Expert: Judy Hedding - 1/16/2003

Question
I will be attending a conference in Phoenix in mid March.  As I will be travelling from Scotland I would like to add a couple of days on after the conference to see something of the area.

Would it be possible to visit the Grand Canyon at that time of year?  Will it be warm enough for summer clothes?  

Answer
Hello Evelyn,
The Grand Canyon is just about always open, although I have been there in April when one could not see a thing and there was a snowstorm. Don't forget that the elevation at the Grand Canyon is much higher than in the desert of Phoenix. The average high temp in March is only 44 degrees and it gets down to the 20s at night. If the weather is clear and there's no snow, it will be worth the trip, since you might not get back soon. Here is a feature I wrote with some tips about enjoying a short trip to the canyon:
http://phoenix.about.com/library/blgrandcanyon.htm

If you decide not to go, a shorter trip (even a day trip) might be to beautiful red rock country: Sedona. If you go, make a reservation to take a Pink Jeep Tour into the red rocks. Fun! Also great if you like hiking or art galleries.
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/sedona/ Sedona is at a higher elevation than Phoenix, but not as high as the Grand Canyon, so you probably won't get snow. Sedona will get to 60 degrees in March.

If you decide to stay around the Phoenix area, there's lots to see and do. Check this out:
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/doandsee/index.htm

Enjoy your visit!
Judy