Plan a Trip to Grand Canyon National Park
So far in our Grand Canyon National Park series, we've covered the Short Hikes and the Roadside Sights. But what else should you know before visiting the park?
Below, we've provided resources to assist with your trip planning, including general seasonal considerations, lodging options, and things to do near the park to add to your itinerary.
Always be sure to check the weather forecast for the park both when you pack and on the day of your visit. Pack and prepare for the worst, even if this is less convenient, as conditions in the park can change quickly.
Jump to: Seasonal Considerations | Lodging Options | Nearby Stops | Read More
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Seasonal Considerations
Some of your experience in Grand Canyon National Park depends on what time of the year you visit. Here are a few tips by season, going mainly by weather rather than exact calendar dates.
Jump to: Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter
Spring (March-May)
High temperatures in the spring are typically in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Temperatures can also fluctuate based on elevation. There are a lot of windy days, and March and April tend to have more rain and other precipitation than May.
The shuttle bus begins running to the Hermit Road viewpoints on March 1. From March 1 to November 30, these points are only accessible by shuttle, not by car.
After being closed for the winter, North Rim lodging and restaurants reopen on or around May 15 each year. Cape Royal and other high-elevation roads reopen around this time as well.
Summer (June-August)
High temperatures in the summer are hot, typically in the 70s, 80s, and 90s and occasionally breaking 100 degrees, especially in lower areas of the canyon. Since the North Rim is at a higher elevation, it tends to be 10-20 degrees cooler than the South Rim.
Thunderstorms and flash floods are somewhat common in the summer as well. They can start suddenly and may not be in the forecast! They may also be accompanied by hail and a dramatic temperature drop, so be sure to pack a jacket for a summer Grand Canyon trip.
All lodging, roads, and trails in the park are open during the summer unless there are specific short-term closures for non-weather reasons such as construction.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn temperatures tend to taper off gradually in the Grand Canyon with the average high temperatures in the 70s in September, the 60s in October, and the 40s and 50s by November. Storms are still a possibility in the fall as well, so be sure to pack and plan accordingly.
North Rim lodging and the North Rim Visitor Center close on October 15 and remain closed until spring. North Rim trails may remain open until December 1, but this largely depends on weather conditions. If snow makes roads and trails impassible before December 1, they will close at that time and remain closed until spring.
Winter (December-February)
Winter high temperatures on the South Rim average in the 30s and 40s. Snowstorms and fog are common occurrences, so be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of your visit.
Roads and trails may be icy and slippery in the winter, so be sure that your hiking boots or other footwear have excellent traction. The National Park Service keeps up with clearing and maintaining the roads and popular trails pretty well. But ice can continue to form, and snow can continue to drift after a heavy snowfall.
The North Rim is completely closed throughout the winter, including lodging, the visitor center, roads, and trails.
The Hermit Road shuttle is closed from December 1 to February 28. However, this is the only time of year when vehicle traffic is allowed on this road and to these viewpoints, so they are still accessible by personal vehicle.
Winter is a great time to see the Grand Canyon, as the snow contrasts with the colors of the rock layers and the conifers beautifully, and there is much less traffic than in other seasons. But be sure to plan ahead and come prepared. Safety first!
Lodging Options
Inside the Park
The Grand Canyon has more lodging options than many other National Parks. However, like most parks, lodging inside the National Park tends to be the most convenient but most expensive option.
Lodging options inside Grand Canyon National Park include the following:
- Bright Angel Lodge
- El Tovar Hotel/Lodge
- Kachina Lodge
- Thunderbird Lodge
- Maswik Lodge
- Yavapai Lodge
- Trailer Village RV Park
- Desert View Campground
- Phantom Ranch
- Grand Canyon Lodge
Nearest Lodging Outside the Park
The closest city with lodging options outside the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is Tusayan, AZ, which is about 7 miles from the park.
The closest city with lodging options outside the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is Kaibab Plateau, AZ, which is about 18 miles north of the park.
Other Nearby Lodging
Choosing to lodge in other nearby cities is less convenient but typically much more affordable than lodging inside or right outside the National Park.
Some other cities with lodging options that are near the South Rim are as follows:
- Valle, AZ (30 miles south)
- Cameron, AZ (30 miles east)
- Tuba City, AZ (53 miles northeast)
- Williams, AZ (60 miles south)
- Flagstaff, AZ (80 miles southeast)
Some other cities with lodging options that are near the North Rim are as follows:
- Jacob Lake, AZ (45 miles north)
- Fredonia, AZ (77 miles northwest)
- Kanab, UT (84 miles northwest)
Nearby Stops
Grand Canyon National Park is fairly remote, but there are a few interesting places nearby that you may want to add to your itinerary such as the following:
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - 63.8 miles from the east entrance of the South Rim
- Flagstaff, AZ (various activities) - 80 miles from the south entrance of the South Rim
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