Here’s All The Magical Reasons Why You’ll Want To Visit The Grand Canyon In Arizona This Winter
By Monica Spencer|Published December 13, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Winter travel in Arizona usually means one of two things: either you’re looking to actively avoid the snow in our deserts or you’re hoping to catch a few flurries on your tongue in our high country. If your idea of winter fun involves the latter, then you’re in luck because we’re checking out a few reasons we think the Grand Canyon is the perfect spot to visit during this chilly time of year.
Please note, we’re focusing on the South Rim. The Grand Canyon’s North Rim closes every winter from December 1 to May 15 due to the extreme winter weather and muddy road conditions. Avoid possible disaster scenarios and stick with the popular South Rim until May!
1. You’ll find that the most popular spots are much quieter.
The Grand Canyon’s prime season is summer when most people are spending their summer vacation hours touring one of nature’s greatest treasures. In winter, you’ll find most of the famous vistas are pretty darned empty! The cold temperatures combined with winter storms tends to make this place a little less desirable to tourists.
2. See the Grand Canyon turn into a winter wonderland with a soft coating of snow!
When the snow is there, take the time to play in it! Build a snowman, make a snow angel, get into a snowball fight with friends, or just try to catch a few flurries with your tongue.
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4. Anticipate a surprise find: an inversion cloud.
Looking like a magical ocean of clouds, a total cloud inversion occurs when warm and cold air interact to create a fog. But instead of just sitting on top of the land, these clouds fill the canyon and look simply unreal. You can find more information about this phenomenon and watch a timelapse video by clicking this link to a previous article.
The sky in winter tends to appear clearer, thanks to less dust and haze in the air. On a good day, you should be able to see distant mountains 200 miles away and more stars than you thought imaginable at night.
7. Enjoy a steaming cup of hot tea or cocoa by a roaring fire.
Watch Christmas come to the Grand Canyon! The rustic lodges here are decorated in boughs, trees, and plenty of twinkling lights, making this feel like a winter wonderland.
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Do you have a favorite winter activity you enjoy at the Grand Canyon? Share your thoughts with us!
