Remember that the North Rim's elevation is over 8,000 feet, and adjust your activities accordingly. Also be aware that lightning strikes here frequently, and stay away from exposed areas during thunderstorms.
Permits are required for any overnight hikes. You can get them at the North Rim Backcountry Office.
Above the Rim
It's a 0.5 miles round trip from the lodge to Bright Angel Point.The Widforss Trail is a 10-mile round trip hike, but even a short trip on this trail is rewarding as you hike through forests of aspen and ponderosa pine along the canyon's rim. Look for the Lodge, and if you're lucky, you may see the elusive Kaibab squirrel, looking something like a groundhog carrying a feather duster.
There are several other rim trails ranging in distance from 1 mile to 10. Ask a ranger to help you choose the trail best suited to your interests and abilities. The short 0.6-mile Cape Royal Trail is fully accessible, even to wheelchairs.
Below the Rim
For any hike below the rim, allow twice as long to come up as it took to go down. For example, if you have three hours for a hike, go down for one hour, and it will take you two to come back up. Carry plenty of water (3 quarts per person), food and sunscreen.The North Kaibab Trail is the most popular hiking trail leading down from the North Rim, and the only maintained trail into the canyon from the north. It's 1.5 miles round trip to the Coconino Overlook or 4 miles round trip to the Supai Tunnel. If you want to hike to Roaring Springs, start early (before 7:00 a.m.) and expect to take all day. Don't try to hike any further than Roaring Springs and back in a single day, even if you're in good condition. There is a daily shuttle to the trailhead.
Before you start this hike, you should know that it has a smelly little secret. The mules use the same trail as the hikers. They can make the trail quite dusty as they pass (you may want to put a handkerchief over your face), and they make puddles and leave mule droppings as they go. The trails are fairly wide and they can pass you safely, but some may object to the mess they leave behind. Unfortunately, there is no other way to get down into the canyon.
