— On our first visit to the North Rim at the Grand Canyon NP, we were able to book an eight-hour mule ride down into the canyon. We used the same trail that hikers use between the north and south rims, but we did not go all the way to the river’s edge. Our mule ride took us as far as Roaring Springs down 4,000 ft (1,220 m) into the canyon.
When we returned to the North Rim in 2019, we hiked a portion of the same trail we had previously used on our mule ride. The hike uses the North Kaibab trail, and we went only as far as the Coconino Overlook, seen in the photo above (a black-and-white version of the same photo appears at the end of this post). The trailhead is located only 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of the Grand Canyon Lodge on Highway 67, and there is ample parking there. Since the trail goes down about 470 ft (143.25 m) and is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way, be prepared for an uphill hike on the way back. The views, however, are worth every effort. Also keep in mind that since the trail is used by humans and mules, proper passing etiquette must be followed. You should never make abrupt moves when a mule comes by. Stay calm and motionless so that you don’t spook those large animals.
Some hikers like to continue beyond the Coconino Overlook point all the way down to Supai Tunnel. However, that doubles the length of the entire hike, if you decide to do so.
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