Shores of Hell to the Rim of Heaven

We left Lake Powell on Monday morning back tracking a bit on Highway 89 South and then taking 89A to the North Rim.   It was a scenic drive and reminded me of northern NM overlooking the Rio Grande Gorge as we came down.  The pink cliffs of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument were in the distance most of the drive.  We stopped along the way and ate lunch at one of the pullouts - what a view! 

The trees became larger as we climbed back up to the KaibabPlateau.  There are two campgrounds in Jacob Lake at junction for the North Rim.  One is private and has full hookups.  All of the National campgrounds in this area are dry camping. We decided to chance it and see if we could get into the North Rim campground.  It is a beautiful drive from Jacob Lake to the North Rim but I imagine it would be quite long if you planned on making Jacob Lake your home base.  I suggest only doing this in high season since your chances of getting into the two closer campgrounds would be slim.  Even this time of year the North Rim campground was full.  We did get into DeMotte which is about 4 miles outside the entrance.  It is quite pretty and nestled in the aspen trees.  They do have some pull thrus and back- ins large enough for big rigs.  Unfortunately our first choice was not one.  They decided to put a very large rock and ditch that impeded Jack’s ability to turn wide enough to back in.  Flashes of the Austin Power movie where he is caught in a tunnel trying to turn his golf cart around came to my mind.  We did end up deciding to try another site but not after smashing over the culvert a bit.

We spent the next few days enjoying and exploring the area.  There was evidence of forest fires and new aspen growth everywhere.  Some of the aspens were turning and the weather was perfect.  Warm in the day time but quite chilly at night.  Perfect campfire weather!   And of course the Grand Canyon! No other words are needed.  One night we went back near sunset and had dinner at the lodge.  It was quite the event with the decks filled with sightseers watching the sun color the cliffs.

All in all, the pace at the North Rim is slower and easier then the often over crowded South Rim.   Some say the views are not as spectacular as the South Rim but just as awe inspiring none the less.