Grand Canyon in October?

Question

Is early Oct. still a good time to visit? When does it typically begin snowing on the south rim?

Answer 1

Early October (and late March/early April) is the PERFECT time to visit the South Rim, especially if you are planning on doing any hiking or backpacking into the canyon. The temperatures are perfect for hiking and the big summer vacation crowds are gone (summer at the canyon is a sweaty, crowded zoo and the worst time to be there). I usually make one or two backpacking trips into the canyon each year and early fall or late spring are by the far the best times.

The day time temperatures in October will be in the 60s on the rim and the 80s by the river. Night time lows are in the 30s (rim) and 50s (bottom). While a brief snow flurry might occur on the rim if a storm moves through, having snow actually staying on the ground (and the trails) before November is very rare. Snow on the ground and icy trails are more of a concern in the December through March timeframe, and even then only on the upper few miles of the trails. Just to be safe, you could bring along a pair of strap-on cramp-ons or (better yet) Yak-Traks, but you probably won't need them.

You will however, want to be ready for a wide range of temperatures, especially if you are planning on going deep into the canyon. If you are going to be on the rim during the evenings, a nice jacket or coat would be good (leather jacket or ski jacket are nice). For hiking, I prefer to dress in layers, so I can add or remove items depending on the condition. For hiking during that time of year, I typically wear some sort of moisture-wicking polypropelyne shirt and take a light-to-medium sweater for warmth and a light rainproof 'shell' jacket with hood to keep dry (like the REI Element One jacket which wads up into a small ball for easy packing when you don't need it).

If you are camping at the bottom (Bright Angel Campground near Phantom Ranch) than a light sleeping bag is about all you will need (plus a tent). Indian Gardens Campground (half way up Bright Angel Trail) would be much cooler at night and you would probably want a bag that is comfortable down to the high 30s.

All of the main trails (South Kaibab, Bright Angel, Hermit) are great this time of year. If you are strong hiker, I would also recommend going down the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa as an excellent day trip. This time of year is also ideal for exploring portions of the Tonto Trail (the stretch connecting the South Kaibab and Bright Angel is particuarly nice and rarely traveled).

Whatever your choice, have a map, know your trail before hand, carry lots of water (even when it is cool), and remember it takes about twice as long to come up as it does going down (and it will start to get cooler fast, once the sun goes down). Trekking poles are especially helpful (to you and your knees) because of the extreme up-and-down (few level spots) and often rough nature of the trails.

See the link below to the Grand Canyon Field Institute which has good recommendations on what to bring and also temperature range tables for much of the year.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Early october is good. I personally think that anybody who hikes the inner canyon after May 1 and before early october is asking for trouble. You must realize that the is a consistant 30 degree difference between rim and river.and 4 major climate zones. If want to you can check the Arizona Republic for state temps and look at Grand Canyon- The rim and Phantom Ranch - the river .
Snow doesn't usually start until late october / early november and even when it does fall heavy on the rims it rarely extends lower than the base of the Hermit- yes you should learn the names of the major rock formations in the Canyon many guide books refer to them when giving directions.
pack like you would pack for any hike at 7200 ' in october.
one more really strange thing about canyon hiking ; Help is above you {unless you are on the well traveled and patroled Bright Angel or S.Kaibab trails.} If you or someone else needs help you will have to go uphill to get it.

Answer 3

It shouldn't be snowing yet. I guess it could happen, but it wouldn't be typical. October is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon. The leaves will be changing and the nights will be chilly, but the days mild.

Answer 4

.The SOUTH RIM is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Services are available and facilities are open year round.

Visitor services and facilities inside the national park on the NORTH RIM are only open from mid-May to mid-October. Weather permitting, the North Rim is open for day use only following the close of facilities in mid-October. During this time there are no services or overnight facilities available inside the park.

Answer 5

Hi,, you are going to be cutting it close,, but early Oct,,is better than late ........be prepaird if you go at all,,, more warm clothes,, and survival stuff....no kidding..... check the weather and let people know where you are going........

good luck......

Answer 6

Early October will be great..... beautiful Fall colors everywhere.
It will be chilly...take a jacket.