Planning on going there for approx a week and looking mainly for photo ops.

Visitor:
Planning on going there for approx a week and looking mainly for photo ops, and cheap and I never been there.
Rita:
There are plenty of photo ops from any of the view points at the Grand Canyon South Rim
Visitor:
I’m thinking north, my trip is actually about 15 days , leaving Phoenix going to las Vegas with others but then want to go to Grand Canyon then back to Kansas City.
Rita:
Ok, in my opinion, the North Rim is the best!
Visitor:
I figured it might be.
Rita:
The only downside is there is little lodging at or near the North Rim. Are you looking to overnight somewhere close by?
Visitor:
I am thinking about roughing it for a good portion of my trip
Rita:
You can camp free in the Kaibab Forest outside of the National Park.
Visitor:
I am willing to travel each day to get the photo shot set up before sunrise each day
Rita:
Just be sure to check in at the Ranger Station or Visitor Center for fire restrictions, and utilize established campsites that already have fire rings.
Visitor:
Any good web sites to visit?
Rita:
Let me find one for you
Visitor:
Any good places to visit to eat while I am in the area.
Rita:
For the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab. When they refer to North Kaibab, that is the area outside of the North Rim National Park.Jacob Lake, AZ, which you will pass through on your way to the North Rim has good food and the best cookies on earth!
Visitor:
How far is that from las Vegas by vehicle?
Rita:
If you take I-15 from Las Vegas thru St. George, UT, and to Fredonia, AZ, it should take you about 5 hours. Fredonia, AZ has a Forest Service office and Jacob Lake has a Visitor Center…both will have up to date fire restrictions.
Visitor:
What are the best places for photos? I’m bringing all sorts of photo equipment with me.
Rita:
The North Rim viewpoints have beautiful photo-ops
Visitor:
What is the web site again you gave me for camping? I can’t scroll up on my browser
Rita:
But if you don’t mind dirt/gravel roads, you can drive out to other viewpoints in the Kaibab Forest.
Rita:
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Visitor:
Are there maps pointing those gravel roads?
Rita:
Or just use Kaibab National Forest search and it is the first one that pops up. The forest service website has maps or you can get one at the Visitor Center in Jacob Lake.
Visitor:
Anything else I should visit or do while there?
Rita:
On your way from Las Vegas, you could “detour” through Zion National Park if you want.
Visitor:
Cell service there or not?
Rita:
Yes and no…probably spotty in places.
Visitor:
There is a petrified park ?
Rita:
The Petrified Forest is in the Eastern side of AZ, off of I-40 near Holbrook, Arizona.
Visitor:
Weather like first 10 days July there?
Rita:
It will be hot, 100’s in the lower elevations. Probably 80’s at the North Rim.
Visitor:
Low temps at North Rim?
Rita:
Yes, it is a higher elevation, so cooler days/nights.
Visitor:
Down to about?
Visitor:
Wind/rain?
Rita:
I’m guessing low 50’s
Rita:
Wind is always possible, but rain…our monsoon season generally does not start until late July.
Visitor:
Os probably dry?
Rita:
Early July is usually drier.
Visitor:
Anything else to be prepared for?
Rita:
Not that I can think of. If you are camping, you should be equipped for most situations.
Rita:
Just be prepared to pack in/pack out of your campsite, since the campsites in the National Forest do not have toilets, garbage cans, etc.
Visitor:
May want to stay a few nights not camping, I am traveling with one other adult not used to the elements so don’t want to make the entire trip hard for her
Visitor:
No toilet!? I forgot about that part
Rita:
Always have plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, etc.
Visitor:
Any campsites that are developed?
Rita:
Yes, inside the National Park, let me find that information for you: https://grandcanyon.com/camping.html
Rita:
Scroll to the bottom and it will show you the campgrounds available at or near the North Rim.
Visitor:
Not sure if we are driving or flying yet from Kansas city, thought about taking the train.
Rita:
There is also DeMotte Campground about 5 miles from the National Park Entrance.
Visitor:
The north entrance?
Rita:
Yes, the North Rim entrance.
Rita:
Let me find that information for you
Rita:
In the website for the Kaibab National Forest, click on Recreation, then camping, it will also list camping options near the North Rim
Visitor:
Ok thanks. What is the best way to get back to Phoenix from the North Rim?
Rita:
Take 89A to 89 South, travel to Flagstaff, and then I-17 South to Phoenix.
Visitor:
Can a pop up be used in the free camping ?
Rita:
Here is a map for you: https://goo.gl/maps/d973
Rita:
Yes, you can use a pop-up or any kind of camper to camp free in the National Forest.
Visitor:
If there are any place that I should not pass up to visit? I want to make this trip count, being my first time, I am 53 years old.
Rita:
The only other place I can think of besides the North Rim and Zion, is Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce is about 1.5 – 2 hours North of Zion and is well worth the visit. A photographers dream!
Visitor:
Where is Zion in proximity from the north entrance?
Rita:
And, as you travel from the North Rim to Phoenix or Bryce/Zion to Phoenix, you will pass through Page/Lake Powell….beautiful high desert country. Zion is North of the North Rim, about 3 hours…let me put a quick map together for you.
Visitor:
How much is gas in the area?
Rita:
Current gas is about $3.90/gallon, less expensive in larger cities usually.
Rita:
https://goo.gl/maps/eu41
Visitor:
Awesome!
Visitor:
And if I need to stay in hotel any you recommend that is reasonable ?
Rita:
For hotels, check https://grandcanyon.com/hotels.html
Rita:
You can change the location to whatever area and it will give you available hotels and rates
Visitor:
Cool, you been very helpful
Visitor:
Do you live in the area? About how long from Phoenix is the entrance to North Rim and how long to South Rim.
Rita:
Yes, I live about 2.5 hours from the South Rim, and from Phoenix to the South Rim is about 4-5 hours. To the North Rim is about 7 hours. Would you like a copy of this chat when we finished?
Visitor:
Yes please. Thank you for your help.
Rita:
You are very welcome. Sounds like you are going to have a great trip!
Visitor:
I hope so!