Snow-capped vistas: Exploring the Grand Canyon in winter

Grand Canyon National Park, one of America’s most spectacular natural wonders, is visited by nearly 5 million people each year, according to the National Park Service. Of those visitors, 270,000 come in the winter months, when crowds are lighter and sweltering heat isn’t a concern.

Located in a remote part of Arizona, about 96 kilometers (60 miles) from the city of Williams, Arizona, the Grand Canyon is known for its dramatic vistas and majestic size. Its buttes and mesas are dusted by snow in the winter, offering a striking seasonal transformation. Weather can be unpredictable, so the National Park Service advises visitors to check weather reports frequently and come prepared for snowy, icy and/or muddy conditions.

Spotting the canyon’s wildlife is a popular activity year-round, and many animals still appear during winter, so there’s a good chance of seeing elk, ravens or California condors in the off-season.

The Grand Canyon is divided into three main areas that are open to visitors: Grand Canyon West, the South Rim and the North Rim.

While the North Rim is closed during the winter, Grand Canyon West is open and picturesque — that’s where the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk, one of the world’s largest cantilevered glass bridges, is found. The horseshoe-shaped bridge sits about 150 to 240 meters (500 to 800 feet) above the canyon floor, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning panoramic views.

But arguably the most scenic part of the canyon is the South Rim, and that’s the image that most people have of this national park.

The South Rim is open in the winter, with plenty of options for recreation, including hiking trails, walkways and stargazing, plus on-site museums and visitors centers.

Visitors can also ride the popular Grand Canyon Railway. As noted on the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel website, the train departs daily from Williams, with vintage rail cars taking passengers to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Musicians and cowboy characters provide entertainment throughout the journey, which lasts two hours and 15 minutes.

And there’s an extra treat for off-season visitors, because each winter, the Grand Canyon Railway offers its “Polar Express” tour, with readings of the beloved children’s story as the train makes its way from the nighttime alpine wilderness of Williams to the enchantment of “the North Pole” — where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every child on board. Passengers enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies en route.

Learn more about Grand Canyon National Park at the canyon’s website.