LAS VEGAS???

BPLers in the Vegas area have come through for me when I've asked about climbing spots (for my 10-year-old, we went to Red Rock Canyon just west of Vegas). I've most often flown into Vegas to continue on to Death Valley, Zion or GCNP, but it sounds like you want something closer. I'm next in Vegas on Monday because there's perchlorate (from an old rocket fuel plant) seeping into Lake Mead.

Looking like a 4 hour drive or so from Vegas, but I would be willing to do it. Starting to gather up some info. Any ideas? It looks like I need to apply for permits?

March is a lovely time for the south rim of the Grand Canyon. You'll need permits, and ideally to apply for them 4 months in advance. What trip will depend on your physical abilities, but if you've never been anything will be good. If a four hour drive is in the cards Zion or Death Valley could also be considered. There has to be some good backpacking up on Mt Clark close to Vegas, but I don't know any details.

Yes, I have the permit papers in hand. If planning on going in March, I need to fax it to them by October 22. Guess I will buy all the guide books and map sets and start planning this out. Red rock canyon? Zion? Bryce canyon? Death Valley?…these require permits also?

Red Rock is a day trip; you pay a fee as you go in but no reservations needed. Zion requires permits for overnights. But its also great for day trips. We really liked the Subway trip there. I would consider Bryce as mostly a day trip; they charge a fee as you go in. I don't remember Death Valley requiring a permit, but I could be wrong.

Asks you to get a permit for backpacking. They also request that you pay an entrance fee—but there is no entrance station. So when you get to one of the park visitors centers, that's where they collect it.

Any recommendations for short overnights in any of these spots?

Indian Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail in GCNP is as easy as a GCNP trip gets. Very popular, so apply for a permit but have back-up plans. Milder nights than on the Rim. Water right there, so you don't have dry-camp. Rather infested with humans and ground squirrels, but nicely located for day hikes east or west on the Tonto Trail or down to the River. Having done that, you'd be much better oriented for planning future Canyon trips.