cr8amind

At the end of November, my family is taking a road trip from Orange county, to Grand Canyon, to Page=, Arizona, To St. George, Utah (mt Zion and Bryce) to Las Vegas and back to southern california. Do I need to take snow chains with us? If so what kind? MY friend says there are different types for different areas. I have a all wheel drive Denali.

furledleader

No, I wouldn't worry about it.

I've lived in Colorado for 17 years and used my chains exactly twice... both times to help me get out of my neighborhood after 20+ inch snowfalls.

The probability of having a large enough snowstorm in the area you want to visit at that time of year that would require your AWD to need chains is infinitesimal. Should you run across that freak storm your AWD couldn't handle...just stay in your hotel until the storm is over and the roads are cleared.

Bill_H

Agree with 'leader ... chains are most useful for short distances, like say crossing a steep pass, but are not very practical for driving several hours on a plateau, which is mostly what you'd face where you are going.

I've driven in Arizona winters for over 20 years with 4-wd vehicles similar to yours and never once needed chains. The places you'd *possibly* see snow in late November are the Grand Canyon and Bryce and both are plateaus, so just be careful if there is snow and ice on the road, which is typically cleared off quickly after a storm.

hazel1

No way will you need chains if you are driving an AWD. I've never had to put chains on my AWD over the course of dozens of trips through winter conditions to Lake Tahe in the Sierras. I assume, however that your tires are M+S-rated (mud and snow)? Look on the tire sidewall - it'll say so.

Dukey1

For some of those segments you won't even need a four-wheel drive much less chains..where are you from, BTW????

Dayle

cr8amind,

I'm originally from Orange County and have lived in Utah for about half my life. I'm sure you know the El Cajon pass sometimes closes if there is even the slightest hint of snow.

Other than that, the likelyhood of hitting snow is probably 50/50. I won't drive down I-15 in a snow storm and so watch the weather. I plan accordingly.

Bryce will have snow, but roads should be fine if you wait for the plows after a storm. Usually all wheel drive is enough, but not always.

PeaceOut

I agree you won't need chains. We live in Colorado and drive the mountain roads in all types of bad weather. We have AWD vehicles, and don't even own chains for them. Now with a front-wheel drive, I'd carry chains. Not otherwise.

Enjoy your journey!