Visiting the Grand Canyon in November is one of the best times of year to visit the Grand Canyon.
I’ve included all of the things to do in the Grand Canyon in November and tips and tricks for visiting. You can also use the Grand Canyon self guided tour to learn more about the Grand Canyon when you visit.
Weather in the Grand Canyon in November
In November, the daytime maximum temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), while the overnight minimum is 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius). The Grand Canyon covers a huge area and each section has a varied temperature.
Dress in layers and you will be fine!
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National Park Entrance Fees
To enter the National Parks, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee or have a National Parks Pass also known as American the Beautiful Pass.
It costs $80 for a yearly America the Beautiful Pass. This gives you access to all national parks and federal areas that charge fees. The America the Beautiful Pass is well worth it!
I purchased my first one in 2016 and it’s such a money-saver! Plus 10% of sale proceeds go to the National Park Foundation.
Tips for Visiting Grand Teton National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. There is something for everyone on this list and for different fitness levels. Also, note that it is dry and hot (in the summer), and make sure you know what you are getting into before you start. Here are a few tips for visiting the Grand Canyon:
- Bring a reusable water bottle and lots of water! Remember you are in the sun and you will need to drink lots of water. I love my LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle. I can refill this bottle anywhere and it comes with a carabiner to connect it to my daypack.
- Check the Weather – days over 100 degrees are very common. Make sure to check.
- Hiking boots or sandals that will protect your feet! I love good shoes. I need all the support and help I can get. I actually love these sandals for hiking and also love these hiking boots.
- Bring hiking poles for balance and to protect your knees. I know many experienced hikers (and even amateur ones) think that hiking poles are for old people who lose their balance. Actually, hiking poles can help when going down steep inclines or when scrambling over rocks. They are great to hike with even for the most experienced hiker.
- Wear a sunhat. I feel like this whole post is about how high you are in the mountains and how much closer you are to the sun but it is so true. At elevation, you are closer to the sun and more likely to burn. Wear sun protection such as a sun hat and sunscreen.
- Be aware of the wildlife. This is the Southwest and you will need to watch out for snakes and other wildlife such as moose or a bear. Please stay away from wildlife and do not feed them. I recommend carrying bear spray as well.
- Start Early – If you want to avoid the traffic and the heat you will need to start your hike early. That way it will be nice and cool and the smog will not affect you either.
- Leave no trace. If you are new to the concept of Leave No Trace it is all about preserving the environment to ensure it is in the same or better condition when you leave it. This means that you should stick to the trails and carry out everything that you carried in. This is a great explanation of the Leave No Trace principles!
- Water shoes are great for water hikes– If you don’t have a pair, I highly suggest it as they are affordable. I have an article on the pros and cons of several pairs of water shoes.
- Bring Bug Spray and a snack: Be sure to bring everything you need including a snack like a protein bar plus BUG SPRAY.
Where to stay near Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon makes for a great weekend escape. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and being in nature does a world of good for the soul. I recommend staying as close to the park as possible and even treating yourself with a cabin with a spa pool to relax at night.
- There are lots of fantastic Airbnbs near the Grand Canyon. I have made a list of the best airbnbs around the park wherever you decide to stay. You can also check out my post on Where to Stay near the Grand Canyon to find the perfect hotel for any budget.
If you are taking a road trip remember to reserve a car in advance using Discover Cars .
15 Things to do when Visiting the Grand Canyon in November
Grand Canyon South Rim: Self-Guided Tour
See a natural wonder of the world in person on this self-guided driving tour of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
This self-guided driving tour takes you to all the best vistas, hikes, and attractions along Grand Canyon’s South Rim and tells you the secret history behind this famous landscape. Walk the scenic South Rim Trail, catch a sunset at Mather Point, and much more.
Visitor Centre
The visitors center, which is close to the south entry station at the south rim, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Mathers Viewpoint and walk the Rim Trail, two activities that are fairly close to the visitor center.
You can learn about the weather for that day at the visitor center. Additionally, find out whether hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and activities are open that day as well as the best and safest alternatives.
There is also a brief 20-minute video inside the visitor center that provides information about the park, the trails, and the history while simultaneously immersing viewers in a visual experience before they plunge in.
The Mathers Point vantage point is just a quick 5-minute walk from the visitor center. This is frequently a top choice for many park visitors, partly because of the visitor center’s close vicinity and the stunning canyon vistas it provides.
Helicopter Ride down into the Grand Canyon
At the Grand Canyon, helicopter tours are accessible all year long. You should experience the vistas of the canyon covered with snow in December.
Even though there are many excursions available, the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour is among the best. During the 45-minute flight, you will fly over the South Rim and the Kaibab National Forest.
Experience the canyons by looking down into them on a helicopter tour or simply viewing them from a vantage point.
These helicopter rides, though perhaps a bit pricy, are well worth it and will provide you with priceless memories.
Experience the Spirit Helicopter Tour if you want to make this a trip you’ll never forget. The most popular and affordable helicopter tour leaving from the South Rim is this one.
The Spirit Tour, which flies over the Painted Desert, Kaibab National Forest, and—best of all—the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon, gives you some of the be
Desert View Drive
One mile west of the Grand Canyon village on a 25-mile route is Desert View Drive. Some of the most breathtaking views of the Colorado River accessible at the Grand Canyon may be seen along the desert view drive.
Numerous rest spots along the route offers breathtaking scenery and distinctive canyon views. However, Yaki Point and Duck on a Rock are two essential stops along the way.
Yaki Point is a stunning vantage point where guests may relax and take in the expansive views of the canyons. The stunning dawn and sunset over the canyons can both be seen from here. It can only be reached with a free shuttle bus run by the park; it is not reachable by personal vehicles.
Just east of Yaki Point is a formation known as “Duck on a Rock,” which is said to resemble a duck perched atop a rock. The unofficial site is not identified by the park, making it simple for bystanders to overlook.
However, everybody traveling along Desert View Drive should stop and have a look at it.
Rim Trail
One of the best ways to explore the South Rim’s most renowned attractions and perspectives is by taking the Rim Trail, one of the Grand Canyon’s most well-known and extensive trails.
The edge of the canyon is traced by this relatively simple (mainly paved) walking path, which makes stops at popular lookouts such as Maricopa Point and Hopi Point.
Furthermore, the South Kaibab Trailhead (a few miles east of Grand Canyon Village) serves as the starting point of the Rim Trail, which ends at the well-known Hermit’s Rest vantage point west of the village.
The Rim Trail is around 12 kilometers long in all. Fortunately for visitors, a paved road runs alongside the trail where the park’s free shuttle bus operates, making it simple to reach the village and other locations along the way.
The trail gave travelers a variety of experiences, from bustling tourist areas to more isolated portions that let them get away from nature. The crowds are heavy on the east side, closer to the gift stores, restaurants, and accommodations, but they thin out as you move west.
Others praised the trail’s usability, noting that much of it is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Remember that the only drink you may purchase is water at Grand Canyon Village, Yavapai Point, and Hermit’s Rest, so bring some with you to stay hydrated. With the park entrance, you have free access to the trail.
Mather’s Point
The Grand Canyon is often first seen by visitors from Mather Point on the South Rim. The lookout offers great views of the rocky cliffs and trails below, if you don’t mind sifting through some crowds, and is just a quick 5-minute walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Visibility is greater than 30 miles to the east and 60 miles to the west under perfect weather conditions. This is another well-liked location for viewing the sunrise and sunset across the canyon.
Recent visitors gushed over Mather Point, complementing its simple accessibility and breathtaking vistas. Even though avoiding crowds is challenging, you can try to avoid going during the peak times right before and right after sunrise and sunset for slightly sparser crowds.
Although Mather Point does not have a parking area, parking lots one through four next to the visitor center are easily accessible by foot from Mather Point. Additionally, it serves as a stop for the Kaibab/Rim (Orange) shuttle. Mather Point is wheelchair-accessible and open all year round.
Pima Point
The last stop before reaching Hermit’s Rest is Pima Point along the Hermit scenic road. This location offers a wide panoramic view of the valleys for more than 40 miles and is an excellent place to watch the sunset.
There might be some crowds here from other tourists hoping to catch the sunset as well. However, if you go there a little early, you’ll be sure to get to a good place and see the gorgeous sunset without any hassle.
Desert View Watchtower
The Desert View Watchtower was built in 1932 by renowned southwest architect Mary Colter on top of a cliff using rough stones to fit in with the canyon and resemble early Puebloan constructions.
The Kiva Room, a gallery of Hopi artwork, a rest room, a store, and views of the canyon are all located inside the tower. The top floor of the building offers panoramic views that may be seen for up to 100 miles, as well as views of the North Rim and the Colorado River.
The views from the tower’s summit are the best you’ll see while visiting the Grand Canyon. You will undoubtedly appreciate the tower’s unique architecture, which was well-maintained and included intriguing and lovely tribal artwork.
The Desert View Watchtower, which is on the South Rim, offers free admission, and its ground-floor store is open starting at nine in the morning. to 5 p.m. daily. About 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village is where you’ll find the tower.
Yavapai Geology Museum
The Yavapai Geology Museum provides one of the best viewing points for an overview of Grand Canyon geology since it is perched right on the edge of the canyon rim at Yavapai Point.
You can see where to look to see each group of rocks due to the annotation displays at the bottom of the panoramic windows.
You can walk between the North and South Rim rock column models while learning the names of the many rock strata, learning about the geologic history preserved in the rocks, and seeing how the contemporary landscape was carved out.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Grand Canyon’s west rim is home to the Skywalk, a glass bridge in the shape of a horseshoe that juts out 70 feet over the canyon floor. Since the bridge is made of glass, anyone standing on it can see more than 4,000 feet down into the canyon below.
The Hualapai Indian Tribe’s property hosts the Skywalk, which is located away from the park. When the Skywalk was first built, purists objected, saying it destroyed the area’s natural attractiveness. Nevertheless, since its debut in 2007, the attraction has brought in thousands of tourists.
This is a genuinely unique experience that provides views of the canyons that are unavailable elsewhere. At the bridge, there is a café and a gift shop, extending and improving your experience.
South Kaibab Trail
The 7-mile South Kaibab Trail also starts at the South Rim, The trail’s entrance is close to Yaki Point, and hikers can follow it down to the Colorado River. The National Park Service advises returning up the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail instead since there is no access to drinking water on this trail and it is relatively steep.
Take hiking poles, at least two quarts of water, and some snacks. Since there isn’t much shade on this trail, it’s also a good idea to wear sunscreen and a sun hat. If you’re willing to do the task, you’ll be rewarded with stunning canyon views and perhaps even the chance to spot some animals, including sheep and birds.
The South Kaibab Trailhead is serviced by the Hiker’s Express and Kaibab/Rim shuttle bus services, and mules are also available for rides on this path.
Navajo Bridge
There is just one way to cross the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park, and that is via the Navajo Bridge at the northeastern corner of the park. The route, however, is much more than just a means of transportation; it has a long history that stretches back to the 1920s and currently consists of two similar bridges.
You’ll love the breathtaking views and photo ops from the Navajo Bridge, and many people have observed that it’s a great place to get out of the car and stretch your legs on the way to or from the main sections of the Grand Canyon.
Bird enthusiasts also point out that this is a fantastic location to watch California condors, the largest land bird in North America and a critically endangered species of vulture.
The Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center, which has a visitor center, a bookshop, and Native American merchants selling original artwork, is located right next to the bridge’s entry. Information on self-guided walking tours along the bridge is also available at the center.
Bright Angel
Take this challenging trail to Plateau Point in Grand Canyon Village for some fantastic views of the Colorado River. It begins just west of the Bright Angel Lodge.
Recent hikers and travel experts agree that trying to hike to the river and back in a single day is not a smart idea because the Bright Angel Trail is just over 6 miles long going one way. If you intend to travel the entire distance to Plateau Point, pack camping equipment and bring lots of water, as several rest spots along the trail only provide water during certain times of the year.
Consider riding mules down the Bright Angel Trail for a special Grand Canyon experience. With a break for lunch at Indian Garden, riders are driven to Phantom Ranch for an overnight stay. Despite being generally safe, some people may find the ride tiring since they are not used to sitting for long periods.
Canyon Railway
This historic railroad was constructed in the late 1800s. In 1901, the Grand Canyon railway service started, opening up public access to the canyon.
The Grand Canyon Depot saw its final passenger train in 1968 as a result of the rise in the use of automobiles, which reduced demand for trains. After considerable repairs, the Grand Canyon Railway reopened in 1989.
This iconic train still runs passenger service between Williams and the Grand Canyon Depot on the South Rim. Passengers will pass through a variety of scenery along the trip, including forests of Ponderosa and Pinion pines, vast prairies, and, of course, canyons.
Most recent travelers remark on the breathtaking scenery and the amusing and educational train guides who regaled them with tales of the train’s and the town’s past.
Kolb Studio
Kolb Studio has played a significant role in the history of the development of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon’s modern business district.
The Kolb Studio, built by two brothers, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, to be their home and professional photography studio, still exists as a reminder of the aspirations of early 20th-century residents of the Grand Canyon area.
Today, visitors to the studio can take a tour, look through several displays that emphasize local art and history, or simply explore the picturesque grounds of this renowned structure.
The Kolb Studio, which is still operated by the Grand Canyon Association, contains an art gallery, a bookstore, and many educational exhibits that describe the Kolb Brothers’ contribution to the development of Grand Canyon National Park.
Many art and historical exhibits are also held at Kolb Studio throughout the year. Retrospectives of the numerous films and photos the Kolb Brothers made of the locals and sights in the Grand Canyon region are frequently included in these well-liked exhibitions.
Grand Canyon IMAX Theater
Visit the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater if you want to take a break from trekking and touring or if you just need a little respite from the summer heat. The theater, which is a part of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, frequently screens “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” throughout the day.
The 34-minute movie, which is shown on a six-story cinema screen, immerses viewers in an action-packed journey with gorgeous shots of the Colorado River and panoramic perspectives of the canyon below. Travelers are guaranteed to leave with a better understanding of this natural wonder than when they arrived, since the movie also explores the Grand Canyon’s history.
Make this the first stop on your Grand Canyon vacation so you can learn more about the national park before visiting it in person. This film is not to be missed. Along with the on-site gift shop, you may also enjoy the snack bar outside the theater.
Tickets can be bought at the theater or in advance online for a 20% discount. There are 488 seats in the theater, plus eight more for those in wheelchairs. For travelers who don’t speak English, translation headphones are available.
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