A Family Affair: Vacationing in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Hiking Photo Gallery

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Weather
Temperatures can vary greatly depending on your location in the park and the time of year. During the summer, the South Rim averages 80 degrees and the North Rim a slightly cooler 70 degrees. It gets hotter, though, the farther into the canyon you go. Expect temperatures near 100 degrees at Phantom Ranch.

During the winter, the South Rim experiences snow, icy conditions, and road closures. Call 928-638-7888 for the latest park conditions and road information. The North Rim is closed during the winter from mid-October to mid-May.

Safety
The Grand Canyon is located in a desert climate at high elevations (7,000 feet above sea level at the South Rim and 8,000 at the North Rim). Be sure to bring sunscreen and keep hydrated. If you have a respiratory or heart condition, you may have difficulties walking at either elevation.

While fencing and railing does exist in some areas, much of the Grand Canyon has no barriers, and since 1925, there have been approximately 50 fatal falls from the edge. To prevent such a tragedy, make sure to keep at least your height’s distance from the rim. That way if you trip, you’ll land on solid ground.