10 Things You Need to Know About Visiting the Grand Canyon in the Fall

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon this fall? Here’s everything you need to know, from where to stay to the best places to dine! Check it out!

Planning a Grand Canyon fall vacation? Here’s everything you need to know, from where to stay to the best places to dine! Check it out!

According to the U.S. News & World Report Travel section, autumn is the best time of the year to visit the Grand Canyon. The obvious reason? Fewer tourists! During the summer, the Canyon is packed with families on vacation. Winter, on the other hand, is a no-go because the Canyon “closes” after the first snowfall. Sure, you can still look at it from scenic overlooks, but you can’t really get down into it. Fall is the sweet spot between overcrowding and overly cold. If you’re planning a trip, here is your ultimate Grand Canyon fall visiting guide!

Grand Canyon Fall Visiting Guide

 

OVERVIEW

If you have never been to the Grand Canyon, then you are missing out on one of the most popular and most beautiful National Parks in the United States. Located in the Northern area of Arizona, the Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River, over about 6 million years. Here are a few facts about the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and between 4-8 miles wide. In 2016, there were 5.97 million visitors to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon National Park is set on 1,217,403.32 acres.

WHERE TO STAY

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  1. Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn– The Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn is located on Highway 64, in Tusayan. The inn features 318 rooms and features 3 on-site restaurants, lounge, bowling alley and arcade.
  2. Grand Canyon Camper Village– The Grand Canyon Camper Village is a privately-owned campground, on Highway 64, in Tusayan. The campground features RV and tent sites, along with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. The campground is open year-round.
  3. Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel– The Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel is located on Canyon Plaza Lane, in Tusayan. The pet-friendly hotel offers 3 room choices: Deluxe Double Room, Deluxe King Room and 1-Bedroom Suite with 2 Queens. Room amenities include in-room coffee, Wi-Fi access and premium cable channels.
  4. Red Feather Lodge– The Red Feather Lodge is located on State Route 64, in Tusayan. There are pet-friendly rooms available, an on-site restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Room choices include 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed, while suite choices include One-Room or 1-Bedroom.

WHAT TO DO

  1. Cape Final Hiking Trail– The Cape Final Hiking Trail is located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which offers panoramic views of the Eastern Side of the Canyon. The trail is a 4-mile, 2-hour trip round-trip. This free hike can be done from the middle of May through the middle of October.
  2. Grand Canyon Railway– The Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams, Arizona train station and heads towards the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Entrance. The trip is 130 miles, 4 hours and 30 minutes round-trip. Along the way, train passengers get amazing views of Arizona’s high country. Prices vary according to the package you choose, but prices range from $65 to $219 per adult and $29 to $149 per child.
  3. Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk Tour– The Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk Tour combine a 90-minute open-air 4X4 ride along with a 90-minute walk. The safari ride features a tour guide that details the folklore, geology and history of the area. The ride takes riders through the Kaibab National Forest to the Grand Canyon Village, where the guide walking tour begins. Rates are $94 per adult and $79 per child.
  4. Hermit Road Shuttle Bus Tour– The Hermit Road Shuttle Bus Tour is a free tour, along Hermit Road, with access to several scenic overlooks, like Powell Memorial, Pima Point and The Abyss. The tour stars at the Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest (with stops at 9 overlooks) and back (with stops at 4 overlooks).

WHERE TO EAT

  1. Arizona Room– The Arizona Room is located in the Bright Angel Lodge and serves lunch and dinner, featuring cuisine inspired by Arizona and the Southwest. Their lunch menu includes Free Range Bison & Arizona Beef Chili and BBQ Brisket Sandwich, while their dinner menu includes Arizona Shrimp Scampi and Arizona Grown Ribeye Steak.
  2. El Tovar Dining Room– The El Tovar Dining Room is located in the El Tovar Hotel, is constructed from Oregon pine and native stone and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast menu includes Sonoran Style Eggs with Beef Chorizo and Chef’s House Made Quiche. Their lunch menu features El Tovar House Salad and Traditional Navajo Taco, while their dinner menu includes Pan-Seared Halibut and Eggplant Napoleon.

Remember that the temperatures fluctuate quite a bit in the Grand Canyon during the fall. Make sure you pack a variety of clothes that you can layer up as the temps drop. Check the weather forecast to get an idea of what temps you’ll be looking at during your stay. Already, the temperatures are dropping into the 30s at night.

Have you ever gone to the Grand Canyon in the fall? Can you think of any other tips to include here? Share below!

 

7 thoughts on “10 Things You Need to Know About Visiting the Grand Canyon in the Fall”

  1. I have never been there. But this looks like a great place to visit and to explore. Will definitely check this grand canyon.

  2. I didn’t even realize that it snowed in the Grand Canyon! You don’t really associate snow with Arizona. I think fall would be a beautiful time to visit the Grand Canyon and having less tourists about is definitely an advantage.

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