Snowshoeing at Black Canyon

Snowshoeing along the South Rim Drive

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 Road (beyond the visitor center)

Winter Ranger Programs

Depending on snow conditions, January to mid-March is a great time to join a ranger for guided snowshoeing. Park rangers may offer guided snowshoe programs among the oaks, open meadows, and along the rim of Black Canyon. Geology talks may also be offered. Check the calendar for program times.

Snowshoeing

Visitors can snowshoe in various locations depending on snow conditions and experience level:

• South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail (beginner level)
• the upper part of the Oak Flat Loop Trail (intermediate level)
• Rim Rock Trail (best with more snow; exposed rocks can damage snowshoes; currently closed between Tomichi Point and the South Rim Campground)

Please be courteous to other trail users by not snowshoeing or walking in the ski tracks or the flat area groomed for skate skiing along the South Rim Road. Please use the far edge away from the ski tracks. Dogs are not permitted along the South Rim Road when the road is groomed as a ski trail.

Snowshoes are only available for loan while attending guided ranger tours. Visitors should bring their own or rent from local communities.

Details

Activity

Snowshoeing

Pets Allowed

No

Dogs are not permitted along the South Rim Drive when the road is groomed as a ski trail.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

South Rim

Visitors can snowshoe in various locations depending on snow conditions and experience level:

• South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail (beginner level)
• the upper part of the Oak Flat Loop Trail (intermediate level)
• Rim Rock Trail (best with more snow; exposed rocks can damage snowshoes; currently closed between Tomichi Point and the South Rim Campground)

Please be courteous to other trail users by not snowshoeing or walking in the ski tracks or the flat area groomed for skate skiing along the South Rim Road. Dogs are not permitted along the South Rim Road when the road is groomed as a ski trail.

Reservations

Yes

For self-guided snowshoeing, no reservations are required.

Ranger-led snowshoe walks are free, but reservations are strongly recommended due to limited equipment supplies. Please contact the park by email; reservations open a week prior. For groups of 6 or more and school groups, please contact the park at least two weeks prior to see if we can accommodate your group.

Season

Winter

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Areas and trails where visitors can snowshoe are uneven and vary in width. Service animals are permitted on the South Rim Drive and other snowshoeing locations.