Community Forums

DryCreek · 12-25-2017, 08:09 PM

OK, I'm committed to a Grand Canyon visit in 2018. What is the best time of year to go? I understand that summer can be quite hectic and more expensive. What about early spring (March, April, May)? I would like to avoid icy/snowy weather. Cold nights and cool days are fine.

We would be departing from Central Texas. I am looking to make it to Albuquerque NM on the first days travel (estimating 10+ hrs.?), spend a day exploring ABNM, and then head on out to Williams. I think that we will be staying at Railside RV Ranch. They seem to have good reviews, look to be pet-friendly, and have a free shuttle to the Grand Canyon Railroad Depot. Our plan is to take the train into the national park one day, and then spend the next day either revisiting the park or exploring Williams and its surrounding area. After that we will start heading back home - return route not set in stone yet. I am open to suggestions that are somewhat along the way.

Our travel rig is a 2006 Winnebago Sightseer 29R (a 30' Class A, gas) pulling a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Total rig length of 45'. Average hwy speed of 62 mph.

twogypsies · 12-25-2017, 09:01 PM

March, April, May would be good times to visit. However, why don't you stay in the park itself at Trailer Village within walking distance to the Rim? The free shuttle also stops right there. It would give you more time to explore the park if that's your main destination. That's a very short trip, unfortunately.

Vw triker · 12-25-2017, 09:16 PM

Its hot in June!!!! I spent the night here before going into the grand canyon.....Simpsons market , 465 Highway 89, Cameron, AZ 86020..full hook ups .I think I paid about $20.00.....place to eat and sleep , deli next door, get you ready for the final leg into the canyon. Keep in mind that you are on the reservation, I think.anyway, I spent the night there, nice and quite, no frills.

lancslad · 12-25-2017, 09:28 PM

We visited gc in june 2016. We stayed at Williams and drove the toad to the canyon. Parking was ok, and cheap since we have the nps free park pass. We used the shuttle buses to visit the overlooks to the west and then , after lunch, we drove the toad to the east overlooks. I dont think there is any time its not crowded, there are people there from every country.
We looked at the train from Williams, but decided it was not that cost effective or exciting enough. It also limited the time at the canyon, which we had decided to do in 1 day.
We also visited the North rim on that same trip, its a lot less crowded and just as impressive.

Enjoy your trip.

lancslad · 12-25-2017, 09:50 PM

We stayed at the Canyon motel and rv park just off I40. Enjoyed our stay. Good flat sites and plenty of space.

Busskipper · 12-25-2017, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

March, April, May would be good times to visit. However, why don't you stay in the park itself at Trailer Village within walking distance to the Rim? The free shuttle also stops right there. It would give you more time to explore the park if that's your main destination. That's a very short trip, unfortunately.

^^^^^

^^^^^

Likely you will need a reservation if near a weekend.

Best of Luck,

TOM356C · 12-25-2017, 10:00 PM

If you are of age,purchase senior pass. Good at any National park as far as I know and I believe it is a 1 time money outlay.

tucsonrv · 12-25-2017, 10:06 PM

We stayed in the Trailer Village in early May two different times and you walk to the bus stop and ride everywhere free 24/7. Vehicle parking is few and far between.

Sneelock · 12-25-2017, 11:46 PM

Here's another thought if you're at all interested in boondocking : there's a nice area just outside the GC boundary but still the National Forest about four tenths of a mile off the South rim road. We stayed there for several days in our older 36 foot DP in mid March 2016. Let know if you're interested and I'll give more exact directions and details.

Wherever you end up staying take the time to see as much as possible including a trip to the bottom if it's open and you're up to it.

Unplanned Tourist · 12-26-2017, 12:02 AM

We have been twice in April. Lucky to get beds in Phantom Ranch on stand-by the second time. Bad weather spooked someone I guess, as we had snow in Flagstaff the day before we arrived. Nice day time temps on top then, but getting warm down in the bottom.
Have a great trip, and spend a couple extra days checking out the area.
It truly is a fantastic place.
Happy Glamping.

WBandJ · 12-26-2017, 03:04 AM

The Grand Canyon Railroad was one of the most memorable days we have experienced. If you opt for the lunch, you do not get much time to see the canyon. We also stayed at the Railside RV Ranch and spent the evenings exploring Williams.

ArmandV · 12-26-2017, 07:24 AM

I stayed at Trailer Village last month and enjoyed it. The weather was good but a little chilly at night.

Reservations are necessary. The earlier you make them, the better.

777 Driver · 12-26-2017, 07:45 AM

You might consider the much less visited, but, equally spectacular North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Here's a link to a website that offers pros and cons of North vs. South Rim visits: https://grandcanyon.com/category/pla...-rim-planning/

The general suggestion is for first-time visitors to visit the South Rim. Much more tourist oriented. Many repeat visitors prefer the North Rim. Much less busy.

The North Rim is, IIRC, about 1,000' higher elevation and the single access road is closed for snow until May 15th.

Take care,
Stu

Dave1956 · 12-26-2017, 07:53 AM

If at all possible, stay inside the park for a few days and use the shuttle or bikes. They have done a great job with cycling trails and shuttles. We just left 10 days ago and really prefer it in the fall. We stayed at American RV resort in Albuquerque west of town on 40 and found it to be clean and easy.