I'm planning an early March trip to Phoenix/Sedona/Grand Canyon/Las Vegas. I've noticed some posts on this forum that indicate that GC can be very cold at this time, and that some areas of the canyon will be closed to visitors.

I have NO experience with the southwest whatsoever, but that shocks me! I realize the mountains have an effect. My question is: is it realistic to expect to hike in the lower canyon area at this time? Also, any recommended hotels for this area?

Several years ago we took a family vacation to San Diego, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas over my kids spring break. Must have been mid March. Warm and sunny in southern California. We stayed at a lodge in the park in preparation for an early morning hike part way down. It was below freezing when we got up in the morning. Of course, we didn't have such things as hats or gloves. We used socks for mittens and headed out. I think we hike about half way down, maybe not quite that far. By the time we turned around to head back out, it was about 60 degrees where we were. When we got back to the rim, it was snowing. It was not a fun drive, for the first hour or so, heading to Laughlin Nevada. We had a station from Kingman Arizona on the radio and the guy kept saying it was sunny and 60. We weren't that many miles away, but we were driving in wet, heavy, slippery snow. We finally drove out of it, and sure enough it was sunny and pleasant in Kingman.

I don't think the North rim of the canyon is accessible until May.

Jen

Snow is what I'm attempting to escape for a week! Maybe we'll have to skip the big canyon. Any other suggestions for nearby places to hike and enjoy great views without freezing our ***** off? (preferably on-route from Sedona to Las Vegas)

We have gone a few years in a row and had sun and temps in the 60s and even 70s (our German exchange student got a great burn). This was all at the end of March. It just depends on Mother Nature.

The GC will most likely be cold in early March. Realize the rim is 7000' above sea level. However, as you hike down into it, temps can rise quickly. There is usually a 20 degree difference between the rim and the floor. Don't plan on hiking to the bottom and back out in one day - people have died trying to do this. Don't let the cold weather stop you from visiting the Canyon unless there is heavy snow predicted. As for places to stay, being in the park is definitely the way to go. We stayed at Bright Angel Lodge, which is right on the rim, and was about $60 a night.
Sedona will be a little milder, and Phoenix will be milder still. Altitude is the big factor.