The Grand Canyon Region is Idyllic in Spring

Arches National Park
Arches National Park

Two events make March particularly attractive in the eyes of many Coloradans: Returning our clocks to Daylight Savings Time on March 12,  and the official return of spring on March 20, that bellwether date when we exchange our skis, boards and snowshoes for mountain bikes, kayaks and golf clubs.

Problem is, many of us are still waiting for Old Man Winter to release his icy grip.  So while we’re growing impatient for better weather, why not make immediate tracks to the resplendent Grand Canyon region of southern Utah and northern Arizona?

From Moab to Page to St. George, this red-rock bastion of idyllic spring weather is an eye-candy collection of freshwater resources and photo-prompting landscapes comprised of stunning bike trails, awe-inspiring mountain climbs, raucous spring-melt rivers and an impressive assembly of golf courses. Here are four destinations to experience now:

Mountain Biking in Moab
Mountain Biking in Moab.
  1. The springtime enticements of Moab, Utah, are considerable, starting with dozens of mountain bike trails that offer unforgettable thrills for every experience level, including forays into the indescribable Arches National Park. There is also skydiving, hot air ballooning, Colorado River rafting, and playing Moab Golf Club’s 6,819-yard desert oasis. Discover Moab.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon
  1. Situated on the doorstep to Lake Powell, Page, Ariz., puts experiential travelers right in the heart of unparalleled outdoor beauty. Attractions include the picture-perfect Upper and Lower Antelope canyons, the river-carved wonder of Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell’s 2,000 miles of shoreline, the exhibits of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, and the concentration-blowing challenges of 7,000-yard Lake Powell National Golf Course. Visit Page, Lake Powell.
Havasupai Falls
Havasupai Falls
  1. Careful planning is of vital importance if you ever hope to visit the Havasupai Waterfalls, located 170 miles north of Flagstaff, Ariz. Sited among the western slopes of the Grand Canyon, this internationally acclaimed wonder brims with heart-stopping hikes, crystal-clear travertine pools, and five deafening waterfalls including one that tumbles 200 feet from a limestone precipice. There’s no golf, but I promise you won’t care. Overnight permits required. Plan your trip to Havasupai Indian Reservation.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park
  1. St. George, Utah, embodies outdoor adventure. How about an amazing hike to The Narrows or into Hidden Canyon, just two of Zion National Park’s more celebrated treks? Or how about a heart-stopping, 800-foot zip line ride across Green Valley Gap? And if you missed your sticks visiting Havasupai, get ready: The 11-course Red Rock Golf Trail is headquartered here, highlighted by the top-rated challenges of Coral Canyon, Dixie Red Hills, Falcon Ridge, Green Spring, The Ledges, Sand Hollow, Sky Mountain, Southgate, Sunbrook, SunRiver and St. George. Explore more of St. George.

What are your Grand Canyon region recommendations? Share your comments below!

RELATED:

2016/17 Travel Guide: St. George

Four Corners Courses are Celebrating

It’s Go-Time in St. George

Go Play the Red Rock Golf Trail

Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer. Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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