Difference Between North and South Grand Canyon

We all have been confused in an enthusiastic way in deciding where to go for summer vacation keeping in mind our budgets, time, travel expenses, and finally fun consumed places. Here there are the best hiking road trips places “North and South grand canyon”.

North Grand Canyon vs South Grand Canyon

The main difference between North and South grand canyon is in the terms of development and popularity. South grand canyon gains the advantage of being less remote and more developed attracting many tourists in comparison to the North.

South grand canyon provides us a wild experience of hiking with beautiful views and 4 distinct seasons. It takes us into the memorable viewpoints from the top (known as Bright Angel point) and shows us the sweeping views of the canyon. South grand canyon heats up drastically during summer times and covers up in snow during winter which makes it suitable for hiking.

North grand canyon provides us soul calming winter camping and wide views of the Colorado River and sunrise. North grand canyon is pleasantly cool even during summer times and provides a relaxing vacation as it is covered with trees and shades. With its spectacular viewing height of over 8000 feet, it offers us a broad view of the Grand Canyon.

Comparison Table Between North and South Grand Canyon

Parameters of comparisonNorth grand canyonSouth grand canyon
Geographical locationNorthwest corner of Arizona, USA.60 miles north of Williams, Arizona.
Climatic conditionsPleasant climate during summer and freezing cold during wintersDrastic heat up during summer and snows during winter which makes it
suitable for winter.
Working seasonClosed for winters and opens up
for camping between May 15
and October 15.
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year.
Famous tourist places to visitNorth Rim scenic drive, Camping at Demotte & Jacob Lake, Mule rides,
Ranger programs and hiking at the North rim etc.
South Rim viewpoints, desert
drives, Hiking below the Rim, bike
along the Hermit Road, watch Grand canyon IMAX movie, etc.
ExperienceRural and peaceful experience as it is remote and less developed.Well-developed and wild experience.

What is North Grand Canyon?

North grand canyon which is located in the Northwest of Arizona offers us astonishing views with less congestion and a chance to see the canyon in a relaxing way without many crowds. It is more remote and less developed but yields us a getaway from machine-running city life.

Adding to its advantage is the atmosphere, it is pleasantly cool even during the summers as it is covered with trees and has natural shades. Hence, provides us with the best relaxing vacation and attracts many tourists for its atmosphere.

Furthermore, being the highest rim of 8000 ft in elevation provides us breathtaking views of sunrise, sunsets, canyon, and Colorado rivers. Advantages come up with disadvantages which are breathing problems due to its high elevation. Rarely people may find issues in respiratory or heart problems.

For adventurous people, there are plenty of hiking opportunities but require hiking on lengthier and less accessible trails. For family visitors, it is fun to opt for camping where kids can play in the campground and parents can socialize or roam in the woods.

North grand canyon is open for visiting only from 8 am to 6 pm daily during summer and will be closed for winter from May 15 to October 15.

What is South Grand Canyon?

South grand canyon which is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona offers us a perfect day trip being accessible from several large cities. South grand canyon is more developed and known for its adventurous experience of mule driving, hiking, rafting, and bike drives along the Hermit road, etc.

During summer times, the temperature heats up drastically and hence makes it unsuitable for visitors. It is more preferred during winter times as it will be covered in snow and makes it suitable for hikers.

South grand canyon even with its low elevation offers us the best view of the canyon and a better view of the walls of the opposite rim and hence attracts numerous tourists. South rim makes it more visible of the sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon and also is more user friendly with paved paths.

It is well known for the Grand Canyon IMAX movie which is highly recommended for kids. In fact, South grand canyon is considered a “true canyon” by many visitors. South grand canyon has four distinct seasons which are warm in summer, chilly in winter, spring and fall. Among all, spring and fall are considered to be the best season to visit South grand canyon and it is the peak season where all the reservations for the lodges must be done before six months.

South grand canyon is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Main Differences Between North and South Grand Canyon

  • South rim is more accessible to several large cities and less remote while North rim is more remote and less developed inhibiting the features of rural.
  • North Rim has higher elevation of 8000 feat which makes it difficult for people having breathing problems while South Rim provides better view of Grand canyon with it’s low elevation
  • South Rim has user friendly paths than North Rim and provides better experience for hiking.
  • People generally visit South Rim for better exploration of Grand Canyon while North Rim is more known for it’s relaxing atmosphere and stress relief as it is covered in trees and natural shades.
  • The South grand canyon offers more restaurants, lodges, hotel and more scheduled fun activities such as mules, rafting, hiking etc for families in comparison to North grand canyon.
  • Camping is mostly preferred in North Rim for it’s climatic conditions and environment in comparison to North Rim.
  • Conclusion

    Concluding, both North and South are the best getaway from stressful city life and suitable for an adventurous vacation. With different advantages and disadvantages of its own, it provides us numerous entertainment like camping, hiking, desert drives, and sightseeing.

    References

  • https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00267-008-9087-5.pdf
  • https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF01866769.pdf
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