Grand Canyon

bulgron

bulgron

Joined
May 19, 2005
Messages
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I decided to swing by the Grand Canyon on our annual Christmas pilgrimage to Tucson this year. It seemed time to show the kids that big ol' hole in the ground. We were only there overnight, so no hiking. Still, it was worth the drive.

There was a snowstorm the night we were there, which coming from California is something that we're not used to. (On the other hand, I'm originally from Minnesota so this wasn't too much of a shock to my system.) Still, I was a bit amused to see my truck most uncharacteristically white that morning when I first got up:

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The storm was still pretty much with us that morning, so I thought this was all we were going to see of the canyon:

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But then the storm lifted, and we got treated to some views of the canyon in snow:

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It was good to see my kids finding out what cold temperatures are all about, although at 25 degrees it still wasn't cold enough for them to truly learn that lesson. (I'll have to take them to Minnesota some Christmas for them to find out about that. :D )

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Thanks for looking!
 
Snow at the grand canyon!?what the hell???

Just kidding, you'd be amazed the people who dont know it snows there. :rolleyes:
 
OH MY those pics are awsome. I wanted to do the Zion and the grand canyon the last two months but heard that it was too cold. Ended up going to Anza now you made me feel bad.... Im going to do it this year... The snow on top of the canyon is awsome Post a few more pics.

Sasha
 
Great shots of The Canyon laced with snow. :thumbup:

I hiked The Canyon one winter after a major snowstorm; full winter gear at the rim, shirt sleeves down at the river.

I was a great time to be in The Canyon, all the tourist where hunker down in there hotel rooms and Winnabago’s, even the mules stayed in the stable, just a handful of cold weather backpackers had the whole place to ourselves for a few days.

It was awesome. :cool:


Thanks for the memories. :thumbup:
 
The first time I remember going to The Grand Canyon it looked just like that. A white-out going to it and amazing views when it cleared.
Thanks for the memory boost!
 
Excellent shots, The canyon looks beautiful with the snow.

Looks like your girls had a good time, thanks for sharing.
 
Never been there. It is on my list of top places to visit. Looks pretty in snow.
 
awesome pics...:thumbup: the grand canyon is such an amzing sight... especially this time of year..
 
sasha said:
OH MY those pics are awsome. I wanted to do the Zion and the grand canyon the last two months but heard that it was too cold. Ended up going to Anza now you made me feel bad.... Im going to do it this year... The snow on top of the canyon is awsome Post a few more pics.

Sasha
Click to expand...

I grew up hanging around Anza Borrego. Hardly ever think of it anymore. This time of year though, Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon may be the best views in the western US.
 
This thread got me all excited for another cross-country road trip to visit national parks. It's not going to be for a while; my 2 year old won't particularly enjoy all that much driving, but when he's older, we're hitting the road for a month or so. Thanks for sharing your pics. I hope your trip goes well.
 
Hi Protourist The only reason i didnt do the Zion and the Grand canyon was that they had a cold front with day time temp at around 27f.. With an advisory that some roads might be closed. So the last week switch the plans and went to Anza. Im not ready for that cold of the weather. From the pics i sort of wish i braved the cold and the snow

Sasha
 
Sasha,

The cold wasn't all that bad if you came prepared for it. And driving up to the rim we didn't have whiteout conditions, so that was good. My one complaint was that temperatures were slowly dropping below freezing when we left Williams for the canyon's rim and the roads were wet, so I was worried about ice on the road. This was why I put the truck into 4 wheel drive for part of the trip up to the rim, although ultimately I don't think it was really necessary.

The south rim of the Grand Canyon is above 7,000 feet, so when going there in the winter time you should always be prepared for winter driving conditions. But a little preparation is all that's necessary in order to make the trip.

It was definitely worth the trip. My one complaint is that our schedule didn't allow for us to spend a full day at the canyon.

Also, there's always a risk that you won't be able to see the canyon if you go in the winter time. The park rangers told me that the day before you couldn't see across to the north rim at all. So if you go in the winter, plan to stay a few days just so you have a better chance to get those views. I believe there's snowshoeing and cross country skiing to be done in the park in the winter time, so it isn't like you'll be bored (unless you don't like snowshoeing and cross country skiing. :))

I've posted what I think are the best of the picts that I took (visibility really was spotty), but I'll post a few more later on when I have time.

My kids were enthralled and definitely want to go back, so I'm sure we'll go back. The nice thing about going in the winter time is you avoid all the crowds.
 
Excellent pictures! Never saw pics of the canyon in snow before. It really adds to their majestic appearance! I bet the girls had fun in the snow. Now did you not show them the art of snow angel making?
 
sasha said:
Hi Protourist The only reason i didnt do the Zion and the Grand canyon was that they had a cold front with day time temp at around 27f.. With an advisory that some roads might be closed. So the last week switch the plans and went to Anza. Im not ready for that cold of the weather. From the pics i sort of wish i braved the cold and the snow

Sasha
Click to expand...
If you are going up I-15 through Las Vegas on your way to Zion (don't forget Bryce Canyon) take the time to go to The Valley of Fire in Nevada. It is really worth the afternoon. If you time the trip at sunrise or sunset the valley truly looks as if it is on fire.
 
Very nice! I visited the North rim back in July, but I'm pretty sure it's closed in the winter time.

I'll have to visit the south rim in the winter, it looks gorgeous
 
Great pics bulgron. Thanks for posting. I'm a fan of the Grand Canyon (did a 3 day trek to the bottom & back in 11/07) but I've never seen it in snow. What a treat! :thumbup:
 
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