Call me crazy, but I actually wanted snow at Grand Canyon National Park. Winter has been so mild in SoCal that a little chill and a blanket of white would’ve felt like a treat. But Mother Nature had other plans. No big deal. The sheer presence of one of the Seven Natural Wonders is spectacular with or without the winter drama. And honestly, visiting in February has its perks. Fewer crowds meant we wandered several trails without another soul in sight.

Since it was my first time seeing this geological giant, I went all in on the travel adventure. Instead of flying or driving from California, we took an overnight train, then spent a couple of nights at El Tovar, the historic hotel perched right on the South Rim.

Each day started with long hikes, pausing often to soak in the endless views and watch the canyon shift colors and textures as the light changed, from clear blue skies to scattered clouds drifting in from the North Rim. We also explored native art and crafts, learning about the people who once lived here and the tight-knit community of current residents who keep the park running, many of them living in dorm-style housing.

My camera barely got a break. I shot panos, played with macro, and revisited the same spots under different lighting just to see the canyon reinvent itself. Check out some of the photos I took please click here.

If you’re thinking about a similar trip, here are a few nuggets worth knowing:

• If you’re taking the overnight train, check the schedules. We arrived just before 5 a.m. for our connection after a night of barely any sleep. I usually find the rocking of a train soothing - yes, I know that’s odd - but not this time. No sleep plus an early wake-up plus a booked breakfast and tour before hotel check-in made for a rough first day.
• Bring cash for tips. Shuttle drivers and tour guides work hard, and I was grateful to have enough ones and fives on hand to show my appreciation.
• Order anything with bison chorizo. Slightly spicy, super flavorful, and a fun break from the usual breakfast sausage. Definitely not something you see often in California.
• Support native artisans. I’m a sucker for good design and ended up splurging on a sterling river band with Navajo symbols for peace and unity. Purchased at Hopi House.
• Be ready to fall in love with something unexpected. The sunrise was breathtaking, but stumbling upon two cliffside structures really got me. The Lookout Studio, a stone, timber, rustic perfection, was under renovation, but you can still imagine the views from its terraces. And the Kolb Studio, with its five stories and 23 rooms, now a gift shop and gallery, is wrapped in windows that frame sweeping canyon views.
• Consider staying at El Tovar. Rustic charm, modern comforts, a great restaurant, and just steps from sunrise points, sunset points, and countless trails.

Here’s to chasing beauty wherever it shows up, even when it doesn’t come with snow.