Planning trip to Grand Canyon in November

I agree it can definitely get chilly at night by the Grand Canyon in November. If you need to warm up and have some extra time, come down to Phoenix.

We were there in late October a few years ago -- great time to go to the south rim. Chilly, breezy, long shadows due to the sun angle, great light for photography. If you can wake up early enough, the sunrises are wonderful, as are the sunsets. (No need to wake up early for the sunsets, unless you keep very strange hours.)

Also, the stars are terrific, especially if you go when there is no moon.

Temps will be on the cold side. Lived in Flagstaff for 5 years and had snow for Thanksgiving every year. The roads will normally be cleared in a reasonable time. Drop down off the rim to Sedona--Camp Verde area if you want warmer temps.

Make sure you research the proper equipment for towing on snow and ice, as well as laws in each state regarding that. They may not be the same.

I visited the GC the week between Christmas and New Years a few years ago and camped at a KOA in Williams AZ outside the park. It was cold at night and a little cool during the day, but comfortable for walking around. I learned to drain the water hose at night on that trip. The park itself was nice with very little snow, but be cautious of the trails; I chose one that was a little icy so it was a slow hike down and back. As mentioned before, be flexible and watch the weather. With the altitude changes in the area, if its snowing in Williams or Flagstaff, Winslow to the east or Phoenix to the south (on 17) should be clear of snow.

Williams has a train that goes into the park and at that time of the year its a Christmas themed Polar Express type ride. I have ridden the train on an October trip, but I had a train and hotel deal so I was not in the trailer on that trip. The train ride was pretty fun, but watch out for the train robbers on the return trip!

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

tonymull wrote:
Expect it to be chilly and the wind blows there all the time. With a little luck you can miss the snow. Go prepared. Flagstaff is a good staging area in case you have to wait for a break in the weather.

Oh yes, the WIND - WOW.

The folks that had flown in from California and Vegas, they were in so much pain. On Christmas day at the main visitors center, so many people in yoga pants and chic North Face wind breakers, facing a 30+ mph wind from the North in 15°F temps. I could almost feel sorry for them :)

I had heavy denim jeans on, a full length winter parka with a sweater under it, wool scarf wrapped around my face and neck, wool beanie, wool mittens, and by my side a dog that looked like he's from Game of Thrones. Oh, boots with YakTrax too. Some areas were salted, but a lot of areas had plenty of ice.

A few days later, it was in the 40s again, much nicer for walking around.

Expect it to be chilly and the wind blows there all the time. With a little luck you can miss the snow. Go prepared. Flagstaff is a good staging area in case you have to wait for a break in the weather.

North side likely will not be open in November, it's high elevation and gets plenty of snow.

The south side will be fine. The full hookup CG inside the park may or may not have water. It was turned off when I visited this past December.

Weather was fine in Arizona, Nevada, California... however New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma were having a rough time of it. Interstate 40 was closed on/off a few times in NM, TX and OK. I ended up heading from Santa Fe to Denver to pick up I 70 to head east again.

All in all, don't worry about it, just resist the urge to plan everything down to the minute, likewise I wouldn't bother with reservations. The weather will test you, so you'll need to be patient, flexible and self sufficient... I advise a generator, and at least three 20# propane bottles.

kimsfa wrote:
Hi - new to all of this - planning to pick up our new (to us) travel trailer tomorrow and trying to plan a trip to Grand Canyon in November. We are getting a 2008 Jayco Jay Feather 25' and want to see the sights on our way out and back. We will be traveling from South Florida west. We know it's probably not the best time of year but the only time we can go.....Any hints, tips and suggestions are appreciated!

Weather! Weather! Start checking the weather a month before you depart. Have a plan "B" set up. I prefer the north side of th GC