I've waited to review the Grand Canyon until I visited the South Rim, North Rim, and "Grand Canyon West". I have now visited Grand Canyon National Park (5) times, and the more remote North Rim is the most rewarding.

NORTH RIM

Firstly, I camped at the North Rim campground for $18. This campground is a prime habitat for the endemic Kaibab Squirrel, which is only found on the Kaibab Plateau. The campground is also located near the iconic structure "Grand Canyon Lodge" built in 1927 (National Historic Landmark), which offers fine dining and a stunning view. From here there are several trails both on the plateau, on the rim, and into the canyon. All worth your time.

Secondly, the most rewarding drives in the North Rim is the Cape Royal road that ends with the sublime Angel's window, and several more hikes (easy, moderate, difficult). I particularly enjoyed the Cliff Springs trail, which is not very long, but is quite stunning, and not a typical scene in the park that most visitors experience.

One of the benefits of the North Rim was the different atmosphere. The north unit is not visited by millions like the South Rim. It is not - viewpoint to viewpoint stopping. Indeed, you will have whole trails and views to yourself, even on a holiday weekend. I also benefited from camping in the park, morning and sunset views, a starry night sky, contemplation and solitude by the campfire is something difficult to beat.

At about 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, the views are equally stunning and the visitor numbers are far more moderate. I loved my time in the North Rim, and while I still appreciate the views and historic structures on the South Rim, if I return I'm headed north.

GRAND CANYON WEST

For travelers seeking an easy tick from Las Vegas, you can visit Grand Canyon West (which is managed by the Hualapai tribe). While you are not walking within the inscribed boundary of the Grand Canyon, every picture you take of the canyon toward toward the Colorado River is inscribed. In particular "Guano Point" is comparable to many of the best views found at the North or South Rim. The Hualapai tribe have a convenient bus system that you use to access the various scenic areas, which was efficient and I think vastly preferable than allowing endless cars to navigate the route.

Keep in mind timing is key at Grand Canyon West, if you depart Las Vegas at 9am and arrive at 11:00 or 11:30, this means (particularly on Weekends) that the Skywalk will be very busy, expect a line. We stayed at an airbnb only 20 minutes from the park entrance and therefore enjoyed 2 hours with only a handful of other visitors. Our experience was similar in quality to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, perhaps even better since there were so few people early in the morning. Cost at the South or North Rim is $35 per car (for up to 7 days) or perhaps you already have the National Park annual pass. Grand Canyon West is considerably more expensive. For the Hualapai tribe "Grand Canyon West" is a major employer and economic engine for the rural Native communities that make this region their home.

When approaching the Hualapai reservation, there is a massive Joshua Tree Forest. Make sure to visit this National Natural Landmark, which is part of the Eastern end of the Mojave Desert. There is a small loop trail with information panels near the intersection of Pierce Ferry Road and Diamond Bar Road, we enjoyed this area at dusk. Access information about the site via Google "Arizona's Joshua Tree Forest".