Visiting Grand Canyon in Winter
WINTER ACTIVITIES, PACK LISTS & MORE
It pays to be prepared. The weather changes quickly at the Grand Canyon, and so does visibility.
During the winter, snow and ice can make trails into the Canyon slippery. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, clothing and supplies. It’s also a good idea to get advice from park rangers at the Backcountry Information Center. Above all, always check the weather forecast before leaving.
Planning a multiple-day visit allows guests to experience some of these changes. In addition, it provides additional time to explore various aspects of the Canyon.
WINTER TRAVEL KIT – EMERGENCY ITEMS
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and fluid
- Cell phone
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Food and water
- Matches
- Extra hats, socks and mittens or gloves
- First aid kit with a pocket knife
- Necessary medications
- Blankets
- Tow chain or rope
- Sand or cat litter (road salt is not permitted in the park)
- Booster cables
WINTER HIKES
Bright Angel Trail:
One of the most popular trails at South Rim is the Bright Angel Trail. While open in the winter, the trail’s drop-offs must be navigated with caution. You will likely encounter slick snow and ice for at least the first few miles. Hermit Trail is your best bet when avoiding walking on ice, as it descends from a point lower than 7,000 feet of elevation. There will be snow and ice initially, but this will dissipate as you get further into the Canyon.
South to North Time Hike:
You may decide to hike from South Rim to North Rim and back. This extreme multi-day journey takes a great deal of planning and preparation, especially in winter.
Shoshone Point:
An unsigned dirt parking area marks the trail out to Shoshone Point. An easy, one-mile walk along an old dirt road moves through ponderosa forest, which transitions to pinyon-juniper woodlands near the Canyon’s rim. A relatively quiet viewpoint along the perimeter of the Canyon facing north-northeast awaits at the end of the walk.
WHAT TO PACK
While hiking through Grand Canyon National Park in winter, you’ll want to pack additional gear. This will keep the trip enjoyable and also safe. Be sure to bring the following items:
- Extra layers, including thermal base layers
- Warm socks
- Winter hiking boots
- Spikes (to add to your boots)
- Thin headband ear muffs, worn under a warm winter hat
- Gloves or mittens (mittens will keep your fingers warmer)
- Pants and jacket with a waterproof outer layer
- Backpack
- Trekking poles
- Flashlight with strobe feature
- First aid kit
- Emergency blanket
If you forgot something, check out the Yavapai Marketplace for all your needs!
Stay
Immerse yourself in amenity-rich accommodations near Grand Canyon National Park.
Tours
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the park, where you’ll delve into the fascinating history that has shaped this extraordinary landscape.