Is there a better time of the year to visit the Grand Canyon ,?

Question

or is anytime about the same. I am unfamiliar with the climate there and whether or not there is a time of the year when it is closed. Also, what part of it is the most desirable to see?

Thanks

Answer 1

There is no bad time of year to visit the canyon, but time of year can determine which parts to visit and what activities to do.

First off, it is important to understand that the canyon is a big place and actually has different climates in different areas.  The most visited part (where most of the lodges, stores, and overlooks are) is Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim.  It is at an elevation of 7000 feet which means summer highs are in the upper 80s to low 90s (degrees F) and winters can see snow storms with night temperatures well below freezing.  The South Rim is open year round and the roads (all paved highways) are kept clear during winter.

The North Rim of the canyon is less developed (there is only one lodge) is a 1000 feet higher in elevation, so it is cooler (and less crowded) in summer than the South Rim.  Because it gets a lot more snow in winter, the facilities there are actually closed from mid-October to mid-May.  The North Rim is a much longer drive to reach with no major cities nearby and the nearest small town (Kanab-Fredonia) being about 2 hours away).

And then there is the bottom of the canyon, which (because temperature increases as you down in elevation) is a desert environment closer to that of Phoenix with summer highs above 110 degree F and fairly mild winters.  In fact, I have started hiking at the bottom in a t-shirt and been in a full blown snow storm by the time I reached the top.

So, in terms of when to visit...

If you are coming in summer (June through August) than I would personally recommend the North Rim where you will find nicer temps, lower crowds and more peace and solitude.  If you are just going to stay on the rim and do day-hikes, than the South Rim is great the rest of the year.  I actually really like the South Rim in winter (Dec-Feb) because it is so quiet and peaceful, lodge rates are low, and the canyon looks very pretty in a dusting of snow.  If you are planning on doing any serious hiking than spring and fall are the best times - don't do any hikes to the bottom during summer (it is too hot at the bottom to be enjoyable).

As for what parts are best to see... the canyon looks great from any angle.  The South Rim has more easily-accessible view points and tends to have views looking downward toward the river (which flows closer to the south rim) while the north rim has more sweeping views across the canyons and ridges.  The South Rim has more tourist-related facilities (shops, lodges, attractions) while the North Rim is more peaceful and laid-back.