Many think that when the Grand Canyon Lodge closes its doors in mid-October, entry to the North Rim is halted. The truth is that this is the best time to visit the park if you enjoy the national parks but want to escape the crowds. Highway 67, the road to the North Rim, is under the management of ADOT and they keep the road open until the first heavy snow. This means the road is almost always open in late November and for many years it has been open until mid-December. If going this time of year, be prepared for the high elevation and lack of services. A wonderful trail to take when the temperature dips is the Uncle Jim Trail. This is a moderate hike with a few minor elevation changes. The majority of the trail is located within the wooded areas of the North Rim Plateau, but travel along the rim affords beautiful views of Roaring Springs Canyon and Bright Angel Canyon far below.