St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The quieter, cooler, and closer rim of the Grand Canyon is just under three hours from St. George. With one-tenth the visitors of the South Rim, the North Rim offers a more intimate and serene Grand Canyon experience.
I-15 South → AZ-389 → US-89A → AZ-67
165 miles
Distance
2 hr 45 min
Drive Time
southeast
Direction
May 15 - October 15
Best Time
8,200 ft elevation
Driving from St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim)
Route: I-15 South → AZ-389 → US-89A → AZ-67
Head south on I-15, exit at Hurricane/Fredonia, follow AZ-389 through the Arizona Strip past Pipe Spring National Monument, pick up US-89A at Fredonia, pass through the Vermilion Cliffs area, then turn south on AZ-67 through the Kaibab National Forest to the rim.
About Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The Grand Canyon North Rim is one of the most spectacular day trips from St. George and a bucket-list destination that many visitors overlook in favor of the more famous South Rim. At just 165 miles (2 hours 45 minutes), the North Rim is significantly closer to St. George and offers a dramatically different experience — cooler temperatures at 8,200 feet elevation, dense forests of aspen and ponderosa pine, and far fewer crowds.
The drive to the North Rim is an adventure in itself. After leaving the interstate, you cross the Arizona Strip — a remote, sparsely populated plateau between the Utah border and the Grand Canyon. The Vermilion Cliffs glow orange and red in the afternoon light. At Jacob Lake, you turn south onto AZ-67 and climb through the Kaibab National Forest, one of the most beautiful alpine drives in Arizona with meadows, wildflowers, and often deer or wild turkeys crossing the road.
The North Rim Lodge, perched right on the canyon edge, serves excellent food with views that will take your breath away. Bright Angel Point — a short, paved walk from the lodge — offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints in all of the national park system. Cape Royal Drive takes you along the rim to Point Imperial (the highest viewpoint at 8,803 feet) and Cape Royal, where you can see the Colorado River far below. Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim feels wild and uncrowded — you can often enjoy viewpoints in complete solitude.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Hurricane — 30 miles / 25 min (last cheap gas)
- Fredonia, AZ — 100 miles / 1 hr 45 min (gas and convenience store)
- Jacob Lake, AZ — 130 miles / 2 hr 15 min (gas, cookies, lodge)
- NO gas available on the North Rim itself
Weather & Climate
The North Rim sits at 8,200 feet with cool mountain weather. Summer highs reach 60-75°F (vs. 100°F+ in St. George). Night temperatures can drop to 30-40°F even in summer. Bring layers. Afternoon monsoon thunderstorms are common July-August. Snow closes the road by November.
Best Time to Visit
May 15 - October 15
The North Rim is only open from mid-May through mid-October. June and early July offer wildflowers and long days. Late September through early October brings stunning fall colors with golden aspen. July-August afternoons bring monsoon thunderstorms — plan hikes for morning.
Things to Do in Grand Canyon (North Rim)
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona.
Must-See Viewpoints & Trails
Bright Angel Point
Free with park entryThe signature North Rim viewpoint, just a 0.5-mile paved walk from the lodge. The narrow peninsula offers views into Roaring Springs Canyon and Bright Angel Canyon with the South Rim visible 10 miles across.
Go at sunrise for golden light and solitude
Cape Royal Drive & Trail
Free with park entryA 23-mile scenic drive ending at Cape Royal, where a short 0.6-mile trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Colorado River. Stop at Walhalla Overlook and Angels Window along the way.
Point Imperial
Free with park entryThe highest viewpoint on either rim at 8,803 feet. Offers panoramic views of the Painted Desert, Marble Canyon, and Navajo Mountain. The most expansive vista on the North Rim.
North Kaibab Trail
Free with park entryThe only maintained trail from the North Rim to the canyon floor. Day hikers can descend to Coconino Overlook (1.5 miles) or Supai Tunnel (2.7 miles) for incredible views. Do NOT attempt to reach the river and return in one day.
Start early — the trail is in shade in the morning
Widforss Trail
Free with park entryA beautiful 10-mile round-trip trail through forest and meadows to a dramatic canyon viewpoint. Named for artist Gunnar Widforss. Less crowded than Bright Angel Point.
Transept Trail
Free with park entryEasy 3-mile round-trip trail connecting the lodge to the campground along the canyon rim. Perfect sunset walk through pine forest with periodic canyon views.
Dining & Lodging
Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room
$$$The main restaurant at the North Rim Lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the canyon. The views alone are worth the visit. Reservations required for dinner.
Book dinner reservations at lodging time — they fill up months in advance
Deli in the Pines
$Casual counter-service option near the lodge serving sandwiches, pizza, salads, and grab-and-go items. Good option for a quick lunch between hikes.
Grand Canyon Lodge Cabins
$150-$250/nightHistoric cabins and motel-style rooms right on the canyon rim. Western Cabins have the best views. Book 6-13 months in advance — these sell out fast.
North Rim Campground
$18-$25/nightThe only campground on the North Rim with 87 sites available by reservation. Surrounded by pine forest with coin laundry and a camp store nearby.
Jacob Lake Inn
$-$$Located at the AZ-67 turnoff, 44 miles from the rim. Famous for their homemade cookies, milkshakes, and rustic lodge atmosphere. A traditional stop on the way to or from the North Rim.
Their fresh-baked cookies are legendary — grab a bag for the drive
Nearby Attractions
Pipe Spring National Monument
$10 per personHistoric Mormon fort and ranch on the Arizona Strip, about 1 hour from St. George on the way to the North Rim. Free ranger-led tours explain the frontier history. A natural rest stop.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Free to viewStunning red rock cliffs visible along US-89A between Fredonia and Jacob Lake. The Coyote Buttes area (home of The Wave) is within this monument, though permits are required.
Kaibab National Forest
FreeThe dense pine and aspen forest surrounding the North Rim is beautiful for leisurely drives, picnics, and wildlife spotting. Fall colors in late September are spectacular.
Marble Canyon & Navajo Bridge
FreeTwo bridges spanning Marble Canyon on US-89A — the historic 1929 bridge is now a pedestrian walkway with 470-foot views straight down to the Colorado River. California condors are often spotted here.
Family Activities
Junior Ranger Program
FreeFree Junior Ranger booklets at the visitor center. Kids complete activities and earn a badge. One of the best Junior Ranger programs in the national park system.
Ranger Programs & Campfire Talks
FreeFree ranger-led programs including geology talks, history walks, and evening campfire programs at the campground amphitheater. Check the schedule at the visitor center.
Mule Rides
$45-$90One-hour and half-day mule rides along the rim trail. A unique way to experience the canyon without the strenuous hiking. Riders must be at least 10 years old.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim) Drive
The North Rim is open mid-May through mid-October ONLY — the road closes for winter
Fill up gas in Fredonia or Jacob Lake — there is NO gas on the North Rim
The parking lot at the lodge fills by 10 AM in summer — arrive early or take the shuttle from the campground
Temperatures are 20-30 degrees cooler than St. George — bring a jacket even in July
Book lodge reservations 13 months in advance — they sell out the day they open
The drive through Kaibab Forest is gorgeous in late September when aspen turn gold
Bring binoculars — California condors (wingspan up to 9.5 feet) soar over the canyon
Cell service is very limited on the North Rim — download maps and content beforehand
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim)
How far is St. George from the Grand Canyon North Rim?
The Grand Canyon North Rim is 165 miles (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes) from St. George via I-15 South, AZ-389, and AZ-67 through the Kaibab National Forest.
When is the North Rim open?
The North Rim is open from mid-May through mid-October. AZ-67 (the only road to the rim) closes for winter when snow makes it impassable. Exact dates vary by year based on snowfall.
Which is closer to St. George — the North Rim or South Rim?
The North Rim is significantly closer at 165 miles (2 hr 45 min) compared to the South Rim at 295 miles (4 hr 30 min). The North Rim also has one-tenth the visitors, making it a more peaceful experience.
Can I see the Grand Canyon and return to St. George the same day?
Yes, a North Rim day trip from St. George is very popular. Leave by 7-8 AM, arrive by 10-11 AM, enjoy 4-5 hours at the rim, and return by evening. The drive is scenic and enjoyable in both directions.
Is there food at the Grand Canyon North Rim?
Yes, the Grand Canyon Lodge has a full-service dining room (reservations recommended for dinner), a casual deli, a saloon, and a general store. Jacob Lake Inn, 44 miles before the rim, is famous for its cookies and milkshakes.
Do I need reservations for the North Rim?
Lodge and campground reservations should be booked months in advance. Day visitors do not need reservations but should arrive early for parking. There is no timed entry system for the North Rim.
Nearby Destinations from Grand Canyon (North Rim)
Kanab
Known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western film history, Kanab is a charming gateway town to The Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Grand Canyon (South Rim)
The world's most famous canyon view. The South Rim is open year-round with the most visitor services, iconic lodges, and legendary trails. A longer drive from St. George but worth every mile.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Stunning coral-pink sand dunes created from eroding Navajo sandstone. Perfect for ATV riding, sandboarding, photography, stargazing, and family camping in one of Southern Utah's most unique landscapes.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim)
St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim) — 165 miles, 2 hr 45 min Drive
The Grand Canyon North Rim is one of the most spectacular day trips from St. George and a bucket-list destination that many visitors overlook in favor of the more famous South Rim. At just 165 miles (2 hours 45 minutes), the North Rim is significantly closer to St. George and offers a dramatically different experience — cooler temperatures at 8,200 feet elevation, dense forests of aspen and ponderosa pine, and far fewer crowds.
The route from St. George, Utah to Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona covers 165 miles and takes approximately 2 hr 45 min via I-15 South → AZ-389 → US-89A → AZ-67. Head south on I-15, exit at Hurricane/Fredonia, follow AZ-389 through the Arizona Strip past Pipe Spring National Monument, pick up US-89A at Fredonia, pass through the Vermilion Cliffs area, then turn south on AZ-67 through the Kaibab National Forest to the rim.
Things to Do in Grand Canyon (North Rim)
Must-See Viewpoints & Trails: Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal Drive & Trail, Point Imperial. Dining & Lodging: Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room, Deli in the Pines, Grand Canyon Lodge Cabins. Nearby Attractions: Pipe Spring National Monument, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Kaibab National Forest. Family Activities: Junior Ranger Program, Ranger Programs & Campfire Talks, Mule Rides.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The North Rim is only open from mid-May through mid-October. June and early July offer wildflowers and long days. Late September through early October brings stunning fall colors with golden aspen. July-August afternoons bring monsoon thunderstorms — plan hikes for morning.
Travel Tips
The North Rim is open mid-May through mid-October ONLY — the road closes for winter. Fill up gas in Fredonia or Jacob Lake — there is NO gas on the North Rim. The parking lot at the lodge fills by 10 AM in summer — arrive early or take the shuttle from the campground. Temperatures are 20-30 degrees cooler than St. George — bring a jacket even in July.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Kanab, Grand Canyon (South Rim), Coral Pink Sand Dunes.