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?