The South and West Rims are the best places in the Grand Canyon to visit in the winter due to their easier access.
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Many consider the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to be the authentic Grand Canyon experience. It features vast, expansive views often seen in popular media. From the South Rim, you can experience close to two-dozen unique views of the Grand Canyon, many with sweeping views of the Colorado River.
Weather at the Grand Canyon's South Rim can include temperatures well below freezing and snow in December and January. It can also be warm and sunny, so make sure you bring a variety of gear.
Grand Canyon is much less crowded in winterBut crowds are far smaller in the cooler months, allowing for a more leisurely pace when viewing overlooks, hiking trails like the Bright Angel Trail and driving scenic routes like Desert View Road.
Grand Canyon South Rim is most frequently chosen by first-time visitors to the area not only for its beautiful views, but for its abundance of visitor services and family-oriented activities. The South Rim is open year-round. At 7,000' above sea level, the South Rim has four distinct seasons.
If you're searching for a cultural tourist destination jam-packed with adventure, the West Rim is the place for you. If you're looking to take in a traditional tourist experience, the South Rim is for you.
Which Rim of Grand Canyon is best – South Rim. Considered by many to be the “true Grand Canyon,” Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim features the vast, expansive views most often seen in magazines, websites, Facebook and on TV.
Scenery: Both sections have dramatic, incredible Grand Canyon scenery. The upper has the younger rock layers that one gets to experience up close and personal. There are also expansive rim views on one day of the upper.
December: As winter begins creeping in, the Joshua Tree area sees average high temperatures of 60°F and lows of 40°F (and keep in mind that many nights will dip below freezing). Snow and ice can occur in Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas of the desert in December.