Going to the Grand Canyon beginning of December. Must sees? Best lodging? Things to avoid? Any suggestions for a nice romantic weekend?
Falling in.
Are you going to the South Rim or North Rim? I’ve been to the North rim and probably enjoyed it more than the South. The North rim is higher, being the edge of the Kaibab Plateau, so you would get better views over the other side. The North rim is less touristy although you can certainly find that kind of thing if you like it. From personal experience I will say this: If you’re going camping, make sure ahead of time that your selected site HAS WATER. We were at a remote station and had to cut our stay short because we were worried about our water supply. Be prepared that the view will be hazy. If possible, bring a haze filter for your camera. Your pics will be MUCH better. And, study up on the geography before you go. It really makes things more interesting when you understand what you’re looking at.
South rim.
Since they’re going in December, the north rim will not be an option. The road closes due to snow, and they don’t clear it until way in the spring. I agree that the north rim is a better option, but they won’t be able to get to it.
As for recommendations:
The best lodging would be the El Tovar hotel - old style, very classy, very nice place. The restaurant is great and of course, it’s right on the rim for the great views. For a romantic weekend, the El Tovar would be the first pick.
I can’t think of the lodge name, but down the way (west along the rim) are some small cabins that are somewhat rustic, but comfortable. Not all are on the rim, but it is easy walking distance.
Then a little further from the rim is a complex of motel-like rooms. I think it’s something like Maswik lodge. These are also comfortable. Not so rustic, as these are a bit more modern. There is also a nice cafeteria.
Be prepared for cold - real cold, snow and wind. The snow is beautiful in the canyon, but that wind can cut right through you (and it is sometimes unrelenting). Hat, scarves, and gloves would be recommended.
Depending on the conditions, there is a nice trail along the rim (heads east from the south rim complex). You can get great views along there.
They generally keep the road along the south rim open, so the other option is to drive along the road and check out the different view points along the way.
If you’re more adventurous, I can recommend some day hikes down into the canyon, but you would definitely need 1. the right clothes, 2. good boots, 3. at least strap on (mini) crampons for the ice, 4. hiking poles would be recommended. The trails are very good, but add snow and ice and it is a whole new ballgame.
Whatever you do, get up to watch the sun rise over the canyon.
Great suggestions, keep them coming. Is there any condos, cabins to rent? Anything of that nature? I didn’t realize it was going to be so cold, fireplace might be nice.
Something you don’t realize until you think about it for a couple of seconds is that the rim of the Grand Canyon is pretty high up – it has to be, considering that the Canyon is deep and the river is heading towards sea level. So the Rim is at 8000 feet which is gonna be cold in December even in Arizona.
I enjoyed the hike down to Horseshoe Mesa – that was maybe 3 miles each way? Longer hikes in the Canyon are going to be a bit of a problem as you have limited daylight to work with in December and the sun sets over the rim very early.
If memory serves, there are a couple of lodges right next door to the El Tovar that are far less expensive than ET. The peeks I got of the ET rooms, they were nothing special, and anyone can sit in the ET lobby, eat in their dining room, etc.
The lodge we stayed in (Kachina?), ran parallel to the canyon, with 2 rows of rooms off a central hallway. So one entire side of rooms faced the canyon, and the other faced the parking lot. IIRC, all rooms were the same price, or canyon view was only slightly higher. IMO, the canyon view was definitely worthwhile.
don’t drive at dusk or dawn unless you have a plow bolted to the vehicle. The mule dear in that area are plentiful and stupid. When I say area I mean anyplace with trees.
The national park uses this Xanterra group to manage the lodging in the park. Their website is: www.grandcanyonlodges.com You can find out about all the options and what’s available.
That Horseshoe Mesa trial is a great trail, and would be an ideal day-hike. But it was that very trail that required the poles and mini-crampons when I was there for Thanksgiving. The snow and ice was pretty bad in places (lots of shade on parts of the trail).
I visited both rims in July. For lodging on the South Rim, I recommend the Bright Angel cabins. They’re not as rustic as the cabins on the North Rim.
I also recommend an all-day tour I was on. We flew over the Grand Canyon and Glenn Canyon, landing at the Glen Canyon Dam. Then they took us, by jeep, to Antelope Canyon, followed by rafting down the Colorado to Lee’s Crossing.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk which may or may not be open by then.
Wow, that sounds like a great trip.
To truly experience the Canyon, you need to hike down into it, even if you only go a short distance. As others have said, trail conditions might be a little dicey, but you’ll find it will be worth the effort to get down below the rim and enjoy the place from a different perspective. Once you start down, the sense of awe increases with every step towards the river.
When I went with my parents about 20 years ago, we did a helicopter tour, which was absolutely unbelievable. If the winds aren’t dangerous in winter, I stongly recommend it.
As for the weather, we were there in July, and it was cooler than Boston up on the rim. I’d imagine that December will be cold.
Definitely see the IMAX film they have. A bit fluffy, but the scenery is spectacular.
You will understand the true meaning of the word awesome. 
All the good stuff is closed in December. Go to (somewhere with snow) and ski instead.