I am woefully ignorant of the Desert Southwest and have discussed the possibility of doing some sort of outdoor activity, that may involve a trail run, during my kid's Spring Break March 17-21.  While the temptation is there to hit Lake Powell to join the college students for one last blow-out before I turn 40, it probably is not reasonable...

Given that time period combined with wife and children aged 7-16. (the 16 year old WILL be a newly licensed driver) where would you suggest to go and what to experience?

I am woefully ignorant of the Desert Southwest and have discussed the possibility of doing some sort of outdoor activity, that may involve a trail run, during my kid's Spring Break March 17-21.  While the temptation is there to hit Lake Powell to join the college students for one last blow-out before I turn 40, it probably is not reasonable...

 

Given that time period combined with wife and children aged 7-16. (the 16 year old WILL be a newly licensed driver) where would you suggest to go and what to experience?

That would be a perfect time for SW Utah (i.e. Zion national park), The lower elevations would be clear, and tourist traffice wouldn't be too bad. You would encounter some snow and ice at higher elevations of the region, but it should be managable.

Lake powell would be cold that time of year (water temps between 48-55 F), but not very crowded. The crowds start hitting in May.

this is the undisputed best info for fishing at lake powell

http://www.wayneswords.com/

If you want more info, let me know. I can point you in a really good direction.