/weather.htm Last edited by aslyfox; 03-22-2021 at 05:05 AM.

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03-21-2021, 10:35 AM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	YES! Don't even hesitate. 5.97 million people visit each year and less than 1% hike down.

03-21-2021, 10:46 AM - 2 Likes	#3
gump Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,016	We have been to the North Rim and it was spectacular, the south side is said to be more so. So, I would suggest you go. I would guess there are plenty of other sights/sites that would be worthwhile. You might take a camera if you have one.

03-21-2021, 11:17 AM	#4
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583 Original Poster	Originally posted by gump . . . You might take a camera if you have one. that idea never crossed my mind any suggestions?

03-21-2021, 01:24 PM	#5
Kiddo70 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,421	It will be hot in August but worth the trip. Mornings and evenings provide some beautiful scenes. Check on required reservations in the summer and covid protocols may still be in force. The south rim is the most visited and the north rim is rather remote, particularly for a one day visit. The trip is well worth it. As a college geology major back in the 1960s, we spent our summers in the canyon. It will change your mind about what constitutes grand scenery.

03-21-2021, 02:07 PM	#6
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,306	Originally posted by aslyfox any suggestions? Refrain from selfies near the edge.

03-21-2021, 02:29 PM - 1 Like	#7
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Originally posted by aslyfox is a trip to the Grand Canyon worth it if all you do is stay up top on the rim ? Absolutely not. All you will get are images you can't unsee of one of the planet's major deformities and sideshow sights. I somehow was lured down Bright Angel trail. Took me over 6 hours round trip and I only got to 3-Mile house (right of center, below). Never saw the supposed river the whole time...sheesh. Last edited by SpecialK; 03-21-2021 at 03:04 PM.

03-21-2021, 05:58 PM	#8
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by aslyfox is a trip to the Grand Canyon worth it if all you do is stay up top on the rim ? Definitely yes. There are shuttle buses to various lookouts along the rim. My wife and I were there last year.

03-21-2021, 06:08 PM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583 Original Poster	additional question for all north or south rim

03-21-2021, 06:55 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by aslyfox additional question for all north or south rim The north rim is much less accessible (long drive from Vegas or even the south rim) and has fewer facilities and services. The south rim can be sort of a mess of tour buses and such. Early and late in the day provides the best photos. Yes...definitely go...aim for sunrise... Steve

03-21-2021, 07:00 PM - 1 Like	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by paulh Refrain from selfies near the edge. Over The Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, Newly Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition: Michael P. Ghiglieri, Thomas M. Myers, M.P. Ghiglieri, Kim Besom & Bronze Black: 9780984785803: amazon.com: Books?tag=pentaxforums-20& Steve

03-21-2021, 07:26 PM	#12
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot The north rim is much less accessible (long drive from Vegas or even the south rim) and has fewer facilities and services. The south rim can be sort of a mess of tour buses and such. Early and late in the day provides the best photos. Yes...definitely go...aim for sunrise... Steve Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim 4 hr 14 min 265 miles Via I-15 N, AZ-67 Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village Ar 4 hr 05 min 279 miles Via US-93 S, I-40 E

03-21-2021, 07:54 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by aslyfox Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim 4 hr 14 min 265 miles Via I-15 N, AZ-67 Well, I be! I was under the impression that it was further around than that from the NW and that it was better to go east on I-40 to US-89 then up near Page to cross the Colorado at Marble Canyon (US 89A). If you have the time, I would do both, using SR 64 between US 89 at Cameron, AZ and the south rim to make the circle. Steve

03-21-2021, 07:55 PM	#14
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,421	Originally posted by stevebrot The north rim is much less accessible (long drive from Vegas or even the south rim) and has fewer facilities and services. Note to self. Head for the North rim.