From Zion, we dropped down into Arizona to see Grand Canyon National Park from both rims. The North Rim is less popular than the South Rim — this is a good thing! Though there are less developed viewing areas on the North Rim, the crowds are smaller! Also the North Rim has a more alpine character than South Rim which is desert. This is due to the fact that the North Rim receives much more rainfall.

This photograph shows a large alpine meadow on the road to the North Rim just inside the Park boundary.This is a view south from the North Rim. In the distance is the South Rim, and further distant on the horizon, the San Francisco Mountains.This is a view south-east from the North Rim. You can see a distinct monocline in the South Rim moving from about centre to the left. The Painted Desert is (barely) visible over the lower edge of the monocline. There is a person standing on the edge of the North Rim to the left edge of the photo -- this adds a sense of scale!This photograph is taken from about 3000 ft. down the North Rim Trail. The North Rim is far steeper than the South Rim due to the higher rate of erosion by a heavier rainfall. The trails are tough!

 

Cedar Breaks National Monument 1995
Grand Canyon National Park South Rim 1995