Summary:
From the forests of the North Rim, descend steeply into Roaring Springs Canyon along ledges carved into the sheer limestone cliffs.

The North Rim is 1,000 ft higher than the South, which accounts for its more extreme winter climate and higher precipitation - it receives more than twice the snow and rainfall. This extra moisture supports dense forests of spruce, fir, pine and aspen - lush vegetation that adds to the scenic grandeur of this immense gorge.

The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained route into the Canyon from the North Rim. It descends steeply into Roaring Springs Canyon along ledges carved into the sheer limestone cliffs of the Redwall Formation, with spectacular canyon views along the way. It is not unknown for rock-falls to sometimes cover the track, and care should be taken given the long drop-offs.

Coconino Overlook is reached after 1.5 miles, and Supai Tunnel 0.5 mile after that. It is another 2.7 miles before the trail finally meets Bright Angel Creek. Here are several swimming holes, very welcome in the heat of summer, and from the cliff above surges Roaring Springs. It originates as precipitation on the rim, which seeps through the limestone and re-emerges when it reaches less porous rock.

The trail continues in a more gradual descent alongside Bright Angel Creek, eventually reaching the canyon floor. For very fit and experienced hikers, it would be possible to continue on for 3.7 miles, past Cottonwood Campground, to the beautiful oasis of Ribbon Falls. This return trip would total 16.8 miles/27 km, with an extremely tough climb out of over 4,200 ft/1,280 m - not a task to be undertaken lightly.

For most day hikers, Roaring Springs marks the turning-round point. Even so, do not underestimate the hard work to come. The 4.7-mile climb back up to the rim is very steep, and easily the most difficult section of the entire North Kaibab Trail.

Other day hikes at the North Rim

Widforss Trail. Combines forest and canyon scenery as it skirts the edge of Transept Canyon before ending at Widforss Point. This spectacular and secluded viewpoint overlooking Haunted Canyon is inaccessible by road. 10 miles/16 km out and back. Trailhead: 1 mile along a dirt road, 0.25 mile south of the junction with the Point Imperial/Cape Royal road.

Ken Patrick Trail. A 10-mile one way trail that winds mainly through forest to the North Kaibab trailhead. The first section, which hugs the rim from Point Imperial to Cape Royal Road, is the most spectacular (and popular) - about 5 miles/8 km out and back.

Lava Falls Trail. Lava Falls is actually a ferocious rapid, usually run by rafters at mid-morning. It can be reached by a precipitous, rugged, unmaintained trail, which drops 2,500 ft to the Colorado in just 2 miles. The difficulty of reaching this section of the North Rim beyond remote Tuweep just adds to the seclusion (be sure to check current trail conditions at the Ranger Station in Tuweep). Trailhead: Toroweap Overlook. Leave Route 89 at Fredonia, 30 miles north of Jacob Lake, and take Route 389 west towards Pipe Springs National Monument. After 9 miles, turn south onto the 70-mile, unpaved, isolated road via Tuweep to Toroweap Overlook.

Directions: US 89 to Jacob Lake, then Route 67 south (closed in winter) for 30 miles to the Park entrance. The 67 continues south for 14 miles to Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim.

Trailhead: 0.8 mile south of the junction with the road to Point Imperial and Cape Royal, 2 miles north of the lodge. A hiker shuttle runs to the trailhead from the lodge - fee charged.

Length: 9.4 miles / 15.0 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: -3,400 ft / -1,037 m
Very strenuous ascent on return.

Duration: 6 hours

Trail Condition: Maintained but very steep, and rocky in places.

Features: Limestone cliffs and other formations, creek and springs, canyon views.

Climate: Trail closed in winter due to snow. Hiking best in late spring/early summer or autumn. Mid to late summer brings high temperatures inside the canyon and afternoon thunderstorms.

Accommodation: Although far less busy than the South Rim, reservations for the Park lodge and campground on the North Rim must still be made well in advance. Other campgrounds and limited lodging 5 miles north of Park entrance and at Jacob Lake.

Trail Notes: Heavy snow closes the North Rim from November to late May. Take plenty of water when hiking into the Canyon.