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03-07-2012, 02:24 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lodi Ca Zinfandel Capital
Posts: 151
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Grand Canyon
We are trying to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon. I am pretty familiar with Arizona and the weather but would like some input on what month to go
and an rv park to stay nearby. This time of year the cg's will be full of
snowbirds and could be difficult? North or south rim? Any input would be appreciated. We will be towing a toad.
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Bill & Donna Rowe 04 36' Rexair DP
Max & Abby (mini dachs)
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03-08-2012, 05:27 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Full-timers - Home is where we park it.
Posts: 4,722
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We have been to the Grand Canyon in May a couple of times. The weather is plenty warm, but the huge summer crowds have not yet arrived. We were able to get reservations right in the park at Trailer Village only a few months in advance. I highly recommend staying in the park if you can. Trailer Village is only a few minutes from the rim.
We have been to both the north and south rims. The north rim is less crowded, and many of the formations are closer to the north rim. However, we like the south rim better because we think the lighting for viewing the canyon is better with the sun at your back as you look north.
I don't think anywhere near the GC is snowbird country - too high an elevation, and therefore too cold. The AZ snowbirds are quite a bit farther south in Phoenix, Yuma and Tucson.
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03-08-2012, 05:53 AM
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#3
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Community Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 53,432
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We went to the CG in July. Don't know if it's the same as Yellowstone, but we reserved Yellowstone in May and that was for the 21st ( the day they opened). There was ice on the road going up so they kept us at the gate for 2 hours. I don't know what day they open, however I agree you won't run into snow birds. Snow maybe, but no birds.
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Cliff,Tallulah and Buddy ( 1999-2012 )
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03-08-2012, 06:57 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,529
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If you google "Grand Canyon" on this site, there should be days worth of reading...
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Hal & Ginny Miller '04 Beaver Santiam PRT40
'04 Saturn Vue - US Gear Brake - Blue Ox tow
3"girls" (2 Irish Setters - 1 Retriever) - RIP Annie & Emily (12/26/2017)
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03-08-2012, 07:00 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 792
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If the park is full Williams Ariz. is a nice place to stay. Grand Canyon Railway has a new & very nice RV park.
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2011 Itasca Suncruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
MSgt retired USAF 1988, AA retired 2005
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03-08-2012, 08:36 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lodi Ca Zinfandel Capital
Posts: 151
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Thanks for the replies. will look further on this site.
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Bill & Donna Rowe 04 36' Rexair DP
Max & Abby (mini dachs)
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03-08-2012, 08:45 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Mcdonough, Ga.
Posts: 5,927
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We went to both rims in late Sept. The weather was great. We stayed at Williams to see the south rim. It is only a drive of about 50 miles from Williams to the rim. From Williams it is a short drive to Sedona. Sedona is a don't miss.
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1998 Pace Arrow 35 ft. F53 Ford V10 2014 Honda CRV toad
32 years mechanic at Delta Air Lines 15 year motorhome service manager. 3 popups....2 travel trailers....5 motorhomes....loved them all.
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03-08-2012, 08:47 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,692
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We have been there both in May and mid September when the crowds have died down. It's still busy but as bad as peak season. As far as campgrounds I would google campgrounds in and around the canyon. The park campgrounds are pretty tight for manuevering with limited ammentities. Never been to the North side yet but that's in the plans for the next time out.
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Steve & Sally / Hudson Our Little Pom / Heidi, Houston & HiTee Forever in our Hearts
04 NEWMAR MACA 3778 W22 / 05 PT Vert
Michigan (Summer) Michigan (Winter For Now)
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03-08-2012, 10:36 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
National RV Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,581
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We have stayed on both sides of the Canyon. Dry camping the north side. The north is a much higher elevation than the south rim. There is a government campground on the south rim and as mentioned Williams is a good choice. Williams has RV parks & restaurants if you need those. One of the RV parks in Williams is tied in with the train that goes to the canyon and there is/was a significant discount in the RV park if you also buy the train ride. Which was fun but may not allow sufficient time to really explore the south rim area.
Safe Travels
Bob
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Bob & Sandi, dogs Tasha a Frenchie and Tiki a Skipperkey
SW OREGON 2005 34 foot DolphinLX
If towing: a bright red 2016 Mini Cooper on a tow dolly.
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03-08-2012, 11:02 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northridge, Ca
Posts: 751
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We have stayed at Circle of Pines KOA in Williams a few times and find it lovely. Previously we would stay at GC KOA just to the north, but it was distroyed in a fire some years ago. We find Williams to be a good base camp, about 45 minutes from the South rim, 15 min from Flagstaff, close to Sedona, nice for a trip to the crator and volcanic area. Circle of Pines is far enough off the freeway to be quiet yet close enough for easy access. Lots of trees and large spots. We stayed close to the rim our first trip, many years ago, in the town just outside the park. The helicopter noise was unbelievable and the traffic was extreme. Next trip, probably next year when the grandkids will appreciate it, will be back to the KOA.
Happy trails.
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03-08-2012, 05:52 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,083
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the road to the north rim does not open till may 15th weather permitting.
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03-13-2012, 12:31 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Enjoying the Western States!
Posts: 19,680
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With our 40' motorhome we stayed at DeMotte national forest campground for the North Rim. It's just outside the park entrance. Sept/October is beautiful there. There's also a lot of boondocking near DeMotte campground with very easy access. We like the North Rim because it's a lot less hectic and more relaxing. There are some nice trails.
For the South Rim we've gone in February, March and May and have stayed at Ten-X national forest campground just outside the South Rim entrance and Desert View campground within the park at the east entrance. If you need hookups Trailer Village within the South Rim area is your best bet. Williams is too far away and if you take the train from Williams you only have a few hours in the park before returning. If you're there to see the Grand Canyon, we would recommend you stay IN the park for the best experience. We would also recommend you walk down Bright Angel Trail, if only for a very short distance. You will get a great perspective of the canyon. If you stay in the park they have a great shuttle service to all the view points. You just get on and off wherever you want. Have a great trip.
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Full-timed for 16 Years . . .
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Diesel
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th wheel
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