Explore the Grand Canyon in Winter
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Description
Added by Clare Healy
If anyone tells you the spring and summer are the perfect times to visit the Grand Canyon, I encourage you to reconsider.
From snow-dusted red rocks to dramatically painted evening skies, winter brings out a side of the Grand Canyon that is rarely seen at other times of the year. Skip the massive crowds and have your choice of driving your own car from lookout point to lookout point or taking the shuttle from the west end of the South Rim to the east end. The Village Shuttle Bus (Blue Route) connects the Visitor Center / parking areas with the lodges, campground, restaurants, and shops conveniently.
Taking photos, walking the rim trail (mostly paved), and simply admiring the views are among the common activities. For the more adventurous, Bright Angel Trail and Kaibab Trail offer stunning views as you descent into the mile-deep canyon. Both trailheads are easily accessible by car or shuttle. Some highly recommended scenic points are Hermit's Rest, Hopi Point, Pipe Creek Vista, and Yaki Point, but you can't go wrong!
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Reviews
The red rock mixed with the white snow makes for an awesome view and a different perspective than the typical Grand Canyon photos.
4.0
I’m lucky enough to live in Arizona and have been able to visit the Grand Canyon in all seasons. Winter is absolutely breathtaking! You’ll get some incredible photos, but make sure to watch the weather. It changes super fast and you don’t want to get caught in a major storm.
5.0
Nothing like seeing the snow covered red rock of the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona!
5.0
Great view, hiking the paved parts of the South Rim was super easy the views were amazing. Fun exploring parts of the canyon with no barrier and looking over the edges. Amazing view in the winter. The snow just adds to all the beauty. North Rim is usually closed in the winter but I’d love to come next time during another season and backpack into the Canyon from rim to rim.
5.0
Planning on heading this way after Christmas! If you have any advice (where to stay, places to see) let me know! Thanks!
5.0
...make your way back during the winter. The snowy landscape adds a whole different element to the Grand Canyon that is an experience unto itself. If you're brave bring yak traks and hike down some of the frozen Bright Angel trail. Good luck making your way back to the top.
5.0
We have explored the Grand Canyon both in the summer and winter. If your not afraid of the cold weather definitely go in the winter season! The snow adds a whole new dimension to the red rock. There was also fewer people and you can drive the whole route in your car during the winter season.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Backpack the Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground
Plateau Point via Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campgrounds
Camp at Mather Campground, Grand Canyon NP
Bike the Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon
Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
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