Winter Magic In The Grand Canyon Even Without Colorado River Raft Trips

By the time the snows start to fall in and around the Grand Canyon in the fall and winter months

, Colorado River rafting businesses have already stowed away their equipment for the season and are enjoying the high-desert winter. But for those adventurers who would like to enjoy the area when the majority of other vacationers are back at home looking forward to next summer's escape, there is winter majesty in the Grand Canyon even without Colorado River raft trips.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most intense of American landscapes. During the spring and summer months Grand Canyon rafting is a great way to again access to parts of the canyon inaccessible for the average tourist. Most travelers miss out on most of the natural beauty hidden deep in the recesses of the rough terrain. However, wintertime adventurers in the four-corners region have to respect the true remote ruggedness of the landscape. The south and west rims stay open all year, even while other parts of the park are closed. While the National Park Service cautions against hikes down into the gorge, multi-day hikes, mule trips and back-country trekking are still available to travelers, and accommodations at local El Tovar Lodge and Hopi House can provide comfortable rooms, warm fireplaces and fine cuisine.

Interested in seeing the area from another perspective? Following the route that carried travelers to the South Rim for centuries, the Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona, year round, with a three and-a-half hour lay-over at the South Rim for you to take a short hike and enjoy the incredible view. Or, speaking of views, helicopter tours of the region are also available throughout the year. From hundreds of feet above the rocky terrain, the stunning vistas of the four-corners region and the tumbling river below are sure to entice adventure-seekers to make reservations for a summertime Colorado River raft trip, where an up close and personal experience with the scenery is possible.

While winter excursions to the region can be incredible, after the snows melt in spring and summer months the landscape is dotted with wildflowers and the river swells to its world-class white water conditions. For your average thrill-seeker, this is the time of year that the local authorities recommend actually getting down to the base of the gorge, where millions of years of geologic history is written and the river rushes by. Most companies offer Grand Canyon rafting from April through September, providing an unmatched experience on the water. However, the beauty of the area can be experienced in any season, and off-season wintertime travels to the four-corners region can feel like the majesty of the vista is all just for you.

There are a few things to consider when planning a winter trip to northern Arizona and southern Colorado. Pack warm, because while there is usually plenty of sunshine, temperatures can get pretty low and a snowstorm can hit any time. That being the case, be prepared for driving delays due to inclement weather, and pack water, some food, and extreme cold weather protection in case you get sidelined in the car for a few hours or a few days. Also, while winter is definitely the slow season at the park, the holidays can get pretty busy, so visitors wanting to celebrate during the holidays will need to book reservations as much as a year in advance. And remember that while Colorado observes daylight savings time, Arizona does not, which is important when setting up appointments and reservations with local outfitters and lodging. While white water rafting the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the region has a lot to offer year-round. Enjoy a winter wonderland at one of our national park treasures.

by: Stephen Daniels

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