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Home/Canyon Column/2007 Archives/Holiday Season at Grand Canyon

Holiday Season at Grand Canyon

Christmas in the El Tovar Lobby | Photo by Mike Buchheit
Christmas in the El Tovar Lobby | Photo by Mike Buchheit

The holiday season at Grand Canyon is a very special time. For locals it marks the arrival of the “slow season” with its snow-capped peaks, star-filled nights, and hot drinks before the fireplace while sharing a year’s worth of adventures.

Visitors accustomed to the bustling summer crowds are delighted to find solitude in abundance, even at the most popular scenic overlooks.

The canyon itself can appear suspended in time, as if in hibernation, protected from all but the hardiest of hikers by icy trails and abbreviated daylight. A fresh take on an old friend, winter at Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold.

One long-running December tradition is the decoration of the El Tovar Hotel lobby, including a towering Christmas tree that reaches the second floor mezanine. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to drop by and soak up the holiday cheer.

May you and yours have a safe and joyous holiday season! And consider making a visit to Grand Canyon one of your top resolutions in the New Year.

Published on: December 15, 2007

Categories: 2007 Archives, Canyon ColumnTags: Christmas decorations, Holiday Greetings, holiday season at Grand Canyon, slow time makes for a great time to visit

About Mike Buchheit

Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.

As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.

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