My wife and I will finally have some time off at the same time in late December so we're thinking of taking a trip somewhere local (we have about a week). We've lived in Az for two years now and neither of us have ever been to the Grand Canyon or Sedona so that's where we're thinking. One or the other or possibly both.

The question is, how are they in the winter? Miserable? Awesome? Easily accessible? Is one better to visit during the winter than the other? What is there to do?

Been Googling and it seems most that have been to the GC during winter have enjoyed it so that's good.

Any advice you guys have would be great. Thanks again dudes!

Honestly, they will be quite a bit colder than you would think.  

You may catch them on a mild day, but its a crap shoot.  Sometimes it snows in Sedona and is incredibly wonderful.  a couple years ago, I had nothing going on on Dec 25, so I went hiking in Sedona, weather was perfect.  not cold, but not warm... just right.

Sedona would probably be ok, GC is already seeing -4.

Really?

eta: well shit, just saw -2 yesterday last night.

Dress warm,  really cool to see under a fresh layer of snow.

Grand Canyon -5 below two days ago.

Grand Canyon is awesome in the winter, much nicer than summer. Less tourists, more color.

GC in the winter is awesome!!  South rim is open all winter.  The cool thing is, unless you are hiking down into it, you pretty much stay on the edge and are near multiple hotels, restaurants, and bars.  

This is from last November(2015).  We got a room at Maswik lodge and did Thanksgiving in the El Tovar dining room.  

It snowed on us the second day.. this was looking down into the canyon.


The wife and I


Half sunny, half snowy from the Lookout tower


Sedona would be awesome too.  I would stay up Oak Creek Canyon like the Junipine Resort, or you can stay in Sedona proper.  Bring a 4x4 or go on a jeep tour.  There are a few VERY good restaurants there.  We like Rene and Creekside.

Might I also suggest Cottonwood.  They have to very very nice boutique hotels(Iron Horse Inn and The Tavern Hotel) and tons of wine tasting within walking distance as well as wineries near by off of page springs rd.

With a week, you could do both places very easily as well!

Snow in the canyon gives it a whole other perspective. Hopefully some sticks for you while you are there.

Comfort wise you'll be fine if you dress accordingly.

The only concern I'd have for you is the commute up to the canyon. Just keep an eye on the weather, as i17 near flag and the hwy north of Williams can get slammed to a standstill pretty fast.

I remember the thread about that trip. Looks great; thank you!

Yeah we're from up north so we're used to cold.

I'll keep an eye on road reports. Thanks.

Took the dogs up to Mt Lemmon this weekend to get ready for a chilly Grand Canyon. Felt good.

Just for info and planning.
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/pets.htm