Hiking in early March

Question

Hello,

We visited the park 7 yrs ago. We walked the rim trail, took the shuttle to Hermit’s Point, and drove to Dessert View. We didn’t hike any trail on that trip. We will come back in March, and will stay at Bright Angel Lodge one night. My plan is to hike the Bright Angel Trail to where the trail currently closes for repairs. Then we will take the hiker’s shuttle to the trailhead of the South Kaibab trail the next morning. I skimmed through the thread. It seems like the destination experts don’t care for the Bright Angel Trail much. Do you think I should stick to my plan or walk along the rim trail? Or maybe hike down 15 -20 minutes then go back to walk along the rim trail? Thank you in advance.

Answer

Visiting the Grand Canyon in early March offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, which can make hiking a very pleasant experience. Since you are staying at Bright Angel Lodge for one night, you have a good opportunity to explore some of the inner-canyon trails while balancing time and safety.

Regarding your plan to hike the Bright Angel Trail, it’s worth noting that this trail is popular for its well-maintained path, water stations (seasonal), and gradual descent. Even if some "destination experts" prefer other trails, Bright Angel is still a solid choice for a first inner-canyon hike because it is safe, scenic, and easier to manage compared to steeper trails.

Options for your hike:

Bright Angel Trail moderate hike: Hike down 15–30 minutes or to the point where the trail closes for repairs. This gives you a taste of canyon hiking without committing to a full descent. Turn around and return to the rim for sunset or a leisurely walk along the Rim Trail. This provides a mix of inner-canyon experience and rim views.
Rim Trail only: If you prefer to stay mostly on level terrain, walking along the Rim Trail near Bright Angel, Hopi Point, or Plateau Point can give you spectacular views and allow for shorter walks without the elevation change. This is especially comfortable if temperatures are cooler or if snow/ice is present on inner-canyon trails.
Combination: Hike down Bright Angel Trail for 15–20 minutes to experience the inner canyon, then return to the rim and enjoy a longer Rim Trail walk. This approach balances both perspectives—the canyon interior and the iconic rim views—and is doable within your time frame.

For the South Kaibab Trail the next morning, taking the hiker’s shuttle to the trailhead is a great plan. South Kaibab is steeper and more exposed than Bright Angel but offers incredible panoramic views. Hiking partway down (like to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge) is recommended if you want a manageable hike with rewarding scenery, especially since you’ll be doing this on a short visit.

Additional tips:

Check weather conditions and trail closures in advance; early March may still have snow or ice patches.
Carry layers and sun protection, as temperatures can vary greatly between rim and canyon floor.
Bring enough water and snacks; even short hikes require hydration in the dry environment.

In summary, your plan to hike Bright Angel Trail briefly and then explore the Rim Trail is a sensible compromise. It allows you to get a feel for the canyon interior without overextending yourself, while the South Kaibab hike provides a memorable view for the next morning.

Hiking in early March

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