Many people mistakenly assume Grand Canyon West closes in winter, like other areas of the Grand Canyon. While the Hualapai River Runners wind down river rafting tours in October, we remain open year-round.
A wintertime visit provides access to most of our popular attractions, shows, dining, and shopping. It also provides much cooler temperatures than in the summer months.
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Is Grand Canyon West Open in Winter?
Yes, our park remains open every day of the year, even in winter. Guests visiting in winter have full access to Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Point, as well as:
- Zipline experience
- Skywalk
- Cultural experiences
- Spielhalle
- Einkaufen
- Dining
Can You Visit the Skywalk in Winter?
Die Skywalk remains open in winter, so you can take a stroll out over the glass bridge that peers downward 4,000 feet to the canyon floor below. You should check and monitor the weather and dress appropriately.
While the average high in October is still 80 degrees Fahrenheit, things cool off quickly after the sun sets. From November through February, temperatures are much cooler:
- November averages 64 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 34 at night.
- December to February averages between 54 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 27 to 30 at night.
Even on a pleasant, sunny day, wind chills can make it feel much colder. We highly recommend bringing a winter jacket, gloves, scarf, and beanie to stay warm while walking on the Skywalk bridge.
Is the Zipline Open During Winter?
Die Seilbahn opens daily at 9:20 a.m., weather permitting. We close the line at 3 p.m. or as soon as we reach our ride capacity for the day.
If you plan to ride the zipline in winter, dress appropriately and plan to get in line before noon to beat the Vegas tour bus crowds.
Winds also tend to pick up in the afternoon and could cause the attraction to close earlier than scheduled.
Does Rafting Operate During Winter?
Die Hualapai River Runners do not offer river rafting in the winter at Grand Canyon West. The rafting season usually begins on April 1 and runs through October 31 annually.
Operations are completely closed down from November through March. However, Grand Canyon West remains open for 365 days a year.
What Attractions Remain Open After October?
The Grand Canyon West attractions and experiences open after October include:
- Grand Canyon Skywalk Bridge
- Grand Canyon Zipline Experience
- Guana Point Lookout
- Eagle Point
- Native Village
- Kulturelle Erlebnisse der Hualapai
- Helicopter and Pontoon Tours (weather permitting)
- Arcade-Erlebnis
If you plan on visiting Grand Canyon West in winter between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, you can enjoy our special festive holiday experiences, including:
- The Big Christmas Tree
- Santa and Mrs. Claus
Is Winter a Good Time To Visit Grand Canyon West?
Yes, winter is a great time to visit Grand Canyon West. Some of the reasons to visit include:
- No scorching heat: Summertime in a desert climate can quickly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the winter months are much cooler, making it more comfortable to enjoy outdoor activities and experiences.
- Smaller crowds and shorter wait times: A winter visit helps you avoid the summer tourist crowds. The lines for shuttle buses between Eagle Point, Guana Point, and Hualapai Point are shorter. Wait times for the Skywalk and the zipline experience are also shorter.
- Holiday festivities: Late November and December visits feature Christmas trees, holiday decor, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Crisp, clear views: Colder winter air removes the summertime haze, providing gorgeous views of the canyon and mountain peaks and picture-perfect conditions.
Essential Things To Know for Winter Visits to Grand Canyon West
From November through March, Grand Canyon West winter visits operate on Mountain Standard Time (MST) because Arizona doesn’t change time. If you are coming from Las Vegas, you will be on Pacific Standard Time (PST).
The park’s operating hours are from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. MST in the winter. So, that would be 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. PST. If you are driving from Las Vegas, you would want to be on the road no later than 5 a.m. PST to arrive around the park opening or shortly thereafter.
Alternatively, you could drive over later in the day, get a Sunset Pass to enjoy the park after 3 p.m. MST, then check into one of our cabins at Hualapai Point.
Our cabins are open year-round and provide stunning Grand Canyon West sunset views. Plus, you can enjoy exceptional nighttime stargazing without haze or bright city lights. Then you could get an All-Access Pass for the following day, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything.
Plan Your Visit to Grand Canyon West This Winter
Enjoy shorter lines, shorter wait times, and festive holiday celebrations by planning a wintertime visit to Grand Canyon West. Save money and time by purchasing passes online. You can also reserve overnight stays for one or more nights at the Cabins at Hualapia Point. Plan your visit today.
