Community Forums

JoePut · 08-28-2012, 06:48 PM

We are planing a trip to the Grand Canyon in Nov and Dec
Where would be a good place to stay for a mo. or so

**CLIFFTALL** · 08-28-2012, 06:51 PM

We stayed here in June. http://www.thetrain.com/

twogypsies · 08-28-2012, 07:36 PM

Nov/Dec are very bad months to visit. It will be bitter cold and snow is very possible. October or Feb/March/April would be ideal. I assume you're thinking of the South Rim because the North Rim will definitely be closed at that time. The very best place to stay is INSIDE the park at Trailer Village campground. You'll be practically at the rim itself. It has full hookups and the free shuttle bus will pick you up right outside the campground. You can ride it all day long, getting on and off wherever you want. It's very enjoyable and convenient.

OldChief7155 · 08-29-2012, 04:19 AM

Hey Joe,

X2 on cold. The south rim is around 7,000 feet above sea level. The north around 8,000 and will be closed. We stayed there years ago in the hotel and it was extremely cold in Feb.

X2 on Trailer Village but doubt they'll have water turned onstage the sites.

Take lots if extra batteries for your electric long johns as you'll need them!

doc · 08-29-2012, 07:35 AM

twp months in the bitter cold?

Much braver than me!!

Trailer Village is close to the rim and a few shops etc. In about 3 days we had enough of the GC - but we were enroute to LasVegas and did not tow a car with us - had to rely on the buses in the park. Slow way to get around.

Gadget63 · 08-29-2012, 07:50 AM

I would rethink the canyon in the winter. Try a lower elevation

40GnTX · 08-29-2012, 08:43 AM

My wife and I visited The Grand Canyon last December and had a great time. I was hesitant about taking our rig into the park because of weather. So, we parked our MH at the RV park associated with Grand Canyon Railway - The Official Site and drove our Jeep up to the park. We stayed at El Tovar and really enjoyed it. In hindsight, we would not have had any problems taking our MH into the park. However, I have to say the views from El Tovar are incredible and it was a cool experience staying at such a great hotel.

Couple of things to remember -

1. Only some of the buses run that time of year - We walked about five miles thinking the we could just hop on the bus to get back to the hotel only to find out the loop we were on was closed for buses. LOL Our five mile hike became 10 very quickly!

2. Take water with you!! Especially when your 5 mile hike turns into 10 miles

3. The views of the Canyon covered in snow were great! However, there will be parts of the park that you won't be able to access. For example - Bright Angel Trail (the trail was covered with ice)

All in all, I think its a great time to visit the park. You will find that there are no where the crowds that you will find in summer. Its almost as if you have the park to yourself. I happen to like cold weather, so I was in hog heaven with the temps (averaged mid 20's early am rising to high 30's in afternoon). We saw a lot of wildlife that we haven't seen in summer and that was really awesome.

mikelm48 · 08-29-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

We stayed here in June. Grand Canyon Railway - The Official Site

I agree with the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. We stayed there last week. It is very nice and also a Passport America park. You can get half price for 7 days. Walking distance to the train.

Gadget63 · 08-29-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

We stayed here in June. Grand Canyon Railway - The Official Site

We were there in June also. Probably shared the ride up to the canyon on the train with you.

**CLIFFTALL** · 08-29-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadget63

We were there in June also. Probably shared the ride up to the canyon on the train with you.

We were there from the 5th to 12th and took our toad up to the Canyon.

Gadget63 · 08-29-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

We were there from the 5th to 12th and took our toad up to the Canyon.

we were there about the same time too. no toad yet so we took that train ride. was a great experience even if a little pricey

Scarab0088 · 08-29-2012, 07:37 PM

After years of always visiting the Grand Canyon in summer at the south rim, we took a shot in the dark and visited the north rim in the winter...it was like having the park all to ourselves.

Having visited Zion the day before, it was an easy 1 day drive...so we thought "what the heck, it's worth a try."

We dropped the TT and entered from the north on 67. On our way into the park a wolf ran across the roadway right infront of us! The park at the canyon rim was open, fee free and empty.

After spending a few hours there, we had to hit the road due to our schedule, but we are planning to do it again and will plan to stay overnight where we can find room.

We are able to Boondock so our plans might not fit a majority of campers, but it was INCREADIBLE to see the canyon like that - quiet - covered in snow - and crowd free!