Grand Canyon North Rim Tour

About This Tour

One mile deep. Ten miles wide. 277 miles long. The Grand Canyon is almost incomprehensible in scale—and from the North Rim, you'll experience it with a fraction of the crowds. Only about 10% of visitors make the journey here, finding a rim that sits 1,000 feet higher, surrounded by spruce-fir forest instead of desert scrub.

This GPS-triggered audio tour covers the main North Rim roads, the Cape Royal scenic drive, and everything from the visitor center to the park's highest viewpoint at Point Imperial (8,803 feet).

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim entrance sign

Tour Coverage

Point ImperialHighest viewpoint on either rim at 8,803 feet

Cape RoyalSweeping panoramas and Angels Window

Bright Angel PointClassic canyon views steps from the lodge

Kaibab PlateauForested highlands with unique wildlife

The tour plays stories anywhere you travel along the orange route. Just download the tour and start driving along the route.

What You'll Learn

Why the North Rim receives 60% more precipitation than the South
The story of the endemic Kaibab squirrel—found nowhere else on Earth
Two billion years of geology visible in the canyon walls
History of the Grand Canyon Lodge and early tourism
Best times and locations for photography

What's Included

218 GPS-triggered story sites
Offline functionality - essential for the remote North Rim
Coverage of all main roads and the Cape Royal scenic drive
Seasonal tips (open mid-May through October)
One-year access to the tour

Know Before You Go

Entrance pass required — All visitors must have a valid entrance pass.
North Rim is seasonal — The North Rim is open mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting. Check current status before planning your trip.
Limited services — The North Rim has fewer amenities than the South Rim. Plan food, fuel, and lodging accordingly.
Backcountry permits required — Permits are needed for overnight backcountry camping below the rim.
Road conditions — Call 928-638-7496 for recorded road condition updates.
Contact the park — Call 928-638-7888 for current information.

For more details, visit the National Park Service - Grand Canyon Plan Your Visit page.

Download Free Park Map (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the audio tour work?

As you drive through the park, stories play automatically based on your GPS location — no tapping or looking at your phone required. Just press play and drive. The tour knows where you are and delivers the right story at the right time.

Do I need cell service in the park?

No! Once you download the tour, it works completely offline. This is essential since the North Rim has virtually no cell coverage. Just make sure to download before you enter the park.

What app do I need?

You'll need the free TravelStorys app, available for both iOS and Android. After purchasing, download the app, log in, and your tour will be ready to download.

How long do I have access after purchasing?

You have 1 year of access from your purchase date. Use it on every visit during that time — the tour is yours to enjoy as many times as you like.

Can I pause or skip stories?

Yes! You have full control. Pause anytime, skip ahead, or replay your favorite parts. The tour adjusts to your pace.

Is the North Rim open year-round?

No — the North Rim is open mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting. The road in (Highway 67) closes for winter. Check the park website for exact dates before planning your trip.

How is this different from the South Rim tour?

The North and South Rim tours cover completely different areas of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim sits 1,000 feet higher, surrounded by spruce-fir forest, and sees only 10% of the canyon's visitors. It's a quieter, more remote experience. The two rims are 215 miles apart by road.

Grand Canyon North Rim