Ok guys I'm looking for some opinions on what would be the better way to go..

I'm heading out to vegas in november and me and the misses are looking to head over to the grand canyon.. I know it's a pretty good drive but who has been there from vegas and which Rim would you goto? The north or South Rim?



James

 

I don't know about the grand canyon but if you like beer you have to go to the YardHouse. Its in the back of the mall across from the Callaway Golf Center. They have 135 draft beer on tap. Reasonable food prices too compared to the hotels.

 

I will most def check that place out...



James

 

The South Rim is more "civilized", with numerous overlooks and huge crowds of people. Lots of places to spend money. At times, there can be a several hour wait just to get in through the south entrance. The east entrance is less used, but it would be a long haul from Vegas.

The North rim is fairly "primitive", not as many easy to get to overlooks (several you have to hike to). Fairly few people, and very quick entry through the one entrance. Some people don't like the fact that it's hard to see the Colorado River except at a few places. It's about a thousand feet higher than the South Rim, so it's cooler.

I like them both, but you'd probably need to base your decision on the driving time from Vegas and the potential delay at the South Rim entrance.

- Jack

 

I was there in October a couple of years ago. There were no crowds. I assume with the rug rats in school a lot of the families are at home. Going in November you'll probably find most of the concessions shut down for the winter. Winter in the Grand Canyon is an experience if it has snowed. You can be in thermal gear on top and in T-shirt at the ranch on the river. I'd strongly suggest the hike to the ranch IF you are in great shape. If not, avoid it. The trip OUT is all up....all one mile in elevation up. We left the ranch at 1PM and finally got out around 8PM in the dark. A lot of folks get to spend the night on the trail cause they can't make it but it's an experience you'll never forget. If you do the hike, take at least 1 qt water per person and high energy bars along with yer favorite candy. You might take a look at the Canyon website for lodging. Campgrounds are nice which is where we stayed. Make sure to plan ahead as there are a lot of things that go on in the park even in the winter. The South Rim is the place to be to see it.

 

When we were down there, we did exactly that. Drove from Vegas to the Canyon.

We were down in 2010 during a heatwave (july) at one point the temp on the car was reading 49C !! We also got tired of driving the interstates (drove down from Edmonton Alberta) so we took some secondary roads!! Got lost, gps was showing no map and said "you are on road" lol. At one point we drove past this little shack that was spray painted. "nice Indians live here" LOL

Def would do that trip again though!!

 

Oops, I didn't notice you were going in November. I don't think you'll find the North Rim open then. They close the road entrance after the first snow I believe, and you can no longer drive in. It's a pretty long trip from the entrance by car to the rim there - about 20-30 minutes as I remember, so you can imagine how long it would take on foot or on skis. (I don't think snowmobiles are permitted, but I could be wrong.)

Better plan on the South Rim.

- Jack

 

South rim is really nice, as said, check out as much of the 66 stuff you can find, too. Very beautiful place, could easily spend weeks there at the GC.

 

With the new bridge at the Hoover Dam, it's only a 5 hour drive from Las Vegas to the South Rim - add an hour if you take old 66 from Kingman to Seligman. It's going to cost you 25 bucks to get in. You can park at the visitor's center and take free shuttle buses all over the park.

Study up before you go -

http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

I'd plan on spending a night in the area. Lodging in the park is hard to get and is expensive. It's expensive just outside the south gate in Tusayan and outside the east gate in Cameron. For cheap lodging, you will have to go back to Williams or Flagstaff.