Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon

South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail

NPS Photo

Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.

Open Areas

• Tomichi Point and Gunnison Point Overlooks
• South Rim Visitor Center
• South Rim Campground (closed until further notice)
• Hiking trails (may be icy or snow-covered)

Winter Closures

• East Portal Road
• North Rim Road
• South Rim Drive (beyond the visitor center)

Cross-country Skiing

In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point. As staffing and snow conditions allow, rangers groom the remainder of the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing, at which time the road becomes the South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail. It is 6 miles (4 km) one-way and allows access to more overlooks. Parking is available at the South Rim Visitor Center. Rentals are not available in the park. Check the current conditions page for snow and grooming updates.

During winter, the road will be in either "winter road status" or "ski trail status", depending on snow conditions:

Winter Road Status: When the road is in winter road status, there will be no groomed ski trail established by the park. Leashed pets, walking, and bicycles are allowed on the road. Please properly dispose of pet waste at all times.

Ski Trail Status: Rangers may groom the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing, as staffing and conditions allow, at which time the road becomes the South Rim Ski Trail. It is 6 miles (4 km) one-way to the end, and allows access to more overlooks. Parking is available at the South Rim Visitor Center. Equipment rentals are not available in the park. Check the current conditions page for snow and grooming updates. When the road is in ski trail status, pets and bicycles are not allowed.

Details

Activity

Cross-Country Skiing

Pets Allowed

No

Dogs are not permitted along the South Rim Drive when the road is groomed as a ski trail. When in winter road status, dogs are permitted, but must be leashed at all times and must remain on the road. Please properly dispose of pet waste at all times.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail

In winter, snow conditions permitting, South Rim Drive beyond Gunnison Point becomes the South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail. It is 6 miles (4 km) one-way, and allows access to more overlooks. Parking is available at the South Rim Visitor Center.

Reservations

No

Season

Winter

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Areas and trails where visitors cross-country ski may be icy. uneven, and have a mild slope. These areas are not wheelchair-accessible.

Service animals are permitted on the South Rim Drive.