Description

Widforss is one of the quieter trails on the North Rim.

Its location, a short drive down a gravel road, seems to keep the crowds away.

Its full length can seem intimidating, but you don’t have to hike all of it for a worthwhile experience.

In only a short hike, you’ll see canyon overlooks, old-growth forest, and perhaps elusive wildlife.

The full hike leads to a remote part of the rim after meandering through miles of woodlands. Widforss Trail has two distinct sections.

For a short, family-friendly hike, do only the first section.

Initially, this trail winds along the canyon rim through shady forest.

You’ll reach multiple spectacular viewpoints in only a mile or two of hiking.

Many of the trees are old-growth, with huge ponderosa pines and other species.

If you want to learn more about the nature, pick up an interpretive brochure from the visitor center before your hike.

It contains information corresponding to numbered posts along the trail. Sometime after the last number of the interpretive brochure, the trail departs the rim of the canyon and wanders through a more open, varied forest.

This is the trail’s second section, which is best for those who want to hike farther and find solitude.

After passing through pine forest, aspen groves, oak woodlands, and open areas, it finally reaches Widforss Point.

This “point” is a rocky, treeless slope descending into the canyon.

Though it’s not a clifftop overlook, the view is expansive.

You can see many huge buttes within the canyon, across to the South Rim and Grand Canyon Village, and beyond to the San Francisco Peaks and other mountains.

A single picnic table sits near the end of the trail, among several shady spots beneath the trees.

Take time to linger and enjoy this wild setting on the North Rim. Sources: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/upload/nr-pocket-map.pdf