St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The quieter, cooler, and closer rim of the Grand Canyon is about three hours from St. George. The North Rim reopened May 15, 2026 for a day-use season after the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire — no lodging this year, but Point Imperial and Cape Royal Road are open.
I-15 North → UT-9 → UT-59 → AZ-389 → US-89A → AZ-67
150 miles
Distance
3 hr
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 North → UT-9 → UT-59 → AZ-389 → US-89A → AZ-67
Take I-15 north to Exit 16 and follow UT-9 east into Hurricane, then UT-59 south to Hildale and Colorado City, where it becomes AZ-389. Continue across the Arizona Strip past Pipe Spring National Monument to Fredonia, pick up US-89A and climb the Kaibab Plateau to Jacob Lake, then turn south on AZ-67 for the final 44 miles 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 about 150 miles (roughly 3 hours), 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 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire changed the North Rim significantly. The fire destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Rim visitor center, and the National Park Service reopened the rim on May 15, 2026 for a season focused primarily on day use. There is no overnight lodging on the North Rim in 2026, and Bright Angel Point Trail, Widforss Trail, and Transept Trail are closed. Cape Royal Road is open, leading to Point Imperial (the highest viewpoint at 8,803 feet) and Cape Royal, where you can see the Colorado River far below. The General Store and North Rim Campground operate through October 15. Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim feels wild and uncrowded — you can often enjoy viewpoints in complete solitude.
Related Guide
St. George to Grand Canyon: North Rim vs. South Rim vs. SkywalkCompare drive times to all three Grand Canyon destinations, 2026 entrance fees, and day trip tips in our complete guide.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Hurricane — 20 miles / 25 min (last cheap gas)
- Fredonia, AZ — 75 miles / 1 hr 30 min (gas and convenience store)
- Jacob Lake, AZ — 105 miles / 2 hr (gas, cookies, lodge)
- North Rim gas pumps closed for the 2026 season on Sept. 19 — fuel up before AZ-67
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 seasonally, from mid-May until snow closes AZ-67. In 2026 it reopened May 15, and the campground and General Store run through October 15. 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, a narrow peninsula with views into Roaring Springs Canyon and Bright Angel Canyon and the South Rim visible 10 miles across. The Bright Angel Point Trail is closed for the 2026 season following the Dragon Bravo Fire.
CLOSED in 2026 — check the NPS North Rim status page for updates
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, normally descending to Coconino Overlook (1.5 miles) and Supai Tunnel (2.7 miles). In 2026 the trail is closed from the trailhead to Phantom Ranch following late-August flash flooding.
CLOSED in 2026 — check the NPS North Rim status page for updates
Cape Royal, Cliff Springs & Cape Final Trails
Free with park entryShort rim trails off Cape Royal Road that are open in 2026. Cliff Springs leads to a shaded spring below the rim, and Cape Final offers a quieter overlook of the eastern canyon.
Widforss & Transept Trails
Free with park entryNormally a 10-mile forest-and-meadow hike (Widforss) and an easy rim walk near the former lodge site (Transept). Both are closed for the 2026 season following the Dragon Bravo Fire.
CLOSED in 2026
Dining & Lodging
North Rim General Store
The main source of food and supplies on the rim in 2026, operated by Aramark and open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through October 15. The Grand Canyon Lodge dining room and cabins were destroyed in the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, so pack a lunch.
No restaurants or overnight lodging on the North Rim in 2026
North Rim Campground
The only campground on the North Rim, open June 1 through October 15, 2026 by reservation on Recreation.gov. Water and RV hookups are not available this season.
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
FreeA worthwhile detour about 40 miles east of Jacob Lake on US-89A. Two bridges span Marble Canyon — 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
FreeKids complete activities and earn a Grand Canyon Junior Ranger badge. The North Rim visitor center was destroyed in the Dragon Bravo Fire, so check with the NPS for where to pick up booklets in 2026.
Point Imperial & Cape Royal Picnic
Free with park entryThe easiest family outing on the North Rim in 2026: drive Cape Royal Road, stop at Point Imperial, and picnic near Cape Royal. Both viewpoints are a short walk from parking.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Grand Canyon (North Rim) Drive
The North Rim is seasonal — AZ-67 closes for winter. In 2026 it reopened May 15 for day use; check the NPS status page before a late-season trip
Fill up gas in Fredonia or Jacob Lake — the North Rim gas pumps closed for the 2026 season on September 19
Pack lunch and water — there are no restaurants on the North Rim in 2026, only the General Store (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Temperatures are 20-30 degrees cooler than St. George — bring a jacket even in July
There is no overnight lodging on the North Rim in 2026 — stay at the campground (by reservation), Jacob Lake, or Kanab
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 about 150 miles (roughly 3 hours) from St. George via I-15 North, UT-9, UT-59, AZ-389, US-89A, and AZ-67 through the Kaibab National Forest.
Is the North Rim open in 2026?
Yes. After the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, the North Rim reopened May 15, 2026 for a season focused primarily on day use. The campground and General Store operate through October 15. AZ-67 closes for winter when snow makes it impassable, so check the NPS North Rim status page before a late-season trip.
Which is closer to St. George — the North Rim or South Rim?
The North Rim is significantly closer at about 150 miles (roughly 3 hours) compared to the South Rim at about 280 miles (about 5 hours). The North Rim also sees far fewer 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 6-7 AM, arrive by 9-10 AM, enjoy 4-5 hours at the rim, and return by evening. Pack lunch in 2026 — there are no restaurants on the rim this season.
Is there food at the Grand Canyon North Rim?
In 2026 the only food on the North Rim is the General Store, open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through October 15. The Grand Canyon Lodge and its restaurants were destroyed in the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire. Jacob Lake Inn, 44 miles before the rim, is famous for its cookies and milkshakes.
Can I stay overnight at the North Rim in 2026?
Not in a lodge — overnight lodging is not available on the North Rim during the 2026 season. The North Rim Campground is open June 1 through October 15 by reservation on Recreation.gov, without water or RV hookups. Jacob Lake and Kanab are the nearest lodging towns.
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) — 150 miles, 3 hr 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 about 150 miles (roughly 3 hours), 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 150 miles and takes approximately 3 hr via I-15 North → UT-9 → UT-59 → AZ-389 → US-89A → AZ-67. Take I-15 north to Exit 16 and follow UT-9 east into Hurricane, then UT-59 south to Hildale and Colorado City, where it becomes AZ-389. Continue across the Arizona Strip past Pipe Spring National Monument to Fredonia, pick up US-89A and climb the Kaibab Plateau to Jacob Lake, then turn south on AZ-67 for the final 44 miles 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: North Rim General Store, North Rim Campground, Jacob Lake Inn. Nearby Attractions: Pipe Spring National Monument, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Kaibab National Forest. Family Activities: Junior Ranger Program, Point Imperial & Cape Royal Picnic.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The North Rim is only open seasonally, from mid-May until snow closes AZ-67. In 2026 it reopened May 15, and the campground and General Store run through October 15. 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 seasonal — AZ-67 closes for winter. In 2026 it reopened May 15 for day use; check the NPS status page before a late-season trip. Fill up gas in Fredonia or Jacob Lake — the North Rim gas pumps closed for the 2026 season on September 19. Pack lunch and water — there are no restaurants on the North Rim in 2026, only the General Store (9 a.m.–4 p.m.). 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.