The South Rim and Phantom Ranch are open year-round. The North Rim is officially open from May 15 to Oct. 15. Expect summer temperatures from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and sometimes over 100 degrees if you explore the bottom of the canyon. The temperature dips to around 40 or 50 degrees at night. Bring a lot of light layers, hats and sunscreen for protection. Winter temperatures hover between 40 or 50 degrees and sometimes get even colder. Call ahead to see if roads are closed due to snow and always be prepared for icy roads. Spring and fall temperatures tend to be around 50 to 60 degrees during the day and cooler at night. Due to the pleasant temperatures, spring and fall are the best times of year for hiking.
The South Rim is home to seven different accommodations all operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts and all accessible by car. There are three ideal choices for families looking for year-round accommodations. Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins is near the canyon rim and offers families a choice of lodge rooms and cabin rooms. The lodge rooms don't have televisions and some don't have private baths, whereas the cabin rooms do. Bright Angel Lodge also has a family-style restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an ice cream fountain during the summer months. Bright Angel is also the starting point for Grand Canyon Mule Rides.
Thunderbird Lodge, situated on the canyon rim, offers families many amenities. Each room has a coffeemaker, refrigerator, television and full bath as well as one king or two queen beds. Guests can enjoy meals nearby at Bright Angel Lodge.
Yavapai Lodge, located a half mile from the rim, offers families convenience with a coffeemaker and refrigerator in each room. Nearly 200 rooms have air-conditioning, while others only have ceiling fans. Next door to the lodge is Market Plaza, which has a U.S. Post Office, bank and general store. For dining, the lodge's Canyon Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Grand Canyon Lodge-North Rim is the only lodging on the canyon's North Rim and is operated by Forever Resorts. The lodge, which is accessible by car, offers families a choice of cabins and motel rooms all within walking distance of the rim. The cabins can accommodate three to six people and the motel rooms can accommodate three people, and all have private bathrooms. There are a variety of on-site dining options, such as the Lodge Dining Room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, and the Rough Rider Saloon, which offers snacks and beverages. The lodge also offers mule rides and every afternoon kids get the chance to be junior rangers. Meal reservations are highly recommended.
Phantom Ranch, a Xanterra Parks & Resort property, is the only lodging located below the canyon rim. The ranch, open year-round, is for adventurous families as it is only accessible via mule, by rafting the Colorado River or by foot. The ranch offers dormitories, one for men and one for women, and cabins. The dormitories have public showers and restrooms, while the cabins have bunk beds with bedding, a sink and toilet. Showers are public and located nearby. Cabin stays are included with the overnight mule trips. Dormitory and cabin stays are available via reservations.
The ranch is also home to the Phantom Ranch Canteen, which serves breakfast and dinner and has sundries available for sale. Dinner and breakfast at the canteen are included with overnight mule trips. Overnight guests not participating in the mule trips must make reservations for each meal.
Reservations for South Rim and Phantom Ranch lodging are made by calling Xanterra Parks & Resorts toll-free at 888-297-2757. Reservations can be made 13 months in advance and there is no wait list for reservations. Guests may modify or cancel reservations via the website (see Resources for a link). Reservations for the Grand Canyon Lodge-North Rim are made online or by calling Forever Resorts. Reservations can be made 13 months in advance.
