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SPRING 2018 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 03
The Coconino Overlook provides a nice vantage point to view the distant South Rim .
The North Rim , while less commercial than the South Rim , still offers restaurant options , stores , a lodge and fuel . I opted for camping , but more luxurious accommodations are available ( with substantial advance planning and reservations ). Even a summer campsite most often requires reservations and preplanning , but the effort is worth it .
On my second day at the North Rim , I make the beautiful and grueling hike from my campsite to Roaring Springs deep in the Grand Canyon . The down-and-back trail boasts over 3,000 feet in elevation change and offers amazing views of the Canyon from an “ inside ” perspective . The 11-mile hike is a highlight of the trip , but I must admit that it made it a little tough to throw an aching leg over the seat of my tall BMW GS the following day .