betsys

We are going to be in Las Vegas visiting friends in mid-February, and we two retired couples) have never been to the Grand Canyon. Does anyone know how long a drive it is to the South Rim from Las Vegas, and what the weather would be like? Should we plan to spend the night if we go?

missypie

Are you planning to hike down at all into the canyon? We were there in mid-March and there was ice on the trail near the top.

TheWeasel

It takes 5-6 hours to get there, unless you run into traffic problems (could be an issue over Hoover Dam).

Mid-Feb ave highs are 45ish, average lows are lower 20s at the S. Rim. Snow is always a possibility in winter.

Yes, you should spend a night. It's too far to drive there and back in one day.

betsys

thanks, Missypie - no - no hiking down for us. We range in age from 61 to 80, and we will just want to look.
Thanks also to TheWeasel: Yes, if it's going to be 5 or 6 hours, I think an overnight is best. Any suggestions for where to stay?

christy1

Personally, I think it's crazy to go in summer, with all the tourists and the blazing heat. February will be very nice in that regard. You will get lots of accomodation tips if you search here.

TheWeasel

http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/

This is the website for the lodging in the park on the S. Rim. It looks like mid-February is pretty wide open - 4 options. Look at the website and the price ranges for the 4 different lodges and go from there.

rncheryl

A couple of years ago we did this trip in late January. We stayed in Williams AZ at the place associated with the Grand Canyon Railway. Rode the train into the Canyon and enjoyed our views. Certainly something every American should see at some time. We did have a little snow, but were prepared with warm clothes.

Kind of a funky, touristy thing, but a good experience.

kellbell

I visited the Grand Canyon in February in 1995. . . we actually did try to hike down the icy switchbacks and didn't make it too far. There was lightening in the Grand Canyon during our visit and we were told that is a very rare thing to see. Not sure if that still holds true.

You will probably take away a different perspective of the Grand Canyon than most summer visitors have. We did! It was cold, but not unbearable at all.

mmouse52

We did this drive many years ago and I believe it took at least 4 hours and it wasn't in the winter which may make it longer if the weather is bad which it could be at that time of the year. We have stayed right in the park and also williams. Williams was about a half hour ride to the park and yes you could take the train from there. Another suggestion would be to take a bus tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon.I don't know if they do this tour in the winter months. But if they do it is a day tour so I would suggest that would be the better way to go you wouldn't have to worry about the long drive.

betsys

Thank you all for your replies. It has given me a good perspective on February at the GC. I will look at the lodging alternatives, and we'll go if the weather looks ok. This forum continues to amaze me. All the experts in the world are here. Thanks again.