Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim During Christmas

Average snowfall here:

https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/north-rim/arizona/united-states/usaz0336

So typically – yes, unless you want to do a lot of postholing on a steep trail.  Perhaps some of the small ones to allow you to maneuver easily on a steep switchbacked trail.   But who knows what an “average” year is now.  In the winter of 2017/18 there was very little snow at all even on the N Rim, and it would still have been completely snow-free at Christmas.

Unless you want to do some snowshoeing, early November would be a better time – more daylight, and a good chance of it still being free of snow, or so little that it’s manageable without snowshoes.

If you are planning to camp overnight, it’s easy to get Cottonwood Campground permits after the N Rim closes.

Thanks Ralph

My only window for this hike will be during Christmas and my plan is to camp at Cottonwood on the way in and on the return from the north rim.  With the shortened days this seems to be a good plan.  Thanks for your insights and I’ll pack the shoes in the car and see what mother nature brings.

John

Almost all modern (non wood) snowshoes tip in forward direction but some are lousy at lateral grip due to tubular aluminum frames with moo side serrated “teeth”.

I like MSR Lightning Ascent ‘shoes for their exceptional lateral grip power. But MSR makes less expensive all polymer ‘shoes that grip very well laterally too.

You might look at MSR Shift shoes (it’s what most of us use on the Bob Open)- just a wee bit over 2 lbs for the pair and although a youth shoe, no problem w/ my size 11 feet.  Good bindings, great grip (forward and lateral) and the price is right.

It might be all the shoe you need and if it turns out you don’t need them, they are light/compact and not a ton of $ invested.

Thanks Mike for the tip I was able to find a pair at our local REI but my size 13’s were a bit to much for them. :)  I am going to take a look at the Dion 164’s just over 2lbs  a bit more of an investment but my old MSR’s need to be replaced.