Coming east from New Mexico late May. For those who've been to both, North or South Rim? Assume I have a choice between the two and assume the North Rim is open by the time I'd be in Arizona.

For a variety of reasons, I'm partial to the North Rim but concerned about Hotel rooms as that route looks rural and a long drive into the North Rim and back compared to heading back to Flag after a day at the South Rim.

After the GC, I'll drive back to Washington State through Utah -> Idaho...

North Rim is prettier and less crowded. It is a pain to get to. IIRC, you can either stay in a cabin in the park or at the lodge at Jacob Lake. Anything else is very far. Been a while since I was there, but I think it's about a 25 mile drive from the park entrance or Jacob Lake (I forget which) until you get to the scenic views. You can catch a buzz on just a few beers at that elevation.

I've always wanted to go to the North Rim, but the last 3 times I was in the area, it was closed (twice by snow, once by fire). If it's open, that's where I'd go.

I've been to both conducting RF coverage tests for the National Park Service. The south rim has the most convenient views.

The north rim you will need a 4x4 if you plan to explore anything other than the restaurant that is right on the edge of the canyon.

IMHO, the south rim has the best views.

JP

The North Rim is more like Yellowstone in terms of plant and animal life. Late May may be cold, as I’ve been there twice in August and had it been both in the 90s and in the 50s. I think it is prettier, less crowded and has just as spectacular views as the South Rim. Indeed, they are the same views, just from the other side.

I would agree about the lodging, and disagree about needing a 4x4, unless there is still snow on the ground.

Both have the limited park lodging that generally requires an advanced reservation. Assuming the North rim is open it gets my vote and I've been to both. Closest non park lodging to the North rim is in Kanab Utah which i remember being an hour and a half north. The bonus is you are then near Zion and a ton of other incredible scenery that could easily be incorporated into the remaining portion of your trip. From the South rim your choices are much more limited.

I've been to both N & S rim several times, granted decades past. The N side had more weather issues & 'wilder' seeming surround. Vantage viewpoints were far more limited, with "the hotel/restaurants near the singular view area" at that time seeming to be the goal, rather than actual canyon views. Perhaps that's changed.

The S side was more readily available to more view areas accessible by pavement. Both were heavily dosed with other tourists and scheduling was very tight for room/camping spots.

At high elevation, May seems earlier on the N than S side.

For first visit I'd pick S side. Enjoy.

The North Rim is my choice, I've been to both. Probably impossible to get lodging in the park, Jacob Lake would be OK. If you do stay at Jacob Lake be careful driving at night, there are all kind of critters on the road. If you choose the NR, be sure to get cookies at Jacob Lake!