Must-See Stops Between Grand Canyon North Rim and Page, AZ
If you’re driving from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to Page, AZ, make sure to hit some of these iconic stops along the way!
1: Jacob Lake Inn
Situated an hour north of the Grand Canyon North Rim on the corner of 89A and AZ-67 is the Jacob Lake Inn, a quaint lodging facility dating back to 1923. Even if you don’t need a place to stay, there is one very important reason to stop at the Jacob Lake Inn: the cookies! These famous cookies have been featured in several online publications, and for good reason. If you’re not into cookies—well, who are you, really?—there are plenty of tasty treats and a full restaurant in which to eat, plus cute souvenirs to keep car-bound kids entertained and quiet while you listen to your podcast (Hint: download it! You will likely have limited reception for most of the drive).
You might also find the Indian Fry Bread food truck in the parking lot of the Jacob Lake Inn, and you won’t want to miss those. Even if you’ve had enough sweets with all the cookies (again, who are you?), you can get melt-in-your-mouth savory fry bread. Mmmm. Thank us later.
2: Cliff Dwellers Stone Houses
The story of the Cliff Dwellers Stone Houses is one of ingenuity and necessity. In 1927, former Ziegfeld Follies dancer Blanche Russell and her husband were driving through the area when their car broke down. Back in the day, it wasn’t such a popular drive, and with no one around to help them out, Blanche constructed stone dwellings from the eroding rocks of the surrounding Vermillion Cliffs.
After their situation became less perilous, Blanche realized they could make a life for themselves selling food on the side of the road on the way to the North Rim, and her trading post became a hit in the 1930s. While no one lives in the stone house or other dwellings to this day, you are welcome to visit and explore the result of that fateful day.
3: These Awesome Rocks Near Marble Canyon
Maybe it hails from our more Neanderthal genetics, but there is something about really massive rocks that makes humans stop and go “Hey, look at those really massive rocks. Let’s go climb on them and stare at them.” If you have this basic desire as well, well, this is the stop for you. Visually striking and free for climbing, these rocks provide a great spot for kids and adults alike to marvel at nature and maybe take a break for lunch. (Bring food. There is no food here.)
This is just slightly east of the Cliff Dwellers Stone House, so if you are headed to Page, keep an eye out on your left in about 2-3 minutes after that stop. Of course, if you’re headed to the Grand Canyon North Rim, it will be on your right. Plug 36.755572, -111.718436 into your GPS (before you leave—there is a decent chance you won’t have reception in these parts) and you will find the stop! Park in the gravel on that side of the road, and there is a slight entrance in the fence that will allow you to access the rocks.
4: Lee’s Ferry
Lee’s Ferry might be your kids’ favorite stop on the route from the Grand Canyon North Rim to Page, AZ. Why? Well, Paria Beach, of course! In the middle of the desert, there is no better thing than to prance into the cold waters of the Colorado River and cool off while enjoying the natural beauty of your surroundings. The waters near the shore are shallow and more calm, surrounded by a sand bar, and swimming or wading are enjoyable.
If you’re into river adventures, kayak rentals are available in nearby shops on 89A. If you want to spend more time in the area than just a simple stopover, that’s great! You can visit the Lee’s Ferry Campground, a 54-site oasis ($20/night, no reservations accepted).
Lee’s Ferry is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
5: Historic Navajo Bridge
The Navajo Bridge opened to automobiles in 1929 and served as a connection point in the Navajo Nation between Utah and Arizona. After many years, it became apparent that the bridge was insufficient for modern-day vehicles, which were heavier, wider, and larger than the ones from the 1920s, and in 1995, a new bridge for auto traffic opened.
The historic Navajo Bridge now serves as a pedestrian bridge, and it is a great place to get a stunning look at the Colorado River. Just make sure you keep your hat close and your kids closer! It’s a looooooong way down.
Where are your favorite spots to stop on the way from the Grand Canyon North Rim to Page, Arizona? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
