Some time ago we went to my precious niece's wedding in Arizona then took a trip to the Grand Canyon. I thought I would share some info with you in case you ever want to consider visiting the South Rim in Feb.
I only have info. here about the South Rim.
Our trip was in Winter and the roads in the canyon were open to vehicles. The look out points are only accessible by shuttle starting on March 1st. You can literally walk out of your hotel take a shuttle to the shuttle stop and visit the specific look out points on the South Rim. We stayed at the Eltovar hotel in the Grand Canyon Village. The reservations during peak seasons are usually booked 8-12 months in advance. We had no problem getting a room in Feb. although, we did book in Oct. The restaurant requires reservations during peak season, we did not need any in Feb.
Turns out, access to the roads leading to the overview sites for photography and viewing are closed to vehicles starting March first. Our visit started on the 27 th of Feb. After that, the only vehicles allowed on the road where you can view the canyon overlook sites are shuttle buses. This is indeed necessary otherwise, the traffic during peak seasons would go nowhere because these are small, two- lane roads.
We were delighted to have a snow fall of 18" prior to our day of departure. This made the final day of the trip magical. In anticipation of the snowfall, we visited all of the lookout sites the night before because when it snows, you cannot see the canyon until the sun warms up the sky.
Anything and everything you need to know is located in The Guide, Maps and Information for the Grand Canyon National Park. See the website listed below and download one. You will refer to it each day all day to assist in your planning and routes. I could not find what I needed on line prior to our departure, go figure. I have linked the site where you need to go on this post so, you can be an expert on the canyon prior to your departure. This guide has the majority of what you need to know. Certainly, if you want to wander down into the canyon you will have to be well prepared depending on the season of your visit. We did not travel into the canyon we stayed on the rim.
We rented a car in Phoenix and drove to the south rim in under four hours. We stopped in Williams, a town about an hour south of the south rim entrance and picked up The Guide.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/newspaper.htm
I only have info. here about the South Rim.
Our trip was in Winter and the roads in the canyon were open to vehicles. The look out points are only accessible by shuttle starting on March 1st. You can literally walk out of your hotel take a shuttle to the shuttle stop and visit the specific look out points on the South Rim. We stayed at the Eltovar hotel in the Grand Canyon Village. The reservations during peak seasons are usually booked 8-12 months in advance. We had no problem getting a room in Feb. although, we did book in Oct. The restaurant requires reservations during peak season, we did not need any in Feb.
We were delighted to have a snow fall of 18" prior to our day of departure. This made the final day of the trip magical. In anticipation of the snowfall, we visited all of the lookout sites the night before because when it snows, you cannot see the canyon until the sun warms up the sky.
Anything and everything you need to know is located in The Guide, Maps and Information for the Grand Canyon National Park. See the website listed below and download one. You will refer to it each day all day to assist in your planning and routes. I could not find what I needed on line prior to our departure, go figure. I have linked the site where you need to go on this post so, you can be an expert on the canyon prior to your departure. This guide has the majority of what you need to know. Certainly, if you want to wander down into the canyon you will have to be well prepared depending on the season of your visit. We did not travel into the canyon we stayed on the rim.
We rented a car in Phoenix and drove to the south rim in under four hours. We stopped in Williams, a town about an hour south of the south rim entrance and picked up The Guide.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/newspaper.htm
Entrance gate to the South Rim
Grand Canyon Welcome Center across from El Tovar hotel
Jerry and I outside Eltovar 24 hrs prior to the 18" snowfall.
Outlook area just outside the Eltovar hotel
Snow still resting on side of canyon near Eltovar lookout
Outlook just a mile or so from Eltovar, early afternoon
Outlook a few miles from Eltovar
Hopi House located across street from Eltovar.
It is full of Indian Arts and Crafts pictured below.
Side entrance to Hopi House.
You can see Eltovar across street.
Artisinal product inside Hopi House.
Hopi House Art For Sale.
Framed Native Botanicals at Hopi House.
Here is the Trading Post and Grocery.
Food, Clothing and Souvenirs are sold here.
I would say that just about anything you might need is in this store.
I did not see any other stores. The Campground area is located nearby.
This is a shot of the grocery store interior.
Blue Lodge Canyon
This is a hotel located near Eltovar at the South rim.
Less expensive than Eltovar.
Here is a photo of a Buffalo Burger and Onion rings
purchased at the Blue Canyon Lodge Restaurant.
Because there is so much to see at the South
Rim, I will write another post covering other aspects of this area.
Soon to Come...
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