Is winter a good time to visit the Grand Canyon? Here's what to expect in the cold months

Winter is coming to the Grand Canyon. Cold, crisp air combined with snow atop red and orange rock formations are highlights of visiting at this time of year. There also are fewer visitors in winter, so you might find a little more solitude on trails and at overlooks.

But seeing this natural wonder during the winter requires some planning. The days will be shorter, the temps colder, it's often windy and you could encounter snowy or icy road conditions.

Grand Canyon National Park wants visitors to know that the South Rim is open all winter, with some modifications to its operations. Here's what the park says people should know about visiting Grand Canyon in winter.

Grand Canyon shuttle bus winter schedule

A snow storm hit the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on March 19, 2020.
A snow storm hit the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on March 19, 2020.

Shuttle buses are operating on a modified winter schedule, according to a news release from the park. Bus service may be suspended on short notice due to public health concerns or inclement weather.

Here are the bus routes for winter 2021:

  • The Hermit Road Shuttle (Red) Route will be suspended for the season. The road will be open to private vehicles.

  • The Village (Blue) Route and Kaibab (Orange) Route will begin at 6 a.m. daily and stop every 15-30 minutes at designated locations. The Kaibab (Orange) Route will run until one hour after sunset. The Village (Blue) Route will run until 9 p.m.

  • The Hikers Express Buses will operate at 8 and 9 a.m. They stop at the Bright Angel Lodge, Backcountry Office, and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on their way to the South Kaibab Trailhead.

  • Find out more: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm.

Grand Canyon winter driving tips

If you visit Grand Canyon in winter, be prepared for cold, wind and snow or ice on roads.
If you visit Grand Canyon in winter, be prepared for cold, wind and snow or ice on roads.

Be prepared for winter driving conditions. You could encounter snow, ice and high wind. Drive according to the conditions and allow plenty of distance between you and other cars. Keep emergency supplies such as blankets, flashlights, water and snacks in your vehicle.

For road and weather information in Grand Canyon National Park, call 928-638-7496.

To check road conditions across Arizona, visit https://www.az511.gov or dial 511.

Camping at Grand Canyon's South Rim in winter

A snowstorm blanketed the South Rim of Grand Canyon on March 19, 2020.
A snowstorm blanketed the South Rim of Grand Canyon on March 19, 2020.

Online reservations for Mather Campground at the South Rim are not taken in December, January and February. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis using the automated fee machine at the campground entrance. Park officials advise that Mather Campground is often near or at capacity during holiday periods.

For more about Mather Campground's winter operations, visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-sr.htm.

Desert View Campground at the South Rim's east entrance is closed for the season. It will be open April 15-Oct. 16, 2022. Reservations can be made online.

Is the North Rim open in winter?

The North Rim ceases operations between Dec. 1 and May 15, when State Route 67 south of Jacob Lake closes for winter. The hotel, restaurants, store and gas station are closed.

The North Rim Campground is available for winter camping but can only be reached by hiking the inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacob Lake.

To camp at the North Rim during winter, visitors need a backcountry permit. One can be obtained by fax, mail request or in person by following instructions posted outside the Backcountry Information Center at the South Rim.

More information about backcountry permits is available at https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm.

You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Grand Canyon is open in winter: Here's what you can do there