Best time to Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a popular destination for families to visit, and spring is the best time of year to make the trip. Although the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed until May, the South Rim is open year-round. The South Rim is also the more family-friendly section of the park, with nearby shopping, dining, and lodging options and less need for strong hiking skills. During the Spring Break season, March is one of the peak visiting times for the Grand Canyon, along with the summer months. If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon in the spring, you’ll want to know where to stay, what to do, and what to expect.

• Where to Stay.
  There are several different options for lodging in the South Rim. Inside the Grand Canyon Village, you’ll find the Mather Campground, where you can set up a tent or park a small trailer, or the Trailer Village, your best option if you’re traveling by RV. There’s another campground, the Desert View Campground, located to the east of Grand Canyon Village. If you don’t have an RV and aren’t planning on roughing it in a tent, the South Rim area has several hotels in the area that range from small budget rooms to luxury suites. If you’re going to need a hotel during spring break season, it’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time.
• What to Do.
  Of course, you’ll want to explore the rim of the canyon, and there are easy hikes and guided tours available in the area. You can take a mule ride to the bottom of the canyon, provided everybody who wants to ride is over 7 years old, over 4’7”, and under 200 lbs. You can also book rafting trips through GrandCanyon.com. They arrange one-day white water and smooth water rafting trips (children must be at least 8 years old for white water trips and 5 years old for smooth water trips). There’s also the very popular Junior Ranger Program, a free-of-charge program that helps kids learn about national parks in a fun way.
• What to Expect.
  Spring is actually a good time to visit the Grand Canyon, as you’ll escape the blistering heat of the area in summertime. The mild weather, thinner crowds, and stunning scenery make it an ideal time to explore the park.. Temperatures typically run between 55 and 65 degrees in the daytime and can drop into the 20’s and 30’s at night. However, snow and other wintery conditions are possible throughout most of the spring, most particularly in early March. You should also remember that you’re in the desert – even if the weather is nice, conditions are dry. Be sure to carry water and stay hydrated. You should also have a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisturizer on hand. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers and greenery to the park, adding to the already stunning scenery.

Hiking at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon has breathtaking hiking trails. Spring is the perfect time to explore them. Since the temperatures are mild mixed with the beautiful scenery, you can tackle some of the park’s more challenging hikes without feeling overwhelmed. Some of the most popular trails include the Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail, and the Rim Trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

White Water Rafting at the Grand Canyon

Spring is the perfect time to hit the rapids, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds on the river. There are a variety of rafting trips to choose from, ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures. Just be sure to book your trip in advance, as they can fill up quickly.

Camping at the Grand Canyon

Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon up close. A few campgrounds are located throughout the park, ranging from primitive sites to more developed options with amenities like showers and electricity. If you’re planning to camp, be sure to book your site in advance, as they can fill up quickly during peak season. And be prepared for cooler nighttime temperatures, even in the spring. You must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center.

Another tip to remember is that your cell phone may not get reception inside the park, so it’s better not to count on it. As long as you prepare for your trip in advance, the Grand Canyon is an excellent spot for a family vacation this spring.  If you have 7 to 10 days, we have a great selection of National Parks tours, including the Grand Canyon.

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