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Oct 28, 2022 · Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of visiting Grand Canyon National Park in December, a quiet and peaceful time with great hiking weather and stunning views. Find out how to prepare for winter storms, ice, permits, and crowds, and what activities to do in the park.
- Visiting The Grand Canyon in Winter FAQ
- Best Things to Do at The Grand Canyon in December
- Map of Things to Do at The Grand Canyon in December
- Summary of Visiting The Grand Canyon in Winter
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Which Parts of the Grand Canyon Are Open in December?
Most folks think of the Grand Canyon in terms of North Rim / South Rim. There’s also an area referred to as Grand Canyon East and Grand Canyon West. Here’s what’s open in December at the Grand Canyon: South Rim OPEN:The most popular and most heavily visited section of Grand Canyon National Park is the South Rim area located just beyond the South Rim Entrance Station which includes Mather Point & Grand Canyon Village East Rim OPEN:The east section refers to the area near the east entrance to G...
What’s the Weather Like at the Grand Canyon in December?
The short answer is cold.Average highs are in the mid 50s and average lows are in the high 30s. While January and February have a higher likelihood of seeing snow, it’s not that unusual to see snow at the Grand Canyon in December.
Is December a Good Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?
It depends on what sort of experience you’re looking for. December brings quiet and solitude to the Grand Canyon. If you’ve been before in the summer, visiting the 4th most visited national parkin the country during winter may be a bit shocking. Overlooks are uncrowded and there’s actually parking available at the Grand Canyon in December.
5. Visit the Desert View Watchtower
Location:Grand Canyon East Rim Features:Overlook, Historical Desert View Watchtower is one of the most iconic sitesat the Grand Canyon offering some of the best views in the park. Visiting this incredible site is one of the my favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon in December. Designed by one of the southwest’s most influential architects, Mary Colter West, Desert View Watchtower was constructed in 1932 and remains in place today. Her buildings at Grand Canyon include: Desert View Watchto...
4. Watch the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie
Location:Tusayan, Arizona (South Rim) Features:Air Conditioning, Family Friendly, Accessible One of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon in December for folks looking for a little heat and relaxing is watching the epic Grand Canyon IMAX Movie. While the theater is technically located outside of the park, about 10 miles (15 minutes) south of the South Entrance in Tusayan, it’s a great addition for families and folks looking for a bit more understanding and appreciation for the Grand Canyo...
3. Cruise the Scenic Desert View Drive
Location:South Rim & West Rim Features:Overlooks, Driving, Hiking Trails, Family Friendly, Wildlife Looking for another warm activity at the Grand Canyon in December? Here’s one that comes with heat! The first time I realized that there were elk at the Grand Canyon was seeing one cross the road while driving Desert View Drive. In fact, I didn’t even realized there was more to the national park than Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim the first time I visited. Desert View Drive has some of...
South Rim Lodging Options
At the South Rim of the Grand Canyon there are two options if you’re looking for hotels. The first, more expensive option is staying at one of the premiere lodges that are located inside the national park at Grand Canyon Village. For those Grand Canyon hotelssee the Xanterra page. The more affordable option is getting a hotel in Tusayan (5-10 minute drive). I’ve compiled a full listing of the best Tusayan hotels.
Dress warmlyCold weather & potential for snowExpect solitudeThe South Rim is the place to visitLearn what to expect from the weather, activities, and facilities at the Grand Canyon in December. Find out which parts of the canyon are open, how to dress, and what to do in this comprehensive guide.
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Get the monthly weather forecast for Grand Canyon, AZ, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead.
Weather in the Grand Canyon in December In December, the daytime maximum temperature is 58 degrees Fahrenheit, while the overnight minimum is 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius). The Grand Canyon covers a huge area and each section has a varied temperature.
Dec 6, 2023 · Winter solitude blankets the North Rim of Grand Canyon, which is closed to all vehicle traffic between December 1 and May 14. Hikers with a backcountry camping permit and prepared for a multi-day canyon adventure, can walk from the South Rim to the North Rim for a winter camping experience in one of the most inaccessible locations in the country.
Winter offers pleasant temperatures with lows ranging from 30°F to 40°F, but the best time to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim is spring and fall when temperatures range from the mid-70°Fs to high-80°Fs. Below the rim temperatures are also important to consider when planning to hike the rim-to-rim trail.
Get the monthly weather forecast for Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead.
