Travelling the Pencil Way: The Grand Canyon (North Rim)

May 10, 2009

Why encounter other human beings in a cattle-like environment when you could camp here for free?

Why encounter other human beings in a cattle-like environment when you could camp here for free?

Traditional Approach

  • How you get there: Highway 67 south from Jacob Lake, Arizona. During our trip, technically impossible because the road is closed for the winter through May 15.
  • How much it costs: $25 per vehicle to enter the park, $18-25 per campsite per night, considerably more if lodging in a building.
  • Crowd factor: Excessive. 5 million people per year visit the park.
  • How spectacular is it?: There is no getting around the reality that the Grand Canyon is incredible, no matter your vantage.

The Pencil Approach

  • How you get there: Approximately 28-mile gravel/dirt/rock drive, via Benchmark recreation atlas and gut feeling.
  • How much it costs: $0, $0 per campsite per night (Although technically you might be within park boundaries within several yards or meters or who-knows of the rim itself).
  • Crowd factor: 0 (we encountered one local citizen during our entire day of exploration in this area.
  • How spectacular is it?: All of the awe of the Grand Canyon plus the insane reality of being solo and being able to camp on the edge of it.
  • Hint: House Rock Valley
Dear Subaru, How about them apples?

Dear Subaru, How about them apples?

Related Posts

Scipio the Computer has deemed that these might be similar in content!
Wonderful games with Caslon