driving to grand canyon for christmas

Hello and welcome to the group. I am sure you will find a multitude of facts, and meet some great folk.

As far as chains go, BUY THEM.!!! The CHP simply will not let you pass certain portions of the freeway system if it is snowing, well like just happened yesterday. You can pick up a set of inexpensive chains form Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. They may sit arount for 364 days a year, but that one time you need them, YOU NEED THEM!! Murpheys Law!

Just make sure you buy the correct size for your tires, figure out how to install before you leave, you will then be prepared!

My wife and I went to Reno Air Races one year, and the day we were to leave to go back to Los Angeles, it snowed so much that 2 of the 3 routes were closed at 7 am when we wanted to depart. Thankfully "99" was still open, barely, and we had left my chains at home, stupid me!!, We made it over the hump on "99" minutes before the CHP closed that route to folks WITHOUT chains. And just try to buy chains the minute you need them, can you say PRICE GOUGING!

Thankfully the Prius is a front wheel drive car, so thats a plus, just take it easy if it does snow, slow down, steer into the skid if you start, ease off the gas and you should be able to pull out OK. If it does snow while you are there, take advantage, find a empty parking lot and just drive and learn anbout snow driving. Just watch out for the light standards!!! I grew up in Wisconsin, so snow in no big deal to me, but I HATE snow, its why I left!!! Way to go Sunny So CAL!!!

Enjoy the trip, sounds like its going to be fun!

73 de Pat KK6PD

 

Yes, even the -low- side (South side) of the canyon gets snow, especially in winter.

If there's a lot of snow on the interstate you will be forced to put on chains. They usually rent them at the side of the road. My last experience in your country had them at $25 per use (I didn't need them, as I am equipped with proper tires for winter driving).

It may actually be less expensive to purchase some low cost chains and practice putting them on before you go.

-I- wouldn't go without snow capable tires, such as Nokian WR etc. but you may be ok as long as you don't try steep hills.

The traction control will trip often, just don't let off the throttle. A light throttle application will get you moving and usually keep you moving. The car will go in spits and spurts as it keeps recovering from wheel slip.

DO NOT use cruise control in slippery conditions. It will cruise you right off the road!

Keep your speed down when driving on snow or ice. You can't react fast enough to a slide if you're going fast. Steer in the direction of the slide. Don't be afraid to use the brakes when you need them. With the brakes applied you can still steer around whatever you -may- be about to hit due to ABS.

Take warm blankets or sleeping bags in case you are stranded. Try to keep the fuel tank at least half full, just in case you get stuck in a lineup for hours (this happens on the interstate more often than many would like to admit).

Other than that, try to relax when driving. It allows you to react better to sliding. Don't panic when you do slide. Just keep in mind you -will- slide on snow and ice. The trick is to keep it to a minimum, and keep the car from spinning. Sliding sideways a bit is normal.

If all this scares you, take the bus!

 

Are you staying near the canyon, or Williams or Flagstaff? Flagstaff can be a problem during heavy snow, and US 180 may be closed (it tops out at 8000 feet). The climb from Ash Fork to Flagstaff can be dicey in snow.

You can get road conditions at http://www.az511.gov/hcrsweb/hcrsweb.jsp or 1-888-411-ROAD, or 511 once in Arizona.

 

Williams, because it's lower altitude, and AZ 64 is lower too.

You should also consider the taking the train from Williams. Once you get to the park, you can ride the free shuttle or pay for a guided tour.

And of course, the temperature is going to be down into the teens, so bring appropriate clothing.

 

Like SethPak I am newly registered, and from the Golden State as well. Thanks for chatting about this now. After 5 years of Prius driving, I'll be taking it to snow country (Colorado). This has been a help.

One question I have is about the low ride the Prius has. Can I presume it doesn't do well in more than 4 inches of snow??

 

Absolutely, practice putting on the chains while parked on your driveway. When you are on the side of the snowy highway struggling to put on the chains in freezing weather with 4x4 SUVs zipping by, you will want to be able to do this as quickly as possible.

You may want to bring along a piece of wood (to place below your jack) so that you can use your jack to raise the front of the car, that will make it much easier to install the chains.

 

Let's say you get there by train, clear roads, snow tires or chains. Consider the $166/night Bright Angel cabins on the rim with fireplace. What a treat that would be!