Most visitors come to the Canyon during the cool spring or warm summer and fall seasons. The Grand Canyon's mild weather is a refuge from the summer heat of central and southern Arizona areas like Phoenix. While fewer visitors come to see the winter snows that frequently blanket the South and North Rims (7,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level respectively), most locals agree that winter is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon because parking is readily available, crowds are minimal and the views are spectacular. The South Rim is open all year, whereas the more remote North Rim visitor area is open from mid-May to mid-October
The average visit to Grand Canyon is a mere two hours. Most visitors agree that it can be an overwhelming spectacle to absorb during such a short time frame. Luckily there are a number of organized activities available to park visitors. A partial list includes National Park Service ranger talks (free to the public and advertised in The Guide newspaper available at the entrance stations), whitewater rafting expeditions, backpacking, Grand Canyon helicopter tours or a day of hiking down into the canyon.
The Grand Canyon is just an hour by car from Flagstaff, allowing visitors the experience of enjoying the canyon to it's fullest, without 'roughing it'. A nice hot shower or bath awaits you at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel, as well as a great meal in either our Woodlands Cafe or Sakura Sushi & Teppanyaki. Need to relax after a day of hiking the rim? Enjoy a cocktail in our lounge, a dip in our jacuzzi or steam in our dry sauna. The staff at the Radisson Woodlands will help make your Grand Canyon vacation one to remember.