The Grand Canyon area has

plenty to offer visitors in the

winter months—most notably,

spectacular views of the

canyon dusted in snow.

Winter visitors enjoy much

smaller crowds and a greater

sense of solitude.

Let’s explore some of the

many activities for the whole

family during the winter

season around Grand Canyon

National Park.

If your family loves an authentic

outdoors experience, Mather

Campground in Grand Canyon

Village on the South Rim is an

excellent camping spot.

With hundreds of campsites and

full facilities, including showers,

dump station (for RVers) and

even a laundry facility, you can

stay comfortably for days at this

campground. Just be sure to bring

plenty of warm clothes!

Bonus: Wild elk are frequently

seen throughout the campground.

Approximately 8 miles

west of Grand Canyon

Village sits an old

structure known today

as “Hermit’s Rest.”

The structure was built

in 1914 on the canyon’s

edge, and was designed

to look like a natural rock

formation.

Hermit’s Rest was

originally a rest stop.

Horse-drawn carriages

would drop off visitors to

relax or before their

journey down the

Hermit Trail.

If roughing it isn’t your thing, enjoy more luxurious accommodations at the El

Tovar Lodge in Grand Canyon Village, which is generally decorated during the

holidays, making it even more magical.

Designed to resemble a Swiss Chalet, the El Tovar Lodge was built in 1905 and

sits near the edge of the Grand Canyon on the South Rim, providing visitors with

spectacular views. After a day of fun activities, a hot cup of cocoa by the fire will

hit the spot.

The Rim Trail, which can be

picked up from any viewpoint in

Grand Canyon Village, is a good

choice for a winter day hike.

The mostly paved 13-mile long

trail stretches from the South

Kaibab trailhead at its eastern

end to Hermit’s Rest at the

western end.

Note that there is no water along

the trail and the trail can get icy

and slick in the winter.

On the West Rim of the Grand Canyon sits quite

possibly the most exhilarating platform on the

planet.

Perched at the canyon’s edge thousands of feet in the

air, the Skywalk bridge gives brave hearts a view into

the canyon unlike any other.

One of the most popular ways to see the Skywalk is

on a Grand Canyon tour. Your family won’t be

disappointed by this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

From military jets to crop dusters, the Planes of Fame

Air Museum has a wide selection of planes on display

for the aviation enthusiasts in your family.

The museum is approximately 30 miles south of

Grand Canyon Village, and there is a car museum

next door, making the drive especially worthwhile.

General admission is $6.95, and free for kids under 5.

Originally constructed with the express purpose of helping geologists observe

and understand the geology of the Grand Canyon, the Yavapai Geology

Museum has been outfitted with new geology exhibits in recent years to help

visitors understand the geology and formation of the Grand Canyon.

The museum sits at the canyon’s edge and has outdoor platforms from which

visitors can view the canyon.

Scenic is the largest and most

experienced aerial tour operator in

the world, specializing in charter

Grand Canyon airplane tours.

Scenic has pioneered the aerial

sightseeing industry since it began

tours in 1967. Our Grand Canyon air

tours showcase the most impressive

landscapes of the National Parks,

allowing visitors from all over the

world to experience the rich beauty

of the Southwest.

Scenic offers over 20 unique tours

varying from easy and relaxed to

adventure expeditions. Tours range

from a one-hour, air-only sightseeing

flight, to a three-day, two-night

program throughout the Southwest.

Visit www.scenic.com for tour

information or call (800) 634-6801.

IMAGE ATTRIBUTIONS

Slide 4: By Notary137 at en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Slide 5: By Mrmcdonnell at en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Slide 8: By Logawi at en.wikipedia [CC BY 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons