Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon East National Park

I am a travel freak, and I have traveled to a lot of places around the world. Since I am an Indian I started my traveling journey from India, every part of India has been covered. Even the remote areas that you won’t find on maps. 

I am taking a break now, and right now I am at my aunt’s place, who happens to live in the United States. A week ago we visited the Grand Canyon East National park and now I am convinced that it is a well-known national park in The United States. 

The place attracts millions of visitors every year, people from all over the globe come to see the mile-deep canyon that is 227 miles along with Northern Arizona. If you are interested in visiting the Grand Canyon East you should plan what you are going to do there, I mean like hiking, water rafting, or camping. 

Apart from sightseeing, these activities are offered. And all of them depend mostly on the weather, so you also have to choose the right best time. 

In this article, I will be giving you all the information and experience that I have gathered about Grand Canyon East National Park. Stay tuned. 

The another national park is Kentucky National Parks In USA.

Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon East

The Canyon is divided into the North, South, West, and East rim. Here are some short details about them. 

South Rim

It is located in the Grand Canyon East National Park and is considered to be the most beautiful side of the park. The south rim attracts 90% of the tourists.

The right time to visit South Rim is September, so pack some warm clothes. 

North Rim

Though not as beautiful as the south rim, people do visit that site too. The north side is known for hiking trails. So hikers, mark it. There is a large terrace overlooking the Canyon.

The best time is early summer. The place is less crowded than the south rim, therefore during the peak season, the place can be visited. The North Rim is always going to be the cooler side of the Grand Canyon East . 

West Rim 

The west side has become famous because of its skywalk. The skywalk and Havasupai waterfalls are located there. 

The perfect time to visit the Westside is Spring of course as a whitewater rafting trip, that mostly departs from the west rim

East Rim 

The east side is not much, though it has Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend that is now slowly becoming infamous. 

Summer is going to be the best time to visit the East rim, but the summer is pleasant there. 

Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon East National Park

Here I am going to tell you the overall time that is suitable to visit the Grand Canyon East , National Park. You can also go here for solo travel. 

Spring (March to May) 

Spring and Fall are known as the ‘shoulder seasons’ and are the best time to visit the Grand Canyon East . During this season the crowds are less and the temperature as well. 

Advantages

• The moderate temperature is suitable for hiking. The temperature gets high in the daytime on the South rim range about 50 to 60 degrees. The West Rim gets high about 70 to 80 degrees. 
• The peak season is suitable to visit because the crowd gets thinner.
• There is almost no rain during the fall.
• This season is the season when the wildflower blooms in the South and North rims, though it varies on the participation that falls in winter, still the view is something to hold onto. 

Disadvantages 

• At night it gets cold with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s.
• The weather is always going to surprise you with late rains and snowfall. 
• The North Rim can be visited even when it’s snowing.

Packing For Spring 

Springs are unpredictable weather therefore here I made this list of clothes that you should carry 

• A pair of shorts.
• T-shirts.
• Pants.
• Sweaters that don’t make you feel too hot. 
• Scarf and hat.
• Comfortable shoes, if you’re hiking.
• Sunglasses and sunscreens must.
• A water bottle that can be reused.

Summer ( May-August)

Your children are having their summer vacation, which makes a family trip to the Grand Canyon East. Be careful this season is the hottest and the crowdest.

Advantages 

• Summer is good for making plans with family, without letting the children cut school. 
• Sunny days are enjoyable while exploring the Grand Canyon East National Park.
• Tourism companies are everywhere and many activities emerge due to the increasing crowd. 
• The North Rims stay open! The temperature is cooler than the other parts of the national park. 

Disadvantages 

• The summer season is full of activities, even booking lodging gets tough, but if you are there do not quite like the crowd. Visit the North Rim instead. 
• Daytime temperature can be very hot in the South Rim and even hotter in the West Rim, and within the Canyon, it’s basically boiling.
• Sun causes sunburns, therefore, applying sunscreen is a must. Even in the breezy days too. 
• If you are hiking, there are chances of you becoming dehydrated.
• Heavy rainstorms will appear but won’t stay for long.

Packing For Summer 

• Tank top.
• Long-sleeved tee.
• Shorts.
• Pants.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Shoes and socks.
• Waterproof sandals.
• Sunscreen and shades.
• A hat.
• water bottle.

Autumn (September-November)

This season is like spring, with less crowd and smooth weather. 

Advantages 

• During the daytime, the temperature starts to cool down and at night gets very cold.
• Kids get back to school, therefore fewer crowds.
• The Autumn Foliage beats nothing.
• The sunset is beautiful and fast as the days are becoming shorter.

Disadvantages 

• The disadvantages are exactly the same with the spring season. 

Packing For Autumn

• T-shirts.
• Shorts.
• Pants.
• Light sweeter.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Scarf.
• Comfortable shoes.
• Anti sun cosmetics and accessories.
• water bottle.

Winter (December- February) 

Winter has the rumor to obstruct views but the fewer crowds and a snow-covered Canyon can be a peaceful time to visit.

Advantages 

• Crowds are almost not here, here you have the chance to take the perfect photo and can book a  hotel if you wish to spend the night there. 
• Hotel deals are easier to find and cheaper.
• South Rim stays open because winter is good for hiking.

Disadvantages 

• Snow in winter can delay travel and makes it difficult to hike. 
• The days during the winter become very cold and even colder at night. If you want to get warm head to the West Rim.
• The North Rim is closed.

Packing For Winter

• Thermal inner
• Long-sleeved t-shirt 
• Sweater
• Warm pants
• Parka
• Gloves
• Winter caps
• Waterproof boots 
• Sunscreen and glasses must.

Accommodations 

1. Phantom Ranch

This place will offer you to stay below the rim, inside the Grand Canyon East . It has dorms for each gender, 5 beds, and a shared bathroom. Dorms are for hikers only. 

It also has cabins that hold 10 people, with bedding.

2. Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins

This place is in the Grand Canyon East Village. 

It has cabins, with necessary things but cannot be booked online.

3. El Tovar Hotel 

It is located on the Rim. 78 rooms are available and 12 suits. Each room has its own decor. It is the only hotel in the village that offers room service, room dining. 

4. Yavapai Lodge 

It is the largest lodge in the park situated half a mile from the Rim. Yavapai Lodge can give you rooms on short notice though.

All the rooms on the east side are air-conditioned and the west side has rooms that are pet friendly.  

You can also visit: 10 Best Things To Do In Navarre Beach,Florida

Conclusion 

So, there you go with all the information about the Grand Canyon East National Park. After reading the article I am sure that you are now with plenty of information to visit the place.

My sisters and I enjoyed a lot in the National Park, my uncle is a hiker, and so am I. We enjoyed a long hike in the North Rim. The place is pretty beautiful to watch, especially the sunset.

I hope you will find it beautiful too, and my article will be of no waste. 

Leave a comment below in the comment section and share with me your experience. 

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