Grand Canyon Road Trip

Taking a road trip with wifey to the Grand Canyon. Leaving tonight. Any Tacomers out there?

 

I’m assuming you are going to the south rim as the north is closed.

you’ll want to check conditions here
https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

I’ve been there a few times

 

Oh man thanks. Is it due to the weather?

 

yep! I live in that general area. Expect some snow

 

I'm coming from California... Any Navigation links recommended?

 

Yup. North rim closes for winter. South rim stays open but may have some closures due to weather.

due to the elevation it can get snow / cold / ice so gotta be prepared. the first time I went to flagstaff, we got 24” of snow over the weekend.

 

sounds fun guys! GL SS

 

umm yeah I don’t use navigation apps or maps hahaha I get around AZ on mostly hear say and maps at the Coconino National Forest dept offers.
Yeah, south rim is the only thing open. I would spend time in Flagstaff, Sedona and Jerome as well.

 

If you have kids, Williams is a good stop. Just west of Flagstaff where you head north to the canyon. The polar express train should be running in evening and Bearizona drive through and walking zoo is great.

 

Last time we (wife, 5 and 8 year olds) went from OC, we did train on 1st night, stayed overnight in Williams, then did Bearizona in morning. Headed north to GCNP after lunch. Then 2 nights in one of the rim hotels before heading back to OC. Trails at canyon were too icy to hike, but park was empty, so all overlooks and visitor centers were open and not crowded.

 

Looking at the weather report I think we're just gonna head to Laughlin... It's just my wife and I no kids...

 

Nice. Should be fun. If you've never been - Hoover Dam is worth a side trip

 

On my bucket list for sure!

 

Big GC Fan, go there often.

Too cold this time of year though, and the best part (the North part) is closed as others have mentioned.

 

We did a trip to GC when I was in college. Despite telling everybody that the weather could be very cold and to prepare accordingly, we had a bunch of folks show up with sleeping bags rated to 30F and no long johns or warm gloves. I think one of the mornings we woke up to 14F temps. There were some COLD kids hanging around the stove waiting for breakfast that morning.

 

Happens every winter.
https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news...park-prepares-for-winter-storm-2019-11-26.htm

"For additional information on North Rim winter camping, please call the Backcountry Information Center at 928-638-7875 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (MST) or visit the park's backcountry webpage at https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round. Additional park information can be obtained by calling 928-638-7888 or by visiting the park website at www.nps.gov/grca.
"
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Some info from the NPS.