Winter Activities in the Grand Canyon

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• Winter is a peaceful time to see the Grand
  Canyons 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.

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• 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.

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• Hiking is a major draw for the parks
  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 summers
  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.

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• This is an adventure recommended for experienced
  campers. Temperatures drop from cold to frigid
  overnight, and storms may move in and out without
  warningan exciting event to witness if youre
  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.

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• Dressing for winter takes planning. Whether
  youre hiking, camping, or just a casual visitor
  on a guided bus tour, dress the part and youll
  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 60F 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 days hike.

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• 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 accordinglyand 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.

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• 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, Aberts squirrels will scamper along
  the rim.

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• A winter visit to the Grand Canyon doesnt need
  to be a rugged outdoor adventure. The Grand
  Canyon Visitors Centers offer an enriching way to
  learn about and see some of the areas 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 parks
  guided tours, the South Rim can be reached by
  car, bus, or a thrilling journey on the historic
  Grand Canyon Railway.

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• 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/.

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Sources

• http//www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-
  permit.htm
• http//www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/what-to-wear-for-
  winter-in-the-grand-canyon/