Recent winter storms have blanketed the park with snow amounts not seen for years. Several feet of snow, with drifts even higher, have piled in the higher elevations. Grand Canyon Village ground to a hear-halt after enduring blizzard-like conditions the evening of Superbowl Sunday.
It’s too early to tell if the decade-old drought is a thing of the past, but the return to the precipitation patterns of old will surely have ripple effects throughout canyon country. Water sources are bound to replenish, and the desert wildflower season is likely to be phenomenal.
If you are traveling to the park, be sure to expect slippery conditions on both road and trail. Instep crampons and trekking poles will be a hiker’s best friends for the foreseeable future as the snow level extends miles down the trail. So throw on an extra layer and come enjoy a veritable winter wonderland while you can!