5 Reasons the Grand Canyon Sings in Springtime

Grand Canyon’s visual impact is so dramatic it can be difficult to detect the subtle variations that can change its appearance. A gentle rain shower can switch on a rainbow arc across the emptiness, fog can shroud the canyon before lifting to reveal its full majesty, and the steady march of the sun creates a new look at dawn followed by a dramatically different look at sunset. Yet surpassing these variations are the more pronounced changing of the seasons when Grand Canyon takes on a distinctly different appearance.

Take spring, for example. It marks a season bursting with new life and milder conditions. Here are five reasons spring is special in the Grand Canyon:

A Walk in the Park

While winter is a wonderland at Grand Canyon, the season isn’t necessarily conducive to hiking. With the arrival of spring, though, daylight hours grow longer, temperatures more moderate, and freezes begin to thaw. As we ease into the new year, these three factors make conditions ideal for exploring the canyon.

In January, you may have a little over 10 hours of daylight. By March, it’s 12 hours, which gradually increases to more than 14 hours of daylight by May. Not only will you have more time for sightseeing, tours, and other activities, the key thing for outdoor enthusiasts is that the thawing of icy winter trails provides better footing. Come here in the springtime and you’re here when temperatures are perfect for a walk below the rim. It’s the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ — not too hot, not too cold.

Flower Power

Beauty is in the details at Grand Canyon. Once your eyes adjust to the awe-inspiring view of the canyon in its entirety, you’ll begin to see the myriad elements that create one of the world’s seven natural wonders — its varied layers, the many curves of canyon walls, the differing degrees of light and shadow, the mighty Colorado River far below, and the diverse vegetation that has adapted to this high desert setting.

The park is home to hundreds of flowering plants including evening primrose, baby white aster, white violet, ground cherry, Indian paintbrush, and Rocky Mountain iris, which join more than 650 species of herbaceous wildflowers. Following a good winter coupled with some rain and snow, springtime is when canyon flowers are in bloom.

Picture Perfect

Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most alluring photo destinations. Spring creates unique conditions for photo opportunities. A favorite sight is when there’s a late snow shower in the spring. The last snow of the season is kind of cool because the canyon takes on an entirely a different look. And if you’re fortunate to be here when the cactus flowers are in bloom, you’ll be amazed at their beauty. But please look and not touch. If you have a good eye and a good camera, your pictures will enhance your memory of these extraordinary flowers.

The floral display is rivaled by something astounding: the famous “canyon inversion.” It’s one of the most unforgettable scenes you’ll ever see. In certain conditions in the spring, the canyon will be filled with fog — clouds, really — which may only leave just the tops of the rock formations visible. Photographers love to shoot this surreal scene. It’s like a soft blanket has been stuffed into every curve and fold of Grand Canyon.

Oh, Baby!

When you enter Grand Canyon National Park, you’re entering a 1.2-million-acre nature preserve where there are beavers, bobcats, foxes, jackrabbits, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. There are also raccoons, ravens, squirrels, bears, badgers, bats, mountain lions, mountain sheep and dozens of other species of wildlife.

Like many of these creatures, deer and elk find fall a good time for mating. As a result, this makes spring a perfect time to see young fawns and calves hanging close to mom as they adapt to their new home.

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