Grand Canyon Loop - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 458

Star Route
NORTH RIM PARKWAY
Just 1 out of 10 Grand Canyon visitors makes it to the North Rim (10 miles from
the South Rim as the crow flies but 215 miles by car), and the lack of crowds is part
of its appeal. From Jacob Lake, Rte. 67 (open May to October) travels south across
the Kaibab Plateau through pine forests and grassy meadows. After it enters the park,
the road winds through rockier terrain, culminating at historic Grand Canyon Lodge,
where a short trail leads to the dazzling views at Bright Angel Point.
11. Desert View
EastRimDrivesavesoneofitsfinestsightsforlast:JustbeforeRte.64turnssouthtoleave
the national park, Desert View offers a vista northward into Marble Canyon as well as a
panorama of the vast plain known as the Marble Platform, stretching eastward toward the
Painted Desert.
The 70-foot-tall Watchtower, perched precariously on the very edge of the canyon rim
here, was built in the 1930s. Its rustic rock design was based on similar round towers con-
structed by the Anasazis hundreds of years ago.
12. Little Colorado River Gorge
Continuing south and east, Rte. 64 descends from the Coconino Plateau to a broad plain
where vegetation is sparse—mostly desert plants such as sagebrush, creosote bush, and
Mormon tea. Two overlooks just north of the highway provide dizzying views into the
Little Colorado River gorge. Like an old photograph of someone now full grown, the nar-
row,1,200-footchasmmayshowhowtheGrandCanyonlookedastheColoradoRiverfirst
began to erode its bedrock—millions of years ago.