Welcome to Grand Canyon where we have snow on opening day at the North Rim on May 15th, 2015. Last year it was in the 90s.
Thursday, the day before opening, it was bitter cold with rain, snow, hail and graupel. All our staff had the day off and I stayed inside all day. After a brief morning view the canyon was nonexistent as fog and clouds filled the great abyss.
Woke up Friday to a blanket of white but that didn’t slow down our visitors much. They came in droves wondering when and if they’d see the canyon. Rangers just hate the “When will it stop?” question. But really, most everyone was just happy to be at Grand Canyon.
If they have patience, and watch the canyon fog it will drift in and out providing window views that provide the most spectacular show.
I’m sure there were a few cancellations at the Lodge and campground especially. One woman camping in a tent asked if there is a shelter to block the wind so she could cook dinner. Sadly there is not. People arrive with shorts and T-shirts only expecting all of Arizona a desert. I’ll bet a lot of sweatshirts and jackets were sold.
Opening day is really big for rim to rim hikers. I spoke to many who said it rained on them the last seven miles up from Cottonwood camp and the trail was a muddy mess.
I gave my first Condor talk of the season in the afternoon, quickly scanning my notes beforehand. After 6 months gone I always feel like I’ve forgotten everything. Although I had to check for one date, when I opened my mouth it just all fell out.
Saturday started off with a thick sky.
When I left for work in the morning the trees wore a frosty coat. But the sun worked hard to break through and it was drippy all day.
At the lodge clouds drifted in and out of the canyon.
By afternoon the view was clear with fantastic clouds sliding over the canyon and the snow was gone except for the distant peaks.
And the sunset was divine, although a little cluttered in the foreground which is part of my Imax window’s view. All in all, a magical start to the 2015 season with snow on opening day at the North Rim Grand Canyon.
In my younger years, I worked summers in Yosemite. People asked the darnedest questions, and I see those people are still asking those questions. Honestly, where does it say the Park Service has wind blocks for tenters? Or answers to such things as “When do you let the bears out?”
The funniest one I heard so far at Grand Canyon is: “Who mows the meadows?” Just part of what makes being a Ranger different every day.
What beautiful pictures of the “weather” at the canyon. LOL that they think you can tell them when it will stop. Are people really that dumb? SIGH…..
Rain or snow they always want to know. Thank goodness most visitors aren’t that dumb.
A cold but beautiful start to the season! We had a very windy start to the season here and last night it went below freezing, the rest of the week should be nice though.
I have no sympathy for any tourist that doesn’t pay attention to the weather and dresses like they think it will be like rather than what it will be like.
Ruth
Snow finally melted but still below freezing over night. I guess being a planner it’s hard to understand how people can travel so unprepared… Hope you have a good season.
What a beautiful area – you’re so lucky to work there!
It sure is and I sure am.
Missing the North Rim. Prefer a little snow to all this rain.
Miss you at the North Rim.
Your photos are wonderful! We’re looking forward to seeing it person soon.
Look forward to your visit. Let me know if you need RV parking.
A magical day indeed (except maybe for those tenters in shorts and tshirts). I have to admit that in my past I’ve had to buy a few emergency sweatshirts, several hats, and once a pair of long pants at various gift shops … not a great use of $$ when you are young and broke. (And apparently I’ve always had a slow learning curve — I should have learned the first time).
I’ve been a “be prepared” girl scout all my life and usually carry way too many extra clothes. Mama taught me well.
Great report on the opening day. Liked the photos, too. Twenty years ago, we were at Phantom Ranch in July, with temps around 115*. Two days later we were in Silverton, CO in a snow storm. The shops there were doing a booming business on jackets and sweatshirts. We did our part to help the local economy, along with learning to carry all types of clothing while traveling the West.
Phantom is supposed to be a mild 81 today. July you’d not catch me there.
I get speechless when I see these beautiful photos. Hope it’s a great season
Many stand at the canyon rim with jaw dropped, including myself.
I can’t believe another season for you. I’m not into complaining much about the weather myself. Unless their are tornadoes near then I might whine a little bit as I pound on the door of our safe spot for Heather to let me in.
It snowed a little yesterday. I don’t want to complain as we need the moisture, but I’m already tired of being cold.
Love seeing your photos of the Canyon in any weather, Gaelyn. “Graupel” is one of Mary’s and my favorite words!
Thanks Barb. I like the word graupel more than it falling. 😉
I remember on 1 of our visits – in April – we absolutely froze only having light jackets with us. We bought sweatshirts as we had reservations for the mule trip and needed some warmth. I believe lit was on that trip that Abi and I swore we would never again travel without a warm weather jacket because you just never know, and now we always have them with us when we travel, or at the very least a sweater – you know cuz when you go somewhere like Hawaii, you don’t need your cold weather gear! 😉
I always travel with clothes for warm and cold weather. It’s the girl scout in me.