The North Rim had been on my list for a few years since a trip to nearby southwest Utah to visit the slot canyons had reminded me of it. I got a frequent flyer ticket for this 6 day trip and hoped for the best with the weather. It started warm and windy, got cold and windy, then the wind died down and it stayed cold. October at 8000 feet.
I started with a night camping on the rim at Cape Final, one of the best views on the North Rim and a 2 mile relatively flat hike from the road.
A couple of views from pullouts on the road to Cape Final.
The trailhead.
Along the trail in the late afternoon.
First view from Cape Final. The Colorado River is in the far right/center.
My camping spot was right near the edge.
Shots as sunset approaches.
Watch a 13 second (8.5MB) video clip of Cape Final.
And then the sunrise.
The next day I did the 10-mile roundtrip hike to Widforss Point. The brush had fall colors
The Transept Valley.
The coconino sandstone cliff layer.
Aspens near the Widforss trailead.
My reservation for Cape Final was for two nights, but it was too windy. I got little sleep. So I changed my permit for a spot away from the rim in a protected meadow
Here are a couple shots of the spectacularly-located North Rim Lodge.
Sunset from the lodge patio.
This shot, taken while driving out, shows the Grand Staircase in northern Arizona and southern Utah. In front is the Vermillion Cliffs, followed by the White Cliffs. The Pink Cliffs are father back. These cliff bands are separated by miles and are dozens of miles long.
