Winter is a peaceful time to see the
Grand Canyon’s natural wonders blanketed in snow, with fewer tourists and more of the park to yourself.
Typical visitor activities shift away from water and sun sports to air and ground adventures. The South Rim remains open all year. Some areas, like the North Rim, are closed from mid-October to mid-May due to weather and lack of road access. Read on for more great tips on enjoying the Grand Canyon in winter.
Bundle up and enjoy an eagle-eye view of the Grand Canyon in winter. Experienced airlines like Papillon fly year-round Grand Canyon tour excursions by helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. Views of otherwise inaccessible locations offer various, unforgettable glimpses of the North Rim, the Dragon Corridor, the Colorado River, and more. Weather permitting, guided outings can include hiking and jeep tours, with fascinating historical background.
Hiking is a major draw for the park’s adventure-loving winter visitors. Access the park from the South Entrance to reach the Bright Angel Trail and others. Enjoy a quiet day in the brisk winter air and see clear views without summer’s haze and crowds. Be sure you have the latest weather and trail information before heading out, from the Backcountry Information Center near Maswik Lodge in the South Rim Village. Conditions change rapidly in winter at altitude.
This is an adventure recommended for experienced campers. Temperatures drop from cold to frigid overnight, and storms may move in and out without
warning—an exciting event to witness if you’re within reach of shelter, but not when exposed to the elements.
Get a permit from the Backcountry Information Center, required for all backcountry overnight camping.
Permits are not needed for overnights in managed campgrounds including Mather (reservation required) and Desert View.
Dressing for winter takes planning. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just a casual visitor on a guided bus tour, dress the part and you’ll enjoy your visit in comfort. Add layers
for warmth, with winter-worthy hats and gloves to cover extremities and keep in body heat. Waterproof hiking boots are a must. Include a windproof shell to cover everything, top to bottom. As you hike into the Canyon, temperatures can climb to a mild 60°F at bottom, so you will appreciate removable layers. Always opt for the lightest weight gear and clothing, as it all adds up by the end of a long day’s hike.
Amateur and professional photographers alike find inspiration in the Grand Canyon. The panoramas offer unrivaled opportunities to take amazing shots any time of year. Winter brings new dimension to the scenery with an edge of white
snow around trees and outlining shadowy rock ledges. The sun is lower in the sky, and daylight hours are shorter, so plan accordingly—and take some time to wait for the right light. Delicate equipment can be damaged by blowing dirt and sand, so remember to bring protective coverings.
Nature provides Grand Canyon visitors with
a different mix of wildlife in winter. White snow-covered ground and cliff-edges provide stunning backdrops that show off
animals who are camouflaged in summer. Many creatures slow down or burrow in for the winter, but you will likely glimpse mule
deer looking for green shoots to munch, bald eagles gliding overhead, and sometimes the large, imposing elk. A little luck brings out the rare, critically endangered California condor, and on warm days, Abert’s squirrels will scamper along the rim.
A winter visit to the Grand Canyon doesn’t need to be a rugged outdoor adventure. The Grand Canyon Visitors Centers offer an enriching way to learn about and see some of the area’s most fascinating features. Near the South Rim entrance, find the National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan. See
an impressive IMAX film for a stunning overview, and purchase park admission passes to start your visit to the real thing. A departure point for many of the park’s guided tours, the South Rim can be reached by car, bus, or a thrilling journey on the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
Since 1965 Papillon has been the world's oldest and largest sightseeing company, flying an estimated 600,000 passengers a year on daily tours to the Grand Canyon. Over forty unique excursions are available, with spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell. Papillon is proud to offer guests an unparalleled perspective on one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Call for more information at 888-635-7272, or visit them online at http://www.papillon.com/.
Sources • http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/back country-permit.htm • http://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/whatto-wear-for-winter-in-the-grand-canyon/