North Rim, Grand Canyon

From Dutton Point on the Powell Plateau, the view is incredible and far-reaching. The canyon’s flanks are steeply terraced down to the Colorado River on the valley floor below. Turn-of-the-last-century adventurer William Wallace Bass considered this area the heart of the canyon, creating a tourist camp and what became the national park’s North and South Bass trails. It was not to last, however: The action later moved 30 miles to the east, around Bright Angel Trail.  (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)

Blaze of glory: The dirt road to Point Sublime meanders through the forest primeval -- towering ponderosa pine trees and colorful aspens. Autumn on the North Rim is spectacular to behold for those lucky enough to get there at the right moment. Although the lodge closes in October, the northern section of the national park is open for day use until snow blocks Arizona 67.  (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)

Fall carpets the side of Powell Plateau above the Muav Saddle on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Want to stay in the North Rim’s lodge? It’s too late this year -- it’s already closed for the season. But it’s never too early to make plans for next year. People make reservations months -- even years -- in advance for the fall.  (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)

Camping in the wilderness: The tent’s up near the rim of Powell Plateau, overlooking Muav Canyon and the North Bass Trail. Be careful when camping on the exposed plateau -- weather is the chief predator here.  (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)

A bison-like animal hits a “watering hole,” a.k.a. a puddle, in Swamp Ridge Road near the North Rim. The Kaibab National Forest is home to cattalo -- a mix of bison and cattle. Could this be one of the creatures?  (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)