The Grand Canyon South Rim weather can be cold and snowy during Autumn and Spring. Driving in from Phoenix, we arrived just as a snow storm ended. A fresh coat of white blanketed the slopes of the canyons as we entered the National Park Service gates of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

We stayed in the park at Yavapai Lodge operated by Xanterra. After lodging in other National Parks, we had low expectations for the hotel and rooms. We were delighted to find the rooms at Yavapai clean, bright and spacious. Our second surprise was the hotel cafeteria offered a variety of food at a reasonable cost.

There were many Japanese visitors at the park and signs were in English and Japanese. During our visit the lodge hosted sessions for a new batch of Japanese employees.

South Rim Grand Canyon Arizona. Photo credit @noelfwilliams

Our car remained parked at the hotel, and we utilized the free bus service within the park or went by foot. Our first morning at the park, we woke early and walked to the rim to watch the sunrise up over the canyon. The only noise was the fresh snow crunching under our feet as we watched the colors emerge from the rock walls. The scene changed continuously as the sun rose highlighted rocks and shadowed recesses.

Over the next few days, we viewed the Grand Canyon from a variety of scenic overlooks. The 6 billion years old canyon formed by the Colorado River is 277 miles long and 18 miles across at the widest section. In the distance, the pastel colors of the Painted Desert can been seen.

Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?” from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the music by Kyle E. Williams inspired by Ferde Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite.