If you wish to enjoy the Grand Canyon, without the stress it involves, avoid the South Rim. How can you possibly enjoy the beauty and grandeur that is before your eyes when you have crowds pushing their way to steal a better view all around you? The only way to avoid the crowds is to accept the fact that there is much more to the Grand Canyon than the South Rim.



In fact, the North Rim, the West Rim, and Torroweap are three other places where you can enjoy the Grand Canyon with fewer people and less bother. They have their own attractions, and are far less crowded than the perpetually overcrowded South Rim. If you plan your trip carefully you can better enjoy one of the natural wonders of the world.

The North Rim is cooler than the South rim owing to the fact that it has a higher elevation and is located further north. It gives a very quaintly beautiful view of the Canyon. The Evergreen forests bordering the North Rim make the trails easier and more enjoyable. You won't have to bear the difficult 100 degrees temperature of the summer months that prevails at the South Rim.

The North Rim also features a variety of accommodations for visitors. There are rentable cabins right near the edge and plenty of campsites available. Additionally, there is a large and comfortable lodge with rustic hotel rooms. There is a restaurant and a bar located at the North Rim, as well as a gift shop. Note that the North Rim is closed from October to April (sometimes May), depending on the winter weather.

The West Rim is an out of way spot in every sense. One it is away from the crowds and two it offers some of the most exotic experiences. You can get beautiful accommodations at the Grand Canyon West Ranch in its Cabins or the Teepees. There is a natural spring in the close proximity and a launch pad for the breathtaking hot air balloon rides. You can enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape of the canyon from this less traversed destination.

The least crowded is Torroweap. It is practically deserted anytime you go because it so out of the way. It is very close to the Utah border with Arizona. You have to drive into the Arizona Strip District and turn onto a very poorly maintained county road. After bumping over it for an hour at a slow pace you will come to the edge of the canyon.

You have to be careful at Torroweap because there are no fences. No warning signs, either. Just the great expanse of the canyon. And you can even pick out a few game trails and faint signs that other people must occasionally come to this spot. The scenery is beautiful, and even the hour long ride on the county road (both ways) is livened by the site of dramatic red cliffs and bright blue sky. Just don't drive off the edge.

The Grand Canyon is worth seeing, and you should not miss it for fear of crowds. Just go to the North Rim, the West Rim, or to Torroweap to have a truly moving experience without being pushed by crowds.