Angels Window

— Accessibility is arguably the main reason why the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim has fewer visitors than the South Rim. Actually the North Rim receives only 1/10th of the visitors the South Rim has. The North Rim is also 1,000 feet higher in altitude and is cooler than the South Rim. That section of the park is only open from mid-May through mid-October. There’s only one road leading into the park, and that closes because of snow fall. Although the South Rim has over a dozen of famous canyon views, I personally prefer the views, less traffic, and fewer people that visit the North Rim. We were there in the summer and saw no crowds at all. In fact, we scheduled a burro trip down the canyon only a couple of months ahead (in contrast with the two-year advance reservation needed for the South Rim). At Cape Royal, one of the main attractions at the North Rim, there’s an easy paved trail that leads to views at Angels Window. Depending on the angle you take your photo, you can actually see the Colorado River through the window. Look carefully and you’ll see people on that ledge, too. There’s a trail over the arch that takes you to see incredible views. The shot above was taken at a curve before you arrive at Cape Royal.