Grand Canyon in November

[LostGirl]

Hey

My trip planning has hit a wall.

The ranch we want to go to in Phoenix is fully booked in November.

So has anyone been to GC in November? Is the snow a very real risk or just a small chance?

Thanks guys.

[fiona88]

It depends, we read that there was little chance of snow until late December and woke on our 1st morning (Dec 2nd) to a snow covered south rim. It was beautiful, but it fell overnight and it didn't snow again, however because you're at 7500ft elevation its cold so it took a while to melt. I believe the temperature was between 10 and -10 Celsius, apparently at one point it was -18 but I don't know how much I believe that.
The weather was different to the UK as there was no rain or wind and the skies were clear, so snow wasn't as horrible a situation as it is at home.
They cleared the paths and roads in the village that 1st morning, and the busses were running so it was easy enough to get around, but the planes/helicopters were grounded and I'm sure the road out to Flagstaff would've been bad at first, snow grips were mandatory on the trails for the 1st day.
Massive upside is that the place was empty, we got last minute reservations to El Tovar dining room at sunset, the ranch at the bottom of the canyon had cancellations (which I wish we'd checked about, as we met 3 ladies on our last day who'd booked a cancellation spot), all the view points had no-one in our way so it was incredible, compared to the 5-deep rows of people you see in summer photos.
I'd say early November you have less chance of snow, but there are never any guarantees with the weather.
Our experience wouldn't put me off going again at that time of year, but you have to consider having flexible plans in case you do need to stop driving because of the snow, also making sure you hire a sensible car, as a RWD sports car probably wouldn't be much use.

sorry, bit of an essay, short answer: it might snow, don't let it put you off, just be prepared