Check the weather for the time of year you want to go. It would be a shame if those gorgeous colors were blanketed in snow. I've heard it said that the Grand Canyon is just a hole in the ground which may be, but it's a truly magnificent hole in the ground. By all means, go if you can. We stayed in Williams, which was less than hour away. There was a good looking lodge in the park - Fire Angel or something like that. With a handicapped sticker, I was able to drive both ends of the park. I didn't have to ride the bus, which was a plus.