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SPRING 2018 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 03
The open fields that flank the access road to the North Rim is “ where the buffalo roam .”
After the wonders of Route 89A , I turn back to the south on the road that will ultimately take me to the North Rim . State Route 67 , also known as the Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway , carves through pine and aspen forests and high-country meadows toward Grand Canyon National Park . The pavement here is pristine , scenic and fun to ride . Wildlife abounds , making it important to scan the periphery for animals that could migrate onto the road . I even ride through a large herd of buffalo near the park ’ s entrance .
For me , the park ’ s North Rim is a welcome change from the South Rim . There is significantly less traffic , fewer visitors and much more of a wilderness ambiance . The North Rim is a full 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim , and the elevation difference gives this side of the park a completely different feel . However , it is more of a “ destination ” than the other rim . You can ’ t “ ride the rim ” like you can on the south side . Rather , here you park and view . For me , that means finding my reserved tent-only campsite , which is a stone ’ s throw from the rim of a beautiful side canyon .