Grand Canyon North Rim – Kanab, Utah Backcountry Tours

Hidden above the canyon rim in a forest most visitors never reach, the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is a world apart from the overlooks you’ve seen in postcards. Quieter, wilder, and sitting above 8,000 feet in elevation, it offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest, without the tour buses and crowded parking lots. This is the side of the Grand Canyon that rewards the people willing to go a little further to find it. With Expedition Kanab, you’ll explore it the right way: deep in the backcountry of the Kaibab National Forest, behind the wheel of a UTV, with a local guide who knows every trail, every viewpoint, and every story the canyon wants to tell.

The journey to the North Rim is as remarkable as the canyon itself. Your adventure begins in the cool, towering ponderosa pines of Kaibab National Forest, where the air is crisp, the roads are remote, and the landscape looks nothing like the desert you drove through to get here. Your guide leads the way across miles of backcountry terrain, off-road trails that no shuttle bus could ever navigate, as the forest opens up to reveal stunning canyon viewpoints most Grand Canyon visitors never find.

These aren’t the crowded lookout points you’ve seen online. These are the quiet edges, the raw perspectives, the spots where you stand at the rim and feel like you earned every inch of it. Whether you’re soaking in the panoramic views, learning the geology from a guide who grew up in this canyon country, spotting serene wildlife, or capturing the scenery, the North Rim delivers the kind of moment people come back to Kanab to find again.

How is the North Rim different from the South Rim?
The South Rim is what most people picture when they think of the Grand Canyon: paved overlooks, shuttle buses, and summer crowds. The North Rim is the opposite. It sits higher in elevation, receives far fewer visitors, and is surrounded by the remote backcountry of Kaibab National Forest. Our tour takes you off the main roads and into terrain most visitors never see, arriving at quiet, secluded canyon viewpoints that feel like they belong to you alone.
Is Kanab a good base for visiting the Grand Canyon North Rim?
Kanab is one of the closest towns to the North Rim, making it a natural basecamp for anyone looking to experience both Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon in the same trip. It’s a rare combination: slot canyons, sand dunes, and one of the world’s great natural wonders, all within reach of the same home base.
Do I need experience driving a UTV?
No experience needed. Your guide walks you through everything before you head out. You’ll drive your own machine and follow the guide at a comfortable group pace the whole time. Alternatively, you can opt to ride along with your guide and simply soak in the views. Plenty of adventure, zero guesswork.
How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour includes a couple of short hikes, so closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes are a good idea. The UTV handles the terrain, and you don’t need to be an athlete, but being comfortable on uneven ground helps. Guests with mobility concerns are welcome to call us in advance with any questions. We provide water, though bringing extra is always smart in the heat.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable, layered clothing and closed-toe shoes. Temperatures in the Kaibab Forest can be noticeably cooler than in Kanab. We provide helmets and goggles, but we especially recommend bringing a scarf, neck gator, or bandanna to help mitigate dust exposure while driving.
Is this tour available year-round?
Seasonal conditions in the Kaibab Forest can affect scheduling. Check our current availability calendar or reach out directly and we’ll help you find the right time for your trip.

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We had a 10/10 day with Expedition Kanab!

We had a 10/10 day with Expedition Kanab! The sights were amazing and our guide was fabulous! So much fun and a highlight to our trip!

Kristi M. | Google Reviews

Excellent day.

Guide was personable and informative. He took genuine interest in making sure we had what we needed or wanted. We weren’t rushed so had a beautiful and relaxing ride into the backcountry. Excellent day.

Vanessa H. | Google Reviews

The scenery was gorgeous!

The scenery was gorgeous, but the guide really made the trip! Our family experience with Expedition Kanab had us parting ways with the adventure on cloud 9! Our guide was amazing, had great energy and seemed born to do what he does. His stories were amusing, his experience was obvious and he went out of his way to ensure we had a great time. Definitely recommended!

Jason B. | Google Reviews

Indescribable!

Indescribable! Our Guide, Robert, was awesome. The experience was amazing from the scenery to the educational information to the friendly staff. Highly recommend it.

Mary Jo J. | Google Reviews

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Grand Canyon North Rim tours with Expedition Kanab

Experience the Grand Canyon North Rim with Expedition Kanab

What to See and Do at the Grand Canyon North Rim with Expedition Kanab

Tours at the Grand Canyon North Rim

Grand Canyon North Rim UTV Adventure

FROM: $399

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