Hi all,

My husband and I are scrambling to plan a driving vacation from LA in mid-February. We've never been to the Grand Canyon or Sedona, and from the reviews here, it sounds like a wonderful trip.

I'm a little concerned about snow and ice as we don't have 4WD or chains. Should we plan for another time? I tried checking weather histories and all I see is that it can be pretty cold, and perhaps a bit rainy.

I should add that terrible weather follows us on all vacations. I don't think we've had a vacation in the past 3 years didn't involve rain or a deadly heat-wave.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

The south rim of the Grand Canyon is at about 7,000 ft. altitude. Winter storms can be quite icy down to 4,000 to 5,000 ft. In such a case, the highway patrol often closes the interstate highways to all but those vehicles with chains until the surfaces are clear. If it were my decision and I could defer the trip until later, I would do so.

I'd wait until May or October if you don't want to go during the summer.

We went to Sedona/Flagstaff/Grand Canyon in mid March and were fine. But it could have gone the other way very quickly.

Have you checked out the tour buses that take people from Sedona to GC? They know the roads well.

One year in mid-March we hit a snow storm and had 6+ inches of snow in Flagstaff.

Utahtea

How much time do you have for the trip? I think Sedona would be a safer bet (weatherwise), but the Grand Canyon could be doable. I've been there in February, and even though there was a snowstorm overnight, the roads were fine. But, as others have pointed out, don't count on perfect weather.

Have you considered making some reservations in both Sedona and Grand Canyon, and then cancelling one or the other depending on weather conditions? The major concern with the Grand Canyon is icy roads. Maybe you could head over to Sedona, and if the forecast calls for dry conditions, cancel a day or two in Sedona in favor of GC. Or, if you aren't interested in an overnight at GC, you could always get up early and drive up for the day from Sedona (after checking on conditions at the S. Rim, of course).

My husband and I were in Sedona mid-March last year. The nights were cool but the days were great. We didn't go to GC because I wasn't sure we could avoid bad weather. There are tours that go from Sedona to GC but we decided not to be stuck on a bus most of the day. Sedona is beautiful, depending on how much time you have you could find enough to do without going to GC.

HI..
We will be in Sedona the end of Feb. and we are doing a road trip from San Diego and we have always gone in Feb. and we have never had a problem but I think going to the GC could be different.. Sedona is so wonderful and the rates will change in March so book now and have fun.. Expedia has some great deals right now till the end of Feb..Moderate hotels are BW Inn of Sedona and La Quinta for around $100+ or you can spend a small fortune..Depends on what you want..
We love combo packing Jerome in there somehow for a lunch on the way home.
I am addicted to Sedona!

Hi SammyCat,

I live in Flagstaff - we'd love it if you brought us some rain or snow! It has been the driest winter on record here and the forest may be closed this spring and summer as in past years if we don't get any moisture. If you choose to come in February, Sedona will be just fine. If you plan to drive up to the GC, then just check the weather before heading out. It can definitely snow and get icy once you get up around Flagstaff and head into Northern AZ. You could just stay in Sedona and make a game-time decision on the GC that way (drive up and back in one very long driving day).

Hope this helps, and while we do need moisture, I hope rain doesn't spoil your trip. Sedona can be quite enchanting in the rain...and you'll see the locals do a happy dance in celebration of it!