Snow-Powdered Landscape in Grand Canyon 2024-2025

You can also check road conditions and closure information by calling the park's Roads Line. The cold, occasional snowstorms and seasonal trail closures in the North Rim contribute to lower tourist numbers. On the other hand, this time of the year is quite a treat for photographers. Winter offers a unique chance to capture the layers of history powdered with snow. The lovers of terrific landscapes will appreciate and the absence of tourists also appears to be an advantage—you have all this breathtaking vastness for yourself.

Best Time

The Grand Canyon offers beautiful snowscapes during the winter season between December and February. This season is less crowded than the summer season, which means fewer hassles, and the best sunrises and sunsets can be viewed over the canyon. The winter season is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon if you want beautiful snowscapes away from the summer crowds. Wintertime also offers some of the best sunrises and sunsets. The benefits of visiting the Grand Canyon during winter include clear views due to fewer crowds, spectacular snowscapes, splendid sunrises and sunsets, and Super Moons. Although the temperatures can be cold during winter, the Grand Canyon offers ample opportunities to explore the serenity of the area away from the summer crowds, having more tranquil and unique experiences. The average lows between December and February are 18 F (-8°C) and average highs are 45 F (8°C).

best winter landscape locations

The North Rim is renowned for its picturesque and breathtaking winter landscapes, but unfortunately it's closed during winter months due to heavy snow and ice, which can make hiking dangerous. The South Rim of the park is open year-round, and roads are drivable except in inclement weather. The Grand Canyon South Rim sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,100 m). So it will not come as a surprise that the weather here can get really wintery in the coldest months of the year. Locations inside the canyon, like Phantom Ranch and adjacent Bright Angel Campground, offer milder temperatures in winter, and backcountry camping permits may be more easily obtained during the winter months than during peak hiking seasons. In winter, you can drive through South Rim without the traffic seen in the warmer months.

South Rim Viewpoints

By far the best thing to do at the Grand Canyon in winter is to enjoy the views from the various viewpoints on the South Rim. The easiest viewpoints to visit are the ones located at the Grand Canyon Village. The most popular of them all is Mather Point where the main visitor center is located. Yavapai Point nearby is somewhat quieter and offers amazing wide views in all directions. Yavapai is also a good place to be if it’s very cold and windy because you can also enjoy the great views from the museum which is located here. Normally, you can also easily get to the viewpoints at the Bright Angel Lodge and pretty much the entire stretch of the Rim Trail at Grand Canyon Village. These places are easily accessible from the main roads which are normally always cleared in winter.

Scenic Drives & Hiking Routes

Hermit Road is perfect for a scenic winter drive – with nine designated viewpoints along the 7.5-mile route, it is the perfect opportunity for a leisure adventure. Rim Trail: This relatively flat trail offers stunning views along the South Rim. You can choose sections of the trail to hike, and it’s typically safe and well-maintained in winter. If you’re looking for an easy, scenic walk – try the trail from Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum! Bright Angel Trail: This popular out-and-back trail descends into the canyon and is often clear of snow at the rim, but conditions can vary, so be sure to check conditions before embarking on the hike. South Kaibab Trail: Known for its spectacular views, this trail is more challenging and open year-round. The first mile to Ooh Aah Point is a great option for a shorter hike with iconic views, however, be prepared for potentially icy conditions in the winter.

If you come during the Super Moon, you'll be blown away at the sight of such a majestically enchanting vista. Winter landscapes are unbeatable. When the moon is full, Super Moon is seen in all its glory at the Grand Canyon. This mesmerizing view of the moon appearing larger, brighter, and closer to the Earth occurs during a full moon. Visitors planning a trip to witness this stunning vista should research beforehand to catch this beautiful Super Moon sight during the winter season with greater chances of observing the full moon away from usual summer crowds. Stargazing is spectacular at any time of the year in Grand Canyon, but in the winter, it is something else entirely. Seeing the Milky Way in a still winter scene over the Canyon is a breathtaking experience – one that few get to experience.

Tours

Most unique ways to visit Grand Canyon in winter: Scenic helicopter flight. - These flights depart from Tusayan Airport Airplane tour. Grand Canyon Railway + park shuttle to some viewpoints.

One of the best places to see here is Yavapai Geology Museum. In addition to the exhibits where you can learn more about the Grand Canyon, they also have large panoramic windows overlooking the canyon.

Getting There

Before visiting the park, please check Arizona DOT's webpage that provides road closure information. You can also check road conditions and closure information by calling the park's Roads Line. South Rim Shuttle free buses

Camping & Lodging

During the winter months, in Grand Canyon Village, reservations for Mather Campground, can be made. Trailer Village RV Campground is also open all winter, with full hookups. South Rim lodging is available all year, and books up well in advance, especially during spring break, summer months, and fall weekends. Most lodges in Grand Canyon Village are within walking distance of the canyon rim. Reservations are recommended.

Safety Tips

Colder temperatures, slippery road and trail conditions, and severe weather can present challenges when visiting Grand Canyon National Park in the winter. Slip-on shoe traction devices and trekking poles are recommended. , trekking poles, extra snacks, flashlights/headlamps, and layered clothing that can easily be added or removed to adapt to a variety of weather conditions.Winter Emergency Travel Kit You should also note that it gets dark before 6 pm

WILDLIFE VIEWING

In Grand Canyon winters, you might spot mule deer navigating through fresh snow and bald eagles soaring overhead. While many animals become less active, you might still encounter elk, California condors, and Abert’s squirrels along the rim and in the ponderosa pine forests, all uniquely adapted to the colder weather. Mule deer traipsing through fresh snow and bald eagles soaring above the canyon rims are just some of the wildlife spotted during winter. Many animals slow down for the winter and are seen less frequently, but there is still a chance to see elk, California condors, ravens, and Abert's squirrels along the rim and in nearby ponderosa pine forests. Most animals in the park have developed some sort of adaptation to the cold weather. Rock squirrels, frequently seen along the rim during summer months, spend the fall caching food and preparing for the cold winter. Although they spend much of the winter in their burrows, they can be spotted along the rim during warmer days. Mule deer and elk grow thick winter coats to deal with the low temperatures and the Abert's and Kaibab tree squirrels grow fur tassels on their ears to keep out the col