Northern Arizona Snowshoeing

When people in Arizona want to snowshoe, the first place that comes to mind is the Grand Canyon National Park. It is an ethereal place of serenity during the winter months. Snowshoeing and skiing are amongst the firm favorites. In fact, the southern section always has enough snow to make this a prime location for winter recreation.

Imagine for a minute the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, under the glow of a winter moon and snow-capped buttes glimmering beneath it. Or maybe blankets of snow covering the trails, beckoning hardened enthusiasts to try some snowshoeing. Though the park is virtually abandoned during the winter months donning a snowshoe or two is quite a common practice there.

The Grand Canyon is very typically quiet each winter. Most hotels are empty, trails deserted and most tourists can opt for a warm coach tour, if the roads are passable. In fact, most winter sportsmen resemble old time explorers, choosing isolation and primitive challenges over the heat of a hot city hotel.

From December to March, the canyon is snow-covered. However, the only drawback is that visitor centers, museums, shops and dining facilities are closed. In fact, winter comes with added dangers that most people take for granted during the summer – limited visibility is a sure ticket for death when snowshoeing too close the canyon's edges.

Fog is another winter time hazard, suddenly forming as temperatures invert. Heat rises from the canyon depths and cold, icy and moist air sits above it. Storms are quite common. Rain and snow can shift from one to the other without warning. A clear sky can suddenly turn incredibly wicked. However, the rewards are obvious. Summer temperatures can cook an egg, but the cooler ones are just enough to make it snow, but not dramatic enough to freeze a snowshoer to his shoes.

The South Rim, close to the Grand Canyon Village, is the best starting point for snowshoeing. Very few cars progress beyond that point or are able to. Snowshoers can simply follow the West Rim Drive, forgetting other regions, and enjoy a safe and invigorating route of mile upon mile of undulating terrain.