Blog

Northern Arizona received a lot of snow in January.  On the 18th, I drove up to Grand Canyon from Tucson to pick up paintings at the close of the 2022 Celebration of Art show.  I made a stop at our home in Flagstaff to pick up my XC skis--just in case I had a chance to take them out along the Rim.  Come along with me on this wintery experience!

We arrive at the Canyon mid-afternoon and take a walk along the Rim Trail.  The snow on the North Rim down to the top of the Supai layer!

The snow is so deep--don't get too close to the edge!

The next morning, we put on our skis and head out westward along the Rim.  Here's a view of the Bright Angel Trail as it winds through the top layer of the Canyon.  It's a little difficult navigating the narrow icy footpath with these long skis. 

Finally, fresh, unplowed snow.  This little side road is a place where we can ski with only the sound of piñon jays calling through the forest.

The trail along the rim is packed down by walkers and was really too narrow and twisty for skis, let's take them off, plant them behind a bush, and walk westward along the Rim trail.

Enjoy the views!

This was fun, but not much real skiing, Let's try Shoshone Point tomorrow.

Friends Kori and Chad have already packed down a nice trail with their snowshoes.  

The trail takes us exactly one mile to the rim.

Having Shoshone Point all to oneself is pure pleasure.

A little peek through the trees at the Canyon.  Normally one would want to trek out to the very end of the point, but it looks a little too icey and dicey for that.

Kori and Chad's tracks lead to a great overlook.  After a little rest, some water and a granola bar, we'll ski the mile back to the car, then head to the El Tovar pub for some hot chocolate. 

Before we leave the Canyon the next morning, one more look seems like a good idea.  This time it's filled with clouds with faint rays of sunlight piercing through.   The Canyon never looks quite the same way twice.  January is an excellent time to visit this place.  If you don't mind the cold and snow, you'll find you have it nearly all to yourself!