Grand Canyon

[kailuagirl]

We are flying into San Diego on Friday. We originally were going to visit with family before heading to DL, but DH now wants to go to Grand Canyon (we have a week). I just checked the weather forecast and it is predicted to be thunder storming all week. Friday is clear, Saturday is clear, Sunday and Monday small percentage of rain.

I have no idea of weather patterns in that area and I understand that things change from day to day. But do you it will accurate or could the thunderstorms be moved back even into next weekend?

Ugh!! Hate this last minute planning and now weather issues.

Thank you!!

Also, when driving up to GC froM San Diego, what is your preferred route? We were thinking of driving to Yuma, spending the night and then heading up.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Going from San Diego to Blythe would be better, I think, than going through Yuma. I'd recommend doing that, and spending the night in Blythe, then continuing in the morning, or driving farther along (maybe drive 5 hours instead of three, unless you're leaving in the afternoon, then stop in Blythe, and continue on.

 

[kailuagirl]

Thank you Mary Jo!!! I didn't even know or think about that option. I lived in Yuma for 4 years and all I kept thinking was there was really nothing between yuma and phoenix, but we could get much farther up this way!!!!!

 

[kailuagirl]

which route to Blythe do you recommend? Thanks again

 

[rangermom]

We lived in Grand Canyon NP for almost 5 years. I'm not much help on driving from San Diego as I have never been, but I know a lot about the park and the surrounding communities. It is still monsoon season, so it can be unpredictable, but if it does rain it is only for a short period of time. I love the fall at the canyon.

 

[ahutton]

I would go up I-15 to I-40 to Highway 64, it won't be super scenic, but it seems the quickest and keeps you on main, well traveled roads for the majority of the trip. Going through Blythe or Yuma are less direct and you will spend more time on the road and potentially on less traveled state highways. That assumes you want to visit the south rim of the Grand Canyon, which is where the village and hotels are located.

 

[PHXscuba]

The monsoon thunderstorms this time of year in AZ are very sporadic and usually in the afternoon/evening if they arrive. Talk to the locals when you arrive. It shoudln't affect your enjoyment of the area.

And watch for flash flooding, especially on small or dirt roads.

PHXscuba

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Here are the various routes. Blythe is the most direct, but going up to Barstow (15-95-40) cuts a little time. You can see your various options. I would use Waze to give me the fastest route, but if you're going to spend the night, I would still choose Blythe.

 

[kailuagirl]

Thank you everyone!! I just have one more question, I promise How much time/days do we need there? Do we need 2 nights or just 1.5 days if we stay in the park. Thank you!!!

 

[xlxo]

In addition to distance... need to clarify if you are looking at the West Rim or the South Rim. South Rim is more natural..... West Rim is closer and more convenient.