PLEASE NOTE: If you’re interested in Grand Canyon backpacking trips, and you don’t see them in the calendar, it’s likely because permits aren’t available yet. Permits are issued approximately 4 months prior, and it’s extremely beneficial to register before the permit process begins. Learn more or register on the individual trip pages.
Trip Dates
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIKING IN MARCH
BENEFITS OF HIKING IN MARCH
March is an excellent month for hiking around the USA and the world. Many of the canyon and desert destinations in the USA are hitting their prime season (March-May); these include Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, the Grand Staircase, Joshua Tree, Death Valley (late season for Death Valley), Sedona’s Red Rock Country and more.
Internationally, the world is also getting going into the peak hiking seasons. The first half of March is excellent for climbing Kilimanjaro; the Inca Trail opens to trekkers (the rainy seasons continues into early April, but the trail is open); Chile (Patagonia) is wrapping up its season but March is still a great time to go; Vietnam is entering its prime season; and Nepal is good in March (although chilly at night and afternoon thunderstorms are common).
DRAWBACKS OF HIKING IN MARCH
The main drawbacks of hiking or traveling in March are that its a shoulder season across the globe, so many destinations – while open – are not at their prime. These areas include Peru and the Inca Trail; Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia; Vietnam; Nepal; and Tanzania (Kilimanjaro). The main exceptions to this rule are the desert and canyon destinations in the USA, which are in their prime in March.
Another potential drawback of traveling in March is spring break, which can lead to very busy conditions in some areas. The last two months of March are when this potential exists, as very few schools or colleges schedule spring break for the first half of March.
WHERE TO HIKE
There are three main categories of destinations to hike in March:
– Desert and canyon destinations in the northern hemisphere – these options include Grand Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Utah national parks, and the Sedona Red Rock Country. Another option, although tropical versus desert, is Vietnam.
– Skiing and snowshoeing in mountain destinations in the northern hemisphere – we provide tours in this category to Rocky Mountain National Park, Yosemite National Park, Mount Rainier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Spring is an excellent time to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains, and you’re unlikely to be in snow.
– Trekking and backpacking internationally – recommended options for March are Kilimanjaro, Peru, Patagonia, Vietnam and Nepal.