jlillberto

My daughter and her finance are thinking of spending a few days in Las Vegas then renting a car to tour the Grand Canyon. I've been to Vegas and flew to the North Rim for a tour from Vegas but know nothing about driving so any help and/or suggestions as far as an itinerary would really be appreciated.

USNR

By October, the road to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, south from Jacob Lake, usually is closed for the winter. Check with the National Park Service web site.

Otherwise, if they are not in a hurry and have not seen Boulder Dam, take the road that leads over the dam. But expect delays due to security checks and road construction. Currently, these delays last about 90 minutes.

Or go on Rte. 95 south via Searchlight, NV (excellent road), to Laughlin and pick up I-40 East at Kingman, AZ. At Williams, head north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After time there (plenty of lodging, including the area at Tusayan, just outside the park), head east to Cameron, then north on 89 to Page and Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. West via Vermillion Cliffs to Jacob Lake, Springdale, Zion, and back to Las Vegas. Observe speed limits carefully because Navajo Reservation police are very strict.

Weather by October should be pleasantly cool. Top altitude on this route is about 7,000 ft. Others on this web site have posted a lot of info about this route.

TheWeasel

It's on oft-repeated bit of advice here on Fodors about the North Rim closing in October. Unfortunately, that advise is usually not entirely accurate. The road is open at least until October 15th, as that is the last official day that visitor services on the N. Rim are open. After that date, the road remains open weather permitting, and can sometimes remain open for vehicle traffic well into November. In fact, this past year the road to the N. Rim officially closed on for the season on Nov. 29th.

So depending on when the trip in October takes place, they may have full access to everything, access to the trails and viewpoints but no visitor services, or no access at all.

TheWeasel

It's on oft-repeated bit of advice here on Fodors about the North Rim closing in October. Unfortunately, that advice is usually not entirely accurate. The road is open at least until October 15th, as that is the last official day that visitor services on the N. Rim are open. After that date, the road remains open weather permitting, and can sometimes remain open for vehicle traffic well into November. In fact, this past year the road to the N. Rim officially closed for the season on Nov. 29th.

So depending on when the trip in October takes place, they may have full access to everything, access to the trails and viewpoints but no visitor services, or no access at all.

Bill_H

The Weasel is right, you should have no problems getting in to the north rim the first half of October. The lodge, restaurant and store close mid-to late October but the road stays open and you can camp. Usually the road isn't closed by snow until mid-November.

That said, there is limited lodging and it's often full so I'd get reservations well in advance for an Oct trip unless you are staying outside the park and just planning on driving in for the day.

Bill

PaulRabe

Is it a given that they would be going to the North Rim? You've only said they're going to the Canyon, and that your only experience was the NR -- but could they still go to the South Rim instead?

If so, they would have a FAR wider choice of accomodations. The route USNR states will be fine between Vegas and the SR. In case you're wondering, the amount of time to get between these two places is five to six hours.

I recommend picking up a rental car first thing in the morning, driving to the Canyon to arrive by mid-day. Spend the afternoon seeing as many overlooks as possible, but be certain to see a sunset. View a sunrise the next morning, then walk down the Bright Angel Trail (with proper hiking wear, shoes, sunscreen, and LOTS of water) until either one STARTS to feel the least bit tired or sore. If that means fifteen minutes, so be it. Spend the rest of the day recovering while viewing more of the Canyon. Then after another sunset and sunrise, return to Vegas.

This will require a two night stay, which will most definitely require reservations months in advance. Take the best available, then keep calling to see if you can do better.