Wintertime Wonderland
2016 brought more than 6 million people to the Grand Canyon. The vast majority of excited Grand Canyon visitors experienced the canyon during the summer months. Certainly, Grand Canyon is a magnificent travel destination during that time. However, have you considered encountering Grand Canyon during the winter? I highly recommend you do, and here are some of the top reasons why.
Fewer People
The traffic and crowds swell at Grand Canyon during those busy summer months. Although the people-watching is quite intriguing, those crowds can be limiting to where you can go to see the canyon and the amount of time you have to enjoy it. Of course, jumping on a Different View Tour bus removes that hassle for you and lets the guide lead the way.
Increased Access within Grand Canyon National Park
The hustle and bustle of summer causes the park to close the Hermit’s Rest Road to general visitor traffic. This requires the visitors to utilize the park shuttle service to travel along the west side of the South Rim of Grand Canyon. The lines to get on the shuttle can sometimes be a 45-minute wait. During the winter months (December – February) the park opens this road up to the general public. There are some dramatic views of Grand Canyon down Hermits Rest Road, specifically, Hopi Point which provides a 270-degree view, including the famous Hermit Rapid.
Snow
Visiting during the winter months brings the potential to see snow in Grand Canyon. I do not have the words to adequately describe the beauty of snow against the rock’s colors. Likewise, pictures can’t provide a proper replacement to being there in person.
Clear Skies
The combination of smoke, heat, dust, and smog from summer heat and traffic reduce the clarity of Grand Canyon. Additionally, the high, direct sunlight can wash out some of the vibrant colors. Granted, there is no such thing as a bad picture of Grand Canyon, but a crisp, clear winter sky creates the perfect clarity for great photography. Navajo Mountain is approximately 85 miles away as the condor flies from Desert View Watchtower. Though clearly visible during the summer as a grey hump on the horizon, the winter air allows the visitor to Desert View to distinguish the very topography of the mountain.
Come experience Grand Canyon with us in a way far too few take the opportunity to do.
Praiseallujiah!
Jon
