Grand Canyon North Rim

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without visiting the Grand Canyon, and why not take the road less traveled and visit the famous North Rim? Thousands of feet higher than the South Rim, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon provides impressive vistas, trails along the Colorado River, and a better glimpse at the inner canyon.

The Grand Canyon North Rim retains a sense of solitude, a remote wilderness rich with scenic hiking trails and overlooks with spectacular vistas. The North Rim beckons day hikers, who want to traipse through meadows thick with wildflowers and dense clusters of willowy aspen and spruce trees, and breathe crisp, Alpine air – all under vast, blue skies.

One of the highlights of the Grand Canyon North Rim is Bright Angel Point, which lies at the end of the Bright Angel Point Trail, a half-mile loop (800 m) and one the most popular of the North Rim corridor trails. From the point, you can see and hear the rush of Roaring Spring, the North Rim's only water source, which lies 3,600 feet (1,100 m) below the rim. You'll find more scenic overlooks at Cape Royal, one of the most spectacular settings in the Grand Canyon. At Angel's Window Overlook is a breathtaking view of the natural bridge that forms Angel's Window.

Point Imperial is the highest point of the Grand Canyon, at 8,803 feet (2,683 m) above sea level, and overlooks the painted desert and Marble Canyon. Cape Royal provides panoramic views of the canyon, desert, and Colorado River.

Keep in mind, it's only about 10 miles (16 km) across the canyon, separating the North and South rims. By car it's another story: from the North Rim the South Rim is a 5-hour, 215-mile (345 km) drive.

[Source : blogoblo]