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/.

• http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/back

country-permit.htm

• http://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/what-

to-wear-for-winter-in-the-grand-canyon/

Sources