Grand Canyon Winter Guide

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park during the winter is amazing! Grand Canyon Winter offers you the opportunity to enjoy the park in ways you can't during the summer months. You can truly immerse yourself in this Arizona National park.

Here are my top finds for Grand Canyon National Park:
🏨Hotels: El Tovar, Yavapai Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins
📍Tours: 45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

Park Alert: Several Park Locations closed from a Flash Flood That Occured on 8/31/26

• All Overnight Lodging inside the South Rim including: El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge (Ongoing Water infrastructure impacts).
  • Limited Lodging might be available in Tusayan (Just outside the Parks South Entrance Gate) at the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites.
  • The NPS hopes to have water running again on November 16, 2026 and overnight loddging might begin a phased reopening around Tanksgiving (November 26, 2026) pending successful water system restoration.
• Trailer Village RV Park
• Phantom Ranch, Cabins, canteen, and facilities closed.
• Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground (inside the canyon)
• North Kaibab Trail is entirely closed from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
• River Crossings: The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge spanning the Colorago River are closed
• Inner-Canyon Areas: Supai Tunnel, Manzanita Day Use Area, and Phantom Delta Areas remain Restreicted.

Grand Canyon Winter

We visited the Grand Canyon during the last week of January and could not believe how great the weather was and how few people there were in the park. The early mornings were chilly at 17 degrees and windy but as soon as the sun came up so did the temperature. We even got up to 45 degrees one day with stunning blue skies and barely any wind.

One of the best reasons to visit the Grand Canyon during the winter is the access you gain to the park. During the summer you have to be on a tour or ride the park shuttle bus to visit Hermit's Rest and the west rim of the canyon. During the winter you can drive your car down the rim and stop at any and every pull-out and overlook you want to without having to worry about running to get on the next shuttle.

You truly have the park open and available for you to enjoy especially since most days the crowds are tiny. We watched sunrise right outside the El Tovar and there were only 6 people the entire time we were outside. It was crazy how few people there were and how amazing the view was.

 

Grand Canyon Winter Weather

The Grand Canyon is at 7,000 feet in elevation so the weather can change quickly. During our visit in January, the temperatures ranged from 17 degrees before sunrise to 45 during the day not counting the windchill.

We did not have any storms pass through while we were visiting but the park was covered in snow. Many of the trails and overlooks did have ice on them especially those that are north facing that do not get the direct sun. You can pick up crampons for your boots at many of the stores on the south rim. If you decide to wear crampons on your shoes make sure you do not wear them in your car, in buildings, or on concrete that does not have ice. The crampons can cause major damage to floors and the paint of your car.

Another option to bring with you is a pair of YakTrax that can be slipped on and off your shoes. Hiking poles may also help if you want a bit of extra stability. Don't forget to pack a warm hat (one that has ear flaps if possible), scarf and gloves. The wind was the hardest part during our visit and our ears paid for it since we forgot our hats with ear flaps.

Staying in the Grand Canyon during the winter

We stayed at three of the Grand Canyon South Rim hotels and loved them! We wanted to experience as many different ways to stay in the Grand Canyon as possible. You will want to make a reservation as soon as you know when you will be visiting the Grand Canyon in the winter. Actually, any time you are visiting the Grand Canyon you will want to make a hotel reservation as soon as you have your dates of travel.

One great benefit for staying at a Grand Canyon lodge during the winter is the rooms have Keurig's in them. You can pack your favorite thermos and fill it for the day. The rooms come with a couple regular k-cups and 2 decaf cups. If you are picky about your coffee or love chai tea like my wife you may want to pack a box of your favorite drink with you.

The Mather Campground was open along with the Grand Canyon RV Resort. If you plan on camping be prepared to clear snow from around your tent.

We made our reservations on Black Friday and were able to get amazing prices for the El Tovar, Kachina Lodge, and Bright Angel Lodge. If you are looking to plan for upcoming years this is a great way to save some money on your hotel nights!

What to do in the Grand Canyon in the winter?

The best part of visiting the Grand Canyon in the winter is how much there is to do and how much freedom you have to move around the park. The visitor centers and stores are open and not as crowded as during the summer. Most of the trails are open you will just need to be careful with ice and snow on the trails.

The best part is the rim drive is open to drive on with your personal car. You can drive to Hermit's Rest and check out the entire rim without having to run for a Grand Canyon shuttle bus or worry about how long you spend checking out an overlook.

We saw elk and deer all over the Grand Canyon. There was a large group of elk wandering through the main visitor center parking lot one afternoon and then deer the next day. We also saw quite a few birds during our visit.

Grand Canyon Winter Hiking

If you are planning on enjoying winter hiking in the Grand Canyon you will definitely want to be prepared for changing weather, ice, and windchill. We saw people hiking down to Phantom Ranch and along many of the hiking trails. The Grand Canyon Rim trail was fairly free of snow and ice in most places and made for great hiking with views of the canyon.

If you are planning on hiking down to Phantom Ranch you will still need to stop into the backcountry permit office and talk with them. We heard that permits can be available the same day but if you know when you want to hike the canyon it is best to apply for one online ahead of time to make sure you get a permit.

There are water filling stations available at Hermit's Rest and at the lodges along the South Rim. The stores sell refillable water bottles if you do not have one with you. Make sure and have your ten essentials with you while hiking and also let people know what trails you are planning to explore.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Grand Canyon in the Winter.

Does Grand Canyon close in the winter?

The south rim of the Grand Canyon is open year-round. Most of the visitor services stay open and you can enjoy the entire park.

The north rim of the Grand Canyon does close in the winter.

Grand Canyon Winter Hours?

The Grand Canyon is open 24 hours a day. During winter sunrise is around 7:30 am and sunset around 5:30 pm. The days are shorter but the views are still amazing

Driving from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon in the winter?

From Phoenix, you can drive to Flagstaff and then over to Williams and into the park. The road was clear of snow and ice when we drove it.

Grand Canyon National Park Guided Tours

45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (2,024+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 Minutes | 🚁 Check Rates and Availability

No ground-level view prepares you for the scale of the Grand Canyon from the air. This 45-minute flight with Maverick Helicopters departs from Tusayan, crosses the Kaibab National Forest, follows the Colorado River upstream past the Painted Desert and Desert View Watchtower, and flies through the Dragon Corridor, the canyon's widest and deepest section, before returning south. More than 2,000 reviewers call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Multiple departure times available. Likely to sell out, especially in peak season.

3-Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to the Grand Canyon
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (1,000+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚙🌅 Check Rates and Availability

The most popular guided tour at the South Rim. A 4WD safari vehicle takes small groups through the back roads of the Kaibab National Forest, bypassing the crowded south entrance gate on permits held since 1993, with stops at Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Vista, and Grandview Point for the sunset. Guides earn extraordinary reviews for their knowledge of the park's geology, wildlife, and history. Blankets provided. Maximum 12 guests. Departs two hours before sunset. Booked an average of 44 days in advance.

Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🍽️🌅 Check Rates and Availability

Unleash your inner explorer with veteran local Eric Albanese. Immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon's majestic beauty, rich history, and fascinating geology. You will embark on a scenic 20-mile tour tracing the South Rim of the canyon, stopping at 4-5 locations.
You can relax in luxury with WI-FI, snacks, and hot or cold drinks while listening to the great detail that your guide has learned during the 10 years of living in the Grand Canyon area. Get up close to the canyon's stunning views with high-powered Celestron binoculars. You will also get to enjoy a delicious dinner at We Cook Pizza and Pasta.

Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Grand Canyon National Park!

Lodging Options in Grand Canyon National Park

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The El Tovar - Click here for Rates and Availability.

A National Historic Landmark and member of Historic Hotels of America, sitting just 20 feet from the rim of the Grand Canyon and widely regarded as the finest hotel inside any national park in America since opening its doors in 1905!

Designed as a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa and built from local limestone and Oregon pine, the El Tovar has hosted Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey. All 78 individually designed rooms and suites feature air conditioning, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, satellite TVs, and private bathrooms, with select canyon-view suites featuring private balconies perched directly above the rim. The El Tovar Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with canyon views, the lounge bar is perfect for post-hike cocktails, and a gift shop, curio shop, newsstand, and concierge round out the amenities. Free area shuttle, free parking, and room service available. No elevator, no pets, open year-round.

⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Yavapai Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

Tucked in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest just a 10-minute walk from Mather Point and the Grand Canyon Rim Trail!

Split between two sections, Yavapai East offers air-conditioned rooms with ADA accessible options and family rooms with bunk beds sleeping up to 6, while Yavapai West features cozy ceiling fan rooms in single-story buildings with pet-friendly options and a Pets in the Park welcome package. Two restaurants serve breakfast through dinner, the Yavapai Tavern pours drinks from noon to 9 PM, and a Starbucks opens at 6 AM for early-rising hikers. Additional amenities include a lobby fireplace, gift shop, EV and Tesla charging stations, free area shuttle, free WiFi, and free parking. One of the most family and pet-friendly in-park lodges in the entire national park system!

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Bright Angel Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

A National Historic Landmark designed by the legendary Mary Colter in 1935, sitting directly on the South Rim at the top of the famous Bright Angel Trailhead with the most affordable rim-side lodging inside Grand Canyon!

The 90 rooms and cabins range from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared baths to charming private rim cabins featuring gas fireplaces and partial canyon views, making this the best value for money of any in-park lodge at the Grand Canyon. Three on-site dining options include the Harvey House Cafe serving diner classics all day in the Fred Harvey tradition, the Arizona Room with Southwestern cuisine, and the Canyon Coffee House for shade-grown organic espresso and cappuccino before hitting the trail. Evening drinks and seasonal live entertainment at the Bright Angel Bar round out the experience perfectly. Also on site: a small history museum, gift shop, ice cream fountain, tour and mule ride booking desk, free WiFi in public areas, and free parking. No elevator, no pets, no air conditioning in standard rooms, open year-round!

⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Kachina Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Thunderbird Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

Two sister lodges built in 1968 as part of the National Park Service's Mission 66 program, sitting directly on the South Rim in the heart of Grand Canyon Village's Historic District, steps from the Bright Angel Trailhead and Rim Trail!

Their distinctive stair-stepped concrete facades were intentionally designed to mirror the layered rock formations of the canyon walls below, blending beautifully into the rim rather than competing with it. Both offer the same clean, comfortable modern rooms with Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges, flat-screen satellite TVs, in-room safes, hair dryers, air conditioning, and free WiFi, with select canyon-side rooms at Kachina featuring partial Grand Canyon views. Free area shuttle and free parking included.

⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars -Maswik Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

Tucked among several acres of ponderosa pine forest just a quarter mile from the South Rim with a free Village shuttle stop right at the lobby door!

Named after the Hopi Kachina spirit said to guard the Grand Canyon, Maswik features 280 rooms split between two sections. The newly renovated Maswik South, completed in 2022, features interior corridors, full elevator access, private patios and balconies, and spacious kitchenettes with a cooktop, microwave, apartment-sized fridge, coffee maker, and utensils, making it a great pick for families and extended stays. All rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and free WiFi. The Maswik Food Court serves breakfast through dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the Pizza Pub pours cold beer and wood-fired pies. Also on site: gift shop, ATM, EV charging, RV parking, free area shuttle, and free self-parking.

Lodging in Tusayan, Arizona (Just outside Grand Canyon's south entrance)

⭐️ 3.9 of 5 Stars - Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availability

Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a bar at Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Be sure to enjoy a meal at JJKs, the onsite family restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.

⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - The Grand Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availabity

At The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, you can look forward to shopping on site, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Canyon Star Steakhouse, features American cuisine and happy hour. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center.

Click on this link or the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Grand Canyon National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

$8.00 per person for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$8.00 per person for vehicles with a capacity of 1-25

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Additional Grand Canyon National Park Resources

• Complete Guide to exploring Grand Canyon National Park
• Things To Do in Grand Canyon National Park
• Grand Canyon Winter Guide
• Grand Canyon Restaurants
• Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Guide
• Grand Canyon Lodging Guide
• Grand Canyon Camping Guide

Parks near National Park

• Wupatki National Monument
• Navajo National Monument
• Pipe Springs National Monument
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area
• Hubbel Trading Post National Historic Site
• Montezuma Castle National Monument
• Tuzigoot National Monument

Check out all of the Arizona National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Utah, National Parks in New Mexico, California National Parks, Colorado National Parks, and Nevada National Parks 

Check out this list of US National Parks to count how many you have visited!

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