Drive your own itinerary along the Grand Canyon North Rim with a GPS-activated audio guide. Pause at overlooks, short hikes, and historical sites while the app narrates geology, history and local tips.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You round a bend and the road drops into a wide, raw horizon: red cliffs giving way to a knife-edged rim, ponderosa pines scenting the air. A GPS-guided voice cues the next pullout; you park, step onto wind-scrubbed pavement and the canyon opens — layered, ancient, waiting.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–8 hours (typical day loop 4–8 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short paved and dirt walks with occasional uneven sections
Wildlife
History
The Kaibab Plateau has long been home to Indigenous peoples, and later 19th-century settlers and infrastructure like the 1927 Navajo Bridge shaped regional travel.
Conservation
The North Rim’s high-elevation forests and fragile soils recover slowly—stick to designated pullouts and trails, pack out waste, and respect seasonal closures to protect habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Grand Canyon North Rim Full-Day Self-Guided Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download offline before you go
Redeem and download the Shaka Guide tour on strong Wi‑Fi—audio and maps work offline and avoid dead‑zone interruptions.
Fuel and snacks at Jacob Lake
Services are limited near the North Rim; fill your tank and stock up on water and snacks at Jacob Lake Inn or the Country Store.
Prepare for high elevation
The North Rim sits around 8,000–8,800 ft; bring layers and slow your pace if you feel lightheaded or short of breath.
Time stops for light and storms
Start early for morning clarity and avoid mid‑afternoon monsoon storms in summer; golden hour yields the best canyon colors.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Staying hydrated at high elevation and in exposed viewpoints is critical.
Layered clothing and windbreaker
Temperatures change quickly between forested rim and exposed overlooks.
Sturdy hiking shoes or trail shoes
Short walks and uneven viewpoints are common; good traction helps on dirt and paved stretches.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
High UV exposure at altitude and limited shade at many overlooks.
summer