Grand Canyon Facts: Weather, Wildlife & More

When you’re planning a vacation, it helps to know a little about your destination before you arrive! Keep reading to get the facts you need to know before you head to the Grand Canyon, including Grand Canyon weather, geology and wildlife.

Because the Grand Canyon is so large with such a significant difference in elevation, there is a lot of variation in climate throughout the Canyon. The North Rim could be buried under several feet of snow while the South Rim enjoys bright sunshine, or it could be smoking hot at river-level, but beautiful and temperate at the rim (or vice versa).

The North Rim closes from October to May, but South and West Rims are open year-round.

Because Canyon weather is so unpredictable, many novice hikers encounter trouble. If you’re planning on hiking the Canyon, make sure you understand and are prepared for any changes in weather.

There is no “best place” to see the Grand Canyon. Each rim offers spectacular views and unique attractions that will appeal to different visitors, so we’ve created a guide to the Canyon’s four rims to help you decide which one you should visit.

The North Rim closes from October to May, but South and West Rims are open year-round.

Because Canyon weather is so unpredictable, many novice hikers encounter trouble. If you’re planning on hiking the Canyon, make sure you understand and are prepared for any changes in weather.

There is no “best place” to see the Grand Canyon. Each rim offers spectacular views and unique attractions that will appeal to different visitors, so we’ve created a guide to the Canyon’s four rims to help you decide which one you should visit.

The Grand Canyon is over 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and over 18 miles wide at its widest, and each rim exhibits a unique and extensive record of its geological development.

Carved by the Colorado River over the span of 6 million years, the Grand Canyon’s many geologic formations demonstrate three of the world’s four eras of geologic history:

1. The Proterozoic era is the most recent stage of the oldest geologic era (the Pre-Cambrian era). Remnants of the Proterozoic era, which occurred roughly 1.75-1.2 billion years ago, are visible in the eastern Canyon.
2. The Paleozoic era, which transpired approximately 550-250 million years ago, is responsible for some of the Canyon’s most conspicuous formations, including the Tonto Group and the Temple Butte Formation.
3. The Grand Canyon as we know it was formed by erosion caused by the Colorado River in the Cenozoic era, which began 65 million years ago and continues today.

Because of the influence of different climates and geographical features, the Grand Canyon contains nearly 130 distinct vegetation communities, from desert scrub communities to Ponderosa pine forests. In fact, the Grand Canyon is home to over 1,700 species of plants, 160 species of fungi, 60 species of moss, and nearly 200 species of lichen!

While you explore the Grand Canyon Village and other buildings around the rims, keep an eye open for Ringtails – they like to live in the rafters. They’re sneaky and shy, though, so keep your eyes peeled for their ringed tails. Albert’s squirrels are also a fan favorite, especially behind the Bright Angel Lodge. Squirrels and chipmunks love to beg for food, but it’s very important not to succumb to temptation – squirrel bites are one of the most common Grand Canyon injuries.

A few species of small lizards and snakes also live in the Canyon. The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is the most fascinating – but only if you can see it. Because of their coloring, they blend right into the Canyon walls.

The most important thing to remember about Grand Canyon wildlife is not to feed the animals. Not only does it put you at risk for animal bites, but it also disrupts their feeding habits and can have a powerful impact on the Canyon’s overall ecosystem.

Learn more about cool creatures to look for when you visit the Grand Canyon.

Most visitors begin their Canyon experience by flying into Phoenix, AZ, or Las Vegas, NV. Each city is within a convenient half a day’s drive to the Canyon, though the Canyon is also easily reachable from Flagstaff, AZ and Los Angeles, CA.

If driving yourself or taking a guided bus tour isn’t your style, try taking in the scenic Canyon views the old-fashioned way. Hop aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, AZ, and enjoy a relaxing 2.5-hour trip each direction.

Find answers to all your questions about the Grand Canyon in our newly updated guide!

Download the Complete Grand Canyon Visitor Guide for guides to each Rim, packing lists, travel tips and more.

Featured Image Source: Grand Canyon National Park