15 Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon in March – 2024 Ultimate Guide


Visiting the Grand Canyon in March is a magical time. March is a peaceful time to visit but the crowds are starting to arrive especially over spring break.

grand canyon in january

I’ve included all of the things to do in the Grand Canyon in March and tips and tricks for visiting. You can also use the Grand Canyon self guided tour to learn more about the Grand Canyon when you visit.

Weather in the Grand Canyon in March

In March, the daytime maximum temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius), while the overnight minimum is 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degree Celsius). The Grand Canyon covers a huge area and each section has a varied temperature.

Dress in layers and you will be fine!

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National Park Entrance Fees 

To enter the National Parks, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee or have a National Parks Pass also known as American the Beautiful Pass.

It costs $80 for a yearly America the Beautiful Pass. This gives you access to all national parks and federal areas that charge fees. The America the Beautiful Pass is well worth it!

I purchased my first one in 2016 and it’s such a money-saver! Plus 10% of sale proceeds go to the National Park Foundation.

Tips for Visiting Grand Teton National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.  There is something for everyone on this list and for different fitness levels.  Also, note that it is dry and hot (in the summer), and make sure you know what you are getting into before you start.  Here are a few tips for visiting the Grand Canyon:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle and lots of water! Remember you are in the sun and you will need to drink lots of water. I love my LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle.  I can refill this bottle anywhere and it comes with a carabiner to connect it to my daypack.
  • Check the Weather – days over 100 degrees are very common.  Make sure to check.
  • Hiking boots or sandals that will protect your feet! I love good shoes.  I need all the support and help I can get.  I actually love these sandals for hiking and also love these hiking boots.
  • Bring hiking poles for balance and to protect your knees.  I know many experienced hikers (and even amateur ones) think that hiking poles are for old people who lose their balance.  Actually, hiking poles can help when going down steep inclines or when scrambling over rocks.  They are great to hike with even for the most experienced hiker. 
  • Wear a sunhat. I feel like this whole post is about how high you are in the mountains and how much closer you are to the sun but it is so true. At elevation, you are closer to the sun and more likely to burn. Wear sun protection such as a sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Be aware of the wildlife. This is the Southwest and you will need to watch out for snakes and other wildlife such as moose or a bear.  Please stay away from wildlife and do not feed them.  I recommend carrying bear spray as well.
  • Start Early – If you want to avoid the traffic and the heat you will need to start your hike early.  That way it will be nice and cool and the smog will not affect you either.
  • Leave no trace. If you are new to the concept of Leave No Trace it is all about preserving the environment to ensure it is in the same or better condition when you leave it.  This means that you should stick to the trails and carry out everything that you carried in.  This is a great explanation of the Leave No Trace principles!
  • Water shoes are great for water hikes– If you don’t have a pair, I highly suggest it as they are affordable.  I have an article on the pros and cons of several pairs of water shoes.
  • Bring Bug Spray and a snack: Be sure to bring everything you need including a snack like a protein bar plus BUG SPRAY.

Where to stay near Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon makes for a great weekend escape. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and being in nature does a world of good for the soul. I recommend staying as close to the park as possible and even treating yourself with a cabin with a spa pool to relax at night.

If you are taking a road trip remember to reserve a car in advance using Discover Cars .

15 Things to do in the Grand Canyon in March

Grand Canyon South Rim: Self-Guided Tour

See a natural wonder of the world in person on this self-guided driving tour of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.


This self-guided driving tour takes you to all the best vistas, hikes, and attractions along Grand Canyon’s South Rim and tells you the secret history behind this famous landscape. Walk the scenic South Rim Trail, catch a sunset at Mather Point, and much more.

South Rim Visitor Center

One of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide is the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. For good reason, the vast majority of visitors to Grand Canyon National Park make this their only stop.

grand canyon in january

The majority of visitors will agree that the Canyons South Rim provides the most expansive and spectacular views in the park, and at an elevation of 7,000 feet, visitors can enjoy all four beautiful seasons. The focal point of the most well-liked activities in Grand Canyon National Park is Grand Canyon Village, which is situated on the South Rim.

The majority of hotels and activities are also located in Grand Canyon Village, which is about 1.5 hours from Flagstaff, Arizona. This section of the park is open all year and is close to the main Grand Canyon Gateways in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Williams, Arizona.

Everything began at the South Rim. This area has long been explored by miners, conquistadors, and other types of pioneers. People travel here in horse-drawn buggies, trains, and now automobiles to experience the Grand Canyon. At the South Rim, you may go hiking in the Grand Canyon or take a helicopter ride, and you can stay in a cozy cabin or a four-star hotel.

Helicopter Ride down into the Grand Canyon

At the Grand Canyon, helicopter tours are accessible all year long. You should experience the vistas of the canyon covered with snow in December.

Even though there are many excursions available, the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour is among the best. During the 45-minute flight, you will fly over the South Rim and the Kaibab National Forest.


Experience the canyons by looking down into them on a helicopter tour or simply viewing them from a vantage point.


These helicopter rides, though perhaps a bit pricy, are well worth it and will provide you with priceless memories.

Experience the Spirit Helicopter Tour if you want to make this a trip you’ll never forget. The most popular and affordable helicopter tour leaving from the South Rim is this one.

The Spirit Tour, which flies over the Painted Desert, Kaibab National Forest, and—best of all—the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon, gives you some of the be

Tusayan Museum and Ruin

This area was once inhabited by the Cohonina and the ancestors of the Pueblo (Kayenta Anasazi). Tusayan was constructed by the ancient Puebloans around AD 1185. A trip to the museum and a quick stroll around the village’s remnants will give visitors a picture of life in the Grand Canyon more than 800 years ago.

A few miles from the visitor center lies the Tusayan Museum, where you can learn about Native American culture. Native American artifacts and culture are on display in this museum. The cultures that inhabited the canyon between 2,000 and 4,000 years ago created the artifacts found here.

In 1930, excavation of the Tusayan ruin was carried out under Harold S. Gladwin’s supervision and with the assistance of the Gila Globe Pueblo in Arizona. They gave it the name Tusayan in honor of the district’s Spanish name; the precise meaning of Tusayan is a forgotten word to us.

The partially excavated ruin will be explained in the museum. The ruin is distinctive in that no attempt at restoration was made, and parts of the ruin were purposefully left unexcavated, which is the customary practice today but unheard of in 1930. The location reflects Kayenta Anasazi’s westernmost extent. It is one of the National Park System’s most popular archaeological sites.

This exhibit is a must-see if you’re interested in learning about the Grand Canyon’s history. You’ll discover a lot about the canyon and the locals who once lived there.

Hopi Point

Hopi Point, which lies on Hermits Road, is one of the must-see locations along the canyon’s western rim.

One of the best canyon views is arguably found around halfway down the 7-mile route. Winter is the only time of year when Hermit’s Road is accessible to private vehicles, so now is the perfect time to arrange your trip.

Due to the breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River, Dana Butte, and sweeping canyons, Hopi Points is one of the most well-known viewpoints along the west rim. Due to the expansive views, Hopi Point is regarded as one of the best locations to view the dawn and sunset.

To get to Hopi Point, the park does provide shuttle buses along Hermit Road if it is snowy and the roads are deemed hazardous for private vehicles. ensuring that you have the opportunity to witness this stunning view regardless of the weather.

Grand Canyon Village

The main entrance to the park, Grand Canyon Village, frequently experiences overcrowding throughout the seasons.

Arizona sunset Grand Canyon National Park Yavapai Point USA

Yavapai Point, one of the best locations to observe the canyon, is located there, which is one of the reasons the area is so alluring. You should think about looking for lodging here if you don’t like camping but still want to stay in the park.

Consider spending at least half a day exploring the village’s attractions if you’re staying somewhere else. Visit the quaint Grand Canyon Railway Depot, which welcomes visitors from the Grand Canyon Railway to the town. You may read more about the effects of railroad development on Grand Canyon tourism here.

Visit the Hopi House, a structure in adobe architecture that represents a traditional Hopi crafts studio, for genuine Native American mementos. Art lovers can view Grand Canyon-inspired pieces of art at the Kolb and Lookout studios in the interim.

Visitors particularly value Grand Canyon Village’s accessibility, praising its features like gift stores, restaurants, marketplaces, and even plenty of parking. They praised taking a morning trip from the village and commented on the beauty of the area. The El Tovar Hotel and the Bright Angel Lodge are among the top resorts in the area, and both are located inside or adjacent to the village. 

Normally, the Grand Canyon Village visitor center opens at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, albeit at varying hours. The visitor center is a station on the Blue, Orange, and Purple free shuttle routes as well as the Hikers’ Express Shuttle.

Watch Sunrise and Sunset

Watching the sunset at Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best activities. While there are certainly better spots than others, there is no bad place to watch the sunset at the Grand Canyon.

Mathers Point comes highly recommended if you’re on the south rim. Another great location to see the sunset is Hopi Point.

You might as well watch the sunrise if you’re going to watch the sunset in the canyon. One of the activities that make Grand Canyon National Park famous is watching sunrises.

If you wish to explore some new locations, you can also attempt Yaki Point, Navajo Point, or Lipan Point in addition to the two sunset locations.

Rim Trailway

The Rim Trail, one of the most popular and lengthy routes in the Grand Canyon, is one of the best ways to visit the most well-known sights and viewpoints on the South Rim.

This rather simple (mostly paved) walking path follows the canyon’s edge and stops at well-known viewpoints like Maricopa Point and Hopi Point.

Additionally, the Rim Trail begins at the South Kaibab Trailhead (a few miles east of Grand Canyon Village) and concludes at the well-known Hermit’s Rest viewpoint west of the village.

In total, the Rim Trail is around 12 kilometers long. Fortunately, a paved road runs along to the park’s free shuttle route, making it simple for visitors to get to the village and other points of interest along the path.

The trail offered visitors a variety of experiences, from crowded tourist spots to more remote areas where they could disconnect from nature. The east side, which is closer to the gift shops, restaurants, and accommodation, has more people than the west side, which has less people.

Grandview Trail

Grandview Trail is a great replacement for the South Rim’s busier South Kaibab and Bright Angel routes, and it outperforms them in many respects. The vistas are different and equally breathtaking from this eastern path as they are from the Grand Canyon Village area.

Additionally, it is not necessary to hike as far or as deeply to see the Colorado River and the canyon’s lowest rock levels. You won’t see as many hikers or any mule traffic on Grandview, but as a result, this trail is less well-maintained and at times more difficult.

Only travel as far as you feel is necessary to safely return uphill after going down the road. The ultimate objective is to reach Horseshoe Mesa’s summit for views of the canyon and the river at its base. However, this needs adequate planning and physical fitness.

A hike of 1.1 miles to Coconino Saddle is a decent choice for newcomers and people who are short on time. The trail becomes slightly more challenging after this point. Three miles is the distance to Horseshoe Mesa, and one more simple mile will bring you to the end of the mesa.

A late 1800s copper mine was located where the route first enters the mesa. Although the old mine site is closed, you may still see the remains of a few old structures close by. A campground and backcountry restrooms are nearby (overnight stays require a permit).

There are a couple of intersections in this region where paths branch off to the two arms that make up the “horseshoe” of this U-shaped mesa. For genuinely breathtaking vistas, travel the extra distance to one of those two locations.

Bright Angel Trail

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the best hiking trails on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is getting more packed and crowded since it is easier to get to and has a milder gradient.

Bright Angel Trail Grand Canyon

If you merely want a taste of what it’s like to hike into the canyon, Bright Angel is your best option for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You can go back at any time, but remember that no matter how far you fall, you have to get back up.

Bright Angel is not a particularly tough trail to hike since it is not technical, does not involve much climbing, and is not steep. The second half of your journey will be spent steadily climbing if you choose to descend to the river, which will take a lot of time. On Bright Angel, it is thought to be quite challenging to get from the rim to the river.

Observe Wildlife

A variety of species can be seen in the national park known as the Grand Canyon. The park is home to hundreds of different bird, animal, reptile, and insect species. Bison, elk, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, condors, owls, and hawks are some of the more fascinating creatures that may be found in the canyon.

You will encounter this species as you explore the canyon throughout time. In addition to these species, you can observe bats swooping above your head while sitting outside in the dark if you camp or spend the night at the Grand Canyon Lodge.

It’s vital to keep in mind that the wildlife in the canyon is unexpected because it is not acclimated to human presence. You don’t want to approach them too closely since they can lash out. Additionally, feeding animals is prohibited in all national parks.

But these creatures only make up a tiny percentage of the area’s wildlife, which also contains roughly 450 different bird species, 90 different mammal species, and a few kinds of amphibians and reptiles. Because many of them become more active in the fall, keep an eye out for them.

Mule Ride to Phantom Ranch

Take a mule ride down into the Grand Canyon, or possibly along the rim for the more daring traveler who wants to make a true lifelong memory. They provide two guided rides on the sure-footed mule, a well-known mode of canyon transportation.

Grand Canyon, Arizona / United States; August 2019: South Kaibab Trailhead, tourists on mule on the South Kaibab Trailhead hike. Grand Canyon at sunset, Arizona

Although horses are considered symbols of the American West, the mule, a hybrid horse, has long been preferred in the Grand Canyon. These creatures, which have been transporting canyon visitors since the late 1800s, combine the surefootedness of a burro with the greater size and muscle of a horse. Since they were originally provided in 1887, more than 600,000 people have gone on mule rides through the Grand Canyon.

A mules’ ride through the Grand Canyon is the most unusual and enjoyable activity available. The overnight rides stay at Phantom Ranch and travel far into the canyon (one or two nights). Wait until you see the Grand Canyon from the inside if you believe the view from the rim is breathtaking. Take the Canyon Vistas Rim Ride if you only have a small amount of time to spend at the South Rim but are still itching for adventure. The views along the way are breathtaking, even though it doesn’t take you into the canyon.

Grand Canyon Railway

Since the Grand Canyon Railway started transporting ore through the Wild West in the early 1900s, it has captured the attention of millions of people all over the world. Your chance has come to savor the exquisite romance of a train journey.

Grand Canyon in December

Learn folklore and tales from a crew that is consistently mesmerized by the gorgeous surroundings while experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime voyage in one of the meticulously restored cars. Experience the Old West in the presence of historically realistic actors and musicians. And let the majesty and splendor of Grand Canyon National Park take your breath away.

From Williams, Arizona, which is 30 miles west of Flagstaff and situated off Interstate 40, daily departures for the Grand Canyon Railway are made. You will see a fascinating world in action as you ride across the countryside in the comfort of your historic railway car. You can always count on the Grand Canyon Railway to provide unique experiences.

Enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time that includes musicians, knowledgeable tour guides who can tell you about the area’s history and culture, and even an actual train heist. You will observe the western way of life on the way to the canyon.

Plateau Point

Although the 1.5-mile Plateau Point Trail is not particularly hard, the full trip along the South Rim Trail to the stunning viewpoint is 12 miles long.

The Plateau Point Trail starts at the northern end of Indian Garden, just past the ranger station and mule corrals. Continue west on the Plateau Point Trail after crossing Garden Creek and leave the shade in your wake. Follow the Tapeats Sandstone’s outlines as it passes through several ravines and a dry plateau. Instead of any shade, cacti and other flora cover the relatively level arid terrain here.

At the fork where the West Tonto Trail meets the trail, turn right to travel northeast. You can nearly immediately climb across the Tonto Platform to the viewpoint from here.

To get to a flat top rock and a viewing platform, go past a water tank and a mules’ hitching post. As you take in the spectacular environment, try to see Rafters navigating Horn Rapids.

Desert View Watchtower

To blend into the canyon and evoke early Puebloan structures, famed southwest architect Mary Colter constructed the Desert View Watchtower on top of a cliff in 1932.

Old Watch Tower at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

Inside the tower is the Kiva Room, an exhibition of Hopi artwork, a bathroom, a shop, and views of the canyon. Vistas of the North Rim and the Colorado River can be seen from the top floor of the structure, which also gives panoramic views that can be seen for up to 100 miles.

The most beautiful views of the Grand Canyon may be found at the tower’s summit. The tower’s distinctive architecture, which was well-maintained and included fascinating and gorgeous tribal artwork, would certainly catch your attention.

Free access is available, and the ground-floor shop at the South Rim’s Desert View may be found around 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village.

Skywalk in West Rim

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the world’s tallest glass bridge, rising 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.

This destination is only 2.5 hours by car and 45 minutes by air from Las Vegas. Grand Canyon West, which can be reached most easily from Las Vegas, includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk. A premier helicopter or airplane tour departing from Las Vegas offers unobstructed views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as well as other popular Skywalk adventures while you’re in the area.

A remarkable feat of architecture, the Grand Canyon Skywalk spans 70 feet past the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Visitors to the Grand Canyon Skywalk have the opportunity to cross the canyon’s western rim on a transparent, glass-floored platform designed to support over 71 million pounds of weight, giving them the impression that the canyon is about to collapse beneath their feet.

High winds, harsh winter weather, and other natural forces are not common since the area can be withstood by the Skywalk. 71 fully loaded 747 passenger planes stacked on top of one another can be supported by the Skywalk’s strength.

The best way to reach this incredible building, which is situated on the Hualapai Tribe’s Grand Canyon West, is via one of the several half-day and full-day tour options from Las Vegas. The Skywalk can be combined with helicopter, plane, or land trips as well as tours of Hoover Dam when traveling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. The majority of Grand Canyon Las Vegas tour operators provide hotel pickup and a variety of optional add-on side trips.

Use the hop-on, hop-off shuttle to explore Grand Canyon West’s three main attractions if you decide to visit the Skywalk independently of a tour group. We advise upgrading your admission package to include everything from pontoon boat trips on the Colorado River to canyon floor helicopter landin

Navajo Bridge

There is just one way to cross the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park, and that is via the Navajo Bridge at the northeastern corner of the park. The route, however, is much more than just a means of transportation; it has a long history that stretches back to the 1920s and currently consists of two similar bridges.

Officials in Arizona and Utah realized the need for a bridge that allowed vehicles to safely cross the river after decades of using ferries to cross the Colorado River. The outcome was that the bridge, which was initially known as the Grand Canyon Bridge and eventually changed to the Navajo Bridge five years later, was built and made accessible to the public in 1929.

When it was first unveiled, it was the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, and over the next 66 years, it successfully crossed thousands of cars. The historic Navajo Bridge was made accessible to pedestrians in 1995, so they may take in the views of the river below. A stronger, more contemporary bridge was constructed next to the original bridge to carry larger automobiles.

On the Navajo Bridge, you will adore the breathtaking views and photo opportunities. On the drive to or from the main regions of the Grand Canyon, this is an excellent place to get out of the car and stretch your legs. The largest land bird in North America and a critically endangered species of vulture, the California condor, can be spotted here.

The Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center, which has a visitor center, a bookshop, and Native American merchants selling original artwork, is located right next to the bridge’s entry. Information on self-guided walking trips along the bridge is also available at the center.

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