Winter is the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim as you don’t have to fight the crowds. Plus the Hermit Road is open to personal vehicle traffic while during summer it’s shuttle bus only or a special permit.
You can also walk the rim trail west from the hotels and gift shops for 8 miles to Hermits Rest. But I only had two hours between Sunday’s speakers from the History Symposium and a field trip to see some of Grand Canyon’s historic boat collection.
I did not stay at the El Tovar but have enjoyed a few drinks on the porch overlooking the canyon. My accommodations at Yavapai West provided comfortable amenities and no canyon view, but was within walking distance of shuttle bus stops and the Shrine of Ages where the symposium was held.
I drove out the Hermit Road to look longingly across canyon at the North Rim, my summer home. Looking down into Bright Angel Canyon I heard the trail call my name.
Interpretive signs help put the view into perspective, or at least provide names for what you’re looking at.
Sometimes I get disoriented looking at the North Rim from the South Rim. Like Wotons Throne (in center), I typically see from the plateau’s point to the left at Cape Royal. I look forward to returning there in the spring.
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great shots! 🙂
Wow, it almost looks like it could be summer there! Does it feel that way, too?
Man O Man O Man…
I NEVER get tired of looking at the Grand Canyon… how beautiful!
~shoes~
i am itching for another road trip to your beautiful canyon! love the white fluff mixing with the amazing colors! gorgeous…!!!
It's always so strange to me looking at the canyon rim. My intellect knows that this is a CANYON but my warped brain keeps wondering why there is a flat line when I'm looking at mountains. But I do love looking at your photos.
(Ms.) Ernie
I do love the Canyon and wish I could go visit again — it's been a while! Your photos are the next best thing, Gaelyn! So much breathtaking beauty!! Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia
The more I see of the Grand Canyon on your posts the more I would love to see it first hand. I don't think that will ever happen though, so I will continue enjoying it through you eyes. Thanks. Diane
I spent an afternoon at the North Rim once. It was too short a time. You should really need to go down into the canyon. Love your shots. 🙂
Wonderful photos. Can't wait to get back to the Canyon.
Thanks for these amazing snow-dusted photos, Gaelyn. I hiked down Bright Angel and came up Hermits when we did our 7 day backpack. Brings back memories. I remember taking the shuttle to the showers and sharing a bag of quarters with my friends for our first hot wash in a week.
I have enjoyed that trail several times and each time it seems like a new trail. I always hike to Hermits Rest and shuttle back to the VC. I can never get enough of that wonderful trail. Thanks for the winter time view; yes, it seems quite peaceful and solitary compared to summer.
I look forward to your comments on the Symposium when you get time. Meanwhile, enjoy the Canyon!
I've been to the south rim a couple times and it has been a zoo. The winter time sounds like a much better time to visit.
I enjoyed looking at your beautiful winter views of the Grand Canyon. It is such a majestic landscape. El Tovar must have had a nice big fire going in their big lobby fireplace!
How special it must have been to visit the South Rim in the winter! Great shots.
Breathtaking! That's why its called one of the great wonders!
Many times I have visited but on a tour bus. I want to to someday do it on our own driving!
What wonderful everyday views. We all should be so fortunate.
Regarding your question on my blog with the baby goat. Yes all kinds of animals at one time or another get to come in the house. I've had baby piggies in the kitchen and chickens and lambs and once years ago my eldest brought her pony up the front stairs and into the front room. All in a days works—LOL.
MB
I've never even been there but I can hear it call my name.
The colors do look different in the winter…and that little touch of snow…
No wonder Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
How amazing to see the Grand Canyon with snow. Great photos!
You are so kind to share these photos with us!
I love traveling this way!!!
Cheers from Cottage Country!
I recognize the views and they are as spectacular in winter as in the fall. But I am sure there is quite the windchill in spite of the warm-looking sun.
It's so beautiful in the winter.