March is an amazing time to visit the US national parks. You can enjoy the full spectrum of national park activities at this time of year. March is the official shoulder season, so you’ll see parks all over the country in different season stages.
Head south, and you’ll get mild weather and desert parks without the scorching summer heat. Head north, and you’ll get more alpine-style mountain terrain, with ski slopes still running and frozen lakes for ice skating. March has incredible flexibility when finding a national park that appeals to your interests and preferences. There’s plenty of food for thought.
Best US National Parks to Visit in 2024
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best national parks in March. For each national park, there’ll be insights into where to stay and what it offers in March – from skiing to fewer crowds and beautiful flowers and wildlife sightings. Give us 10 minutes, and we’ll find the best fit for you and your dream trip.
1. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a stunning place to visit in March. It is one of the US’ least visited national parks and has fascinating fossilized mountain ranges. Millions of years ago, the Guadalupe Mountains were actually underwater. Today, you can see the fossilized remains of marine animals, especially in the exhibits at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
The second best thing about Guadalupe Mountains National Park is its hiking trails. You can hike the gorgeous McKittrick Canyon or Smith Spring Trail. Or you can walk the Devil’s Hall Trail. If you’re up for the challenge, you could head up Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas – a staggering 8,751 feet tall. To reach the summit, you’ll undertake a strenuous 8.4-mile out-and-back trail. The 6-8 hour hike is worthwhile; from the top, you get beautiful views of the desert scenery and surrounding mountain range.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas, right on the border with New Mexico. You can visit by road trip from one of the major Texan cities, like San Antonio. Alternatively, you can fly into Albuquerque and drive from there.
If you visit the Guadalupe Mountains, you should absolutely visit the nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The two parks are less than an hour apart, making them ideal for a March trip to Texas.
Location: Texas. Why Visit in March: Avoid the high summer temperature to enjoy the hiking trails better. Where to Stay: We’d recommend Hotel Paso Del Norte.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the biggest names for US national parks. The Rocky Mountains cover over 415 square miles of mountainous terrain and are famed for their wildlife and iconic scenery. You can expect everything from alpine meadows to mountain passes dotted with moose and bighorn sheep. Rocky Mountain National Park hosts many more people than other national parks in the US, so it makes sense to check it out in a shoulder season.
While summer brings backcountry camping galore and easy park visitation, with the lack of snow opening up the best road trip terrain, March brings the best snow. While the rest of these national parks embrace snow-free terrain and the start of wildflower season, Rocky Mountain National Park enters its best period for snow activities.
You can enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and ice skating on frozen lakes or the YMCA’s annual rink in early March. Colorado is amazing for winter sports. You can still tackle some of its best hikes with snowshoes and crampons.
Otherwise, the national park is one of the best Spring Break ideas. Thanks to its fun-loving tourism infrastructure and all the snow sports, the park comes to life in mid to late March. Get your social butterfly vibe on and book your trip.
Location: Colorado. Why Visit in March: There is plenty of snow and the option for peacefulness in early March or a Spring Break destination in mid-to-late March. Where to Stay: Estes Park YMCA for its outdoor ice skating rink.
3. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a definite candidate for a trip to a national park in March. Why? Because it holds the record for being the hottest place on Earth. In 1913, Death Valley reached 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Even on a usual summer’s day, it reaches average temperatures of over 114 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out this isn’t ideal hiking or road-tripping temperatures.
Instead, you can visit Death Valley National Park in March. In March, its temperatures range from 55 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll enjoy many amazing things to do in Death Valley National Park and not fry while doing so – a win-win in our books. The scorching summer heat is not conducive to experiencing the best of Death Valley.
Things to do in Death Valley include visiting Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where you can try out sandboarding. You can also visit the Manzanar Historic Site, where Japanese soldiers were incarcerated during World War II. Or you could visit Badwater Basin – a.k.a. the lowest point in North America – or Racetrack Playa, which famously has stones that move themselves.
Death Valley is easily one of the best national parks in March. It always makes the overall list of the best US national parks, so visiting in mild temperatures allows it to shine.
Location: California. Why Visit in March: You can enjoy the experience rather than having to manage the scorching summer heat. Where to Stay: The Inn at Death Valley.
4. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a stunning mix of river canyons, mountain ranges, and desert terrain across 800,000 acres. Most people visit to go camping and admire the scenery. It is one of the prettiest national parks in March when its bluebonnets are in full glory, and the weather is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Dreamy, right?
At Big Bend National Park, the best way to explore is via hiking trails or by water. You can take amazing canoe and kayaking tours of the Rio Grande and its canyons. Or you can lace up your hiking boots and take on Window Trail for exciting river crossings and desert views or Chisos Basin Loop Trail for Mexican pine forests filled with hummingbirds.
We’d suggest camping at Big Bend National Park; it is all part of the experience, and the camping is what makes it one of the best Texas getaways. Big Bend is also a great national park in March for camping, considering the mild to warm temperatures.
As a whole, Big Bend National Park is easily one of the best national parks to visit in March for camping, canoeing, and wildflower lovers. Do keep in mind that its busyness varies drastically depending on when you visit, though. Early March is the quietest, while mid to late March requires advance bookings as visitor numbers spike with Spring Break tourists.
5. Zion National Park
Everyone knows and loves Zion National Park. This is one of the most visited national parks in March, but don’t let that stop you. Some of the best national parks to visit in March are favorites for a reason. And Zion National Park is home to everything from the hallowed Angels Landing to The Narrows. Its classic red rock scenery and twisted canyon-top trails make it a legendary addition to the Utah National Parks. If you’ve yet to visit, you’ll love it if you like dramatic hikes with bucketloads of novelty.
Zion has the best hikes, whether you hike through river water or cling to a metal chain as you scale narrow sections of the canyon and try not to peek at the dizzying drop beside you. It is like a baptism of fire into the world of outdoor adventure.
Of course, there are some more gentle introductions to the park. You could hike to the Emerald Pools, visit the Zion Human History Museum, or drive through its famous tunnels. But Zion is a great idea for any adrenaline-seeking travelers or experienced hikers wanting trails with novelty.
So, why specifically visit Zion in March? What makes it one of the best national parks to visit in March? Simply put, to dodge the crowds. If you want quiet trails, it’s best to stick to early March. Those who get here early enough in the month will find less traffic, more parking spaces, and little to no queuing as you climb. The last thing you want is to queue on Angels Landing, and it also makes your chance of getting a permit easier.
Be mindful that there may still be some ice in March, but this should be fine if you’re an experienced hiker. Some trails, like the Narrows, can close with little to no notice if snowmelt raises water levels. The Narrows is also unsuitable for those without suitable gear due to the cold water.
Location: Utah. Why Visit in March: Fewer crowds and more enjoyable trails. Where to Stay: We have a guide on where to stay in Zion National Park here. We’d especially recommend Under Canvas Zion.
6. Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is criminally overlooked, as it’s one of the most interesting US national parks. And if you’re looking for geologically fascinating national parks in March, Pinnacles National Park is perfect. The park sits on an ancient volcanic field, which created unique pinnacles as the rock rose and eventually solidified. This terrain makes it a dream for rock climbers and beautiful hiking terrain for anyone with an eye for photogenic natural scenery.
Pinnacles National Park has it down when it comes to birdwatching in a national park. The park protects the ultra-rare Californian condors, so bring some binoculars and long-distance lenses for your camera. The good news is that you can see Californian condors all year round, as they aren’t migratory birds. In March, though, you may see the huge birds during nesting. Condors tend to mate for life and only produce a single egg (on average) every two years. March is right in the middle of this precious nesting season, so keep a sharp lookout and don’t disturb any birds you see.
Another benefit of visiting Pinnacles National Park in March is seeing all the wildflowers. The park hosts a huge population of bees, which means plenty of pollination. Pinnacles is in total bloom by March each year.
Because Pinnacles National Park is so overlooked, you can get away with visiting it during Spring Break and still not feel overrun by crowds. You’ll enjoy mild temperatures of around 60 to 70 Fahrenheit – much more conducive to hiking and climbing than summer.
Location: California. Why Visit in March: You can potentially see nesting condors, admire wildflowers, and enjoy mild temperatures for rock climbing and hiking. Where to Stay: Keefers Inn is a great place to stay just outside the park.
7. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park has beautiful orange sandstone scenery and gorgeous natural formations. Capitol Reef is photogenic and has that wow factor – typical of Utah and its brightly colored rocky sceneries. Tourists love it for its sandstone and rock formations, as well as the historical and cultural draw of hundreds of petroglyphs. Capitol Reef is the ideal mix of outdoor adventure and a bit of history and culture.
In terms of things to do, you’ll want to see the Waterpocket Fold, which is a geologic monocline that stretches almost 100 miles and is essentially a wrinkle on the Earth. You can also hike the Grand Wash, which takes you through a beautiful canyon on a dry riverbed. At the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, exhibits of some of the region’s most impressive petroglyphs exist.
Capitol Reef made our list of best national parks to visit in March because it has reasonable temperatures of around 60 to 80 Fahrenheit. Later in the year, this can rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making sightseeing and hiking conditions more challenging.
Capitol Reef is also ideal to visit in Spring Break, as it’s one of the most overlooked of Utah’s mighty five national parks. You won’t find it as busy as Arches or Zion, even if you visit in mid to late March.
Location: Utah. Why Visit in March: To dodge the crowds at Utah’s busier parks and to make the most of milder temperatures. Where to Stay: Capitol Reef Resort.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is gorgeous and another one of Utah’s greatest national parks. You’ll be swapping hiking boots for snowshoes and needing a great set of snow tires, but if you fancy the adventure, March is one of the most rewarding times to visit Bryce Canyon. It is one of the most beautiful US national parks, after all, and it’s one of the handful of national parks in March that still hold enough snow for reliable winter activities.
In March, expect average temperatures between 23 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap up warm and rent any necessary gear, heading to the visitor center if you need to pick up extras or get on-the-day trail and road advice. You can check out the winter-only trail, Paria View Ski Loop. Or you can book a ranger-led snowshoe hike around the Bryce Canyon rim.
Of course, this doesn’t mean shrugging off the best independent hikes in Bryce Canyon. You can also enjoy great winter hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park, just as long as you are experienced hiking in snowy conditions.
If you want that snowy experience, Bryce Canyon is easily one of the best national parks to visit in March. Because of all the snow, many people on Spring Break dodge Bryce Canyon for other options, with the vast majority of tourists visiting later in the year. It makes March a great time for an unusually quiet experience before the summer mayhem.
9. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in March. It is actually one of the best places in the USA to visit in March – not just a top national park at this time of year. This is because the difference in temperature when visiting in March versus summer is so significant. As a desert park, you really want to visit during those mild temperatures to enjoy its best hikes. Visiting in March allows you to do that, with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit rather than temperatures touching 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer.
Joshua Tree National Park is also a beautiful national park in March because of its scenery. You’ll see the emergence of wildflowers, which adds a bit of color to the desolate stretch of rocks and sand. It also gives the famed Joshua Trees a bit of a fancy background drop.
In March, you can take a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park without worrying as much about your car overheating. Similarly, you can also head out on trails like the Arch Rock Nature Trail or Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail. There’s so much natural beauty in Joshua Tree National Park; you want to be able to enjoy it without catching heat stroke.
Joshua Tree does get busy during Spring Break, so if you want to dodge the crowds, stick to the beginning of the month.
10. Arches National Park
You don’t need us to introduce you to Arches National Park; this beautiful park packs over 2,000 natural stone arches and some amazing hikes. You can pick some of the best hiking trails, getting up close to Delicate Arch, hiking the Devil’s Garden, and heading for sunset at Double Arch. These trails are much quieter in March, and you avoid the summer heat – a win-win.
Arches National Park is easily driveable and covers less than 80,000 acres. Yet this park really packs an intense load of natural landmarks and a quick succession of sightseeing opportunities. Many of the arches are actually visible from the roadside. Arches National Park requires minimal effort and maximum reward.
If you want to dodge the crowds, you must visit Arches National Park in the first half of March rather than the second. Spring Break is when thousands upon thousands of tourists descend on the park. So, if you want the viewpoints quieter, stick to the first half of March for your trip.
You can easily drive to Arches National Park from Salt Lake City in around four hours. Along the way, you can stop off in Provo and Utah Lake. It is an easy national park to reach, although you’ll definitely need to rent a car.
Location: Utah Why Visit in March: Avoid the crowds (when you visit in the first half of the month) and dodge the summer heat. Where to Stay: Aarchway Inn in Moab is a good and nearby option.
11. Grand Canyon National Park
Out of all the best national parks in March, Grand Canyon National Park has got to be the most famous. Step aside the Rocky Mountains; the Grand Canyon has arrived. The Grand Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, and its sheer scale attracts millions of visitors each year.
It is also where you’ll find some of the oldest exposed rock in the world. Why’s that a big deal, you might wonder. Well, this means you can see rock layers and how the color and type of rock have changed over millions of years. It is like a time capsule.
Whether you are visiting for views of geological insight, the Grand Canyon definitely has that wow factor. It is a bucket list attraction for many, so it’s no wonder you should jump at the chance to visit during its quieter shoulder season. The first half of March is one of the quietest times to visit the Grand Canyon.
The North Rim is closed in March due to safety concerns over snow. However, the West and South Rim are still open and have beautiful views. You can indulge in some of the best things to do, including taking a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon National Park. Before you go, check out some fun facts and plan a visit to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center so you can load up with knowledge and educational exhibits when you arrive.
12. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is a fabulous national park in March. It is perfectly located for a Utah to Arizona road trip, accessible off the 191 Highway that leads south towards Forrest Gump Highway. The park is dramatically divided by two rivers and has four separate zones.
Despite being one of Utah’s more overlooked parks, it still attracts a fairly busy crowd in summer. Over 911,000 people visited Canyonlands in 2021, so you’ll want to catch it in its shoulder season. Early March is one of the quietest times you’ll catch this national park superstar.
Some of its best hikes include the Green River Overlook, White Rim Trail, Upheaval Dome Overlook, Confluence Overlook, and Pothole Point Trailhead with its beautiful Needles District views. In early March and at tactical times, you’ll find some of these trails almost empty.
Temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in March, and you should be prepared for ice and slippery conditions in shaded areas, especially when embarking on early morning hikes. This does mean crisp and colorful sunsets and sunrises, though, which Canyonland is beautiful for anyway with its dramatic rock formations like the Needles.
Location: Utah. Why Visit in March: Quieter hiking trails. Where to Stay: Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Getaway is great for adventurous accommodation, with an Old West theme and outdoor pool.
13. Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park always makes recommendations for the best Florida weekend getaways, and it just so happens it’s also one of the best national parks in March. For those who have yet to learn about Biscayne National Park, it is predominantly a protected ocean area. 95% of the national park is water, protecting over 10,000 years of human history and abundant underwater flora and fauna. Think scuba diving tours to shipwrecks and snorkeling tours over coral reefs.
Biscayne National Park is ideal for underwater activity lovers. However, it’s also great for those who don’t want to get their heads underwater. Above the water, you can explore mangroves by canoes and kayaks. There’s plenty of sightseeing to do from the water’s surface. You could even take it a luxurious step further with a private sailboat tour of the bay, stopping at its islets and mangroves before catching the sunset and returning to Miami.
If you get lucky, you can see all sorts of marine life in Biscayne National Park. You can spot manatees – everyone’s favorite gentle giant – over 600 native fish, sea turtles, and the occasional pod of dolphins.
So, why visit in March in particular? Well, the warm but wet season in Biscayne National Park runs from May until October, and the dry season runs from November until April. If you visit in March, you pick the perfect shoulder season month. You snag dry weather but also get warmer temperatures. You can expect temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for enjoying water activities.
You can combine Biscayne National Park with a Spring Break trip to Miami or stick to the quiet atmosphere for early March. The choice is yours.
Location: Florida. Why Visit in March: To get the driest but warmest weather possible and visit nearby Miami for Spring Break. Where to Stay: Best Western Gateways To The Keys is a great option for staying in Homestead (the closest city to Biscayne). If you don’t mind a bit of extra travel, you can stay in Miami for the full Miami experience. Check out our where to stay in Miami guide here or head straight to Bentley Beach Club, a luxury hotel in iconic South Beach.
14. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is – hands down – one of our favorite spring break ideas. This national park is entirely dedicated to hot springs and a thermal water phenomenon. And in the mild spring weather, you can easily hike to beautiful pools, some designated ‘bathing pools,’ meaning you can take a dip.
Hot Springs National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in March for a unique Spring Break experience. Its rows of 20th-century bathhouses are built on top of natural hot springs, resulting in a historical spa experience and natural phenomenon sightseeing opportunities. Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum has stunning exhibits, and you can still bathe in the 1912-opened Buckstaff Bathhouse. Also, carve out time to visit Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which has mountain views.
Hot Springs National Park is less than an hour’s drive from the major city of Little Rock, making it a super accessible Spring Break choice. Temperatures are rising to between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, warm enough to hike but mild enough to enjoy a dip in the hot springs at Buckstaff Bathhouse.
Location: Arkansas. Why Visit in March: It’s a fun and accessible addition to your Spring Break ideas and the perfect temperature for hiking and bathing at Buckstaff Bathhouse. Where to Stay: The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a beautiful hotel in a neoclassical building.
15. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park isn’t among the most widely sung names on the US national park scene. Yet this national park is home to the world’s longest cave, which you can explore via guided tour. It’s a great motivator to visit Kentucky and break out of the stereotypical best national parks in March. Mammoth Cave is so impressive that it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Around it, you’ll find beautiful hills and valleys dotted with hiking trails like Doyel Valley Overlook and First Creek Trailhead.
Mammoth Cave National Park is a spectacular national park to visit in March. The greenery pops at this time of year; it’s a stunning combination with the amount of forest trails and riverside hikes. Temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and March starts the rainy season. This means you see the park with plenty of healthy vegetation and emerging spring flowers. Still, you avoid the rainiest month of April. Bring some waterproofs and stick to the beginning of the month to get all this natural beauty without the extra Spring Break foot traffic.
For us, Mammoth Cave was an easy addition. It has a gorgeous forest setting that comes to life with spring showers and emerging flowers. It also has a UNESCO-rated cave attraction that runs regular tours and is quieter in early March than in summer. What’s not to love?
Location: Kentucky. Why Visit in March: Quieter tours of Mammoth Cave and the spring flora and vegetation. Where to Stay: Serenity Hill Bed & Breakfast has its own private beach area with spacious rooms offering private kitchenettes.
16. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Nothing beats the excitement of seeing live lava flows for the first – or fiftieth – time. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is incredible to visit. You can visit at night to peer at the glow of the Halema’uma’u Crater, walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, or hike the 1.2-mile trail past the Sulphur Banks. The park is a haven for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in real-time geology and learn more about volcanic activity. It’s a novelty that’s hard to beat. And you can visit through guided tours and experiences or embark on independent experiences.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of our riskiest national parks in March, as you’re visiting at the end of the rainy season. This means you take the risk of getting wet and having a few rainy days during your visit. However, the trade-off means you have a much quieter experience since other tourists tend to get scared off by the possibility of bad weather. Early March is a fantastic time to crowd dodge at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The national park is on the Big Island, which gets incredibly popular and busy during summer. Our advice? Grab a raincoat and waterproofs and stay for as long as possible. This way, you can plan ‘indoor’ activities like the Thurston Lava Tube during rainy spells and ‘outdoor’ activities like the Halema’uma’u Crater Overlook in dry spells.
You should consider Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as a bonus point for the Big Island when choosing which Hawaiian island to visit in 2024. To experience Hawaii without the competition from thousands of tourists at viewpoints and attractions, consider the rain trade-off.
Location: Big Island, Hawaii. Why Visit in March: Much fewer crowds. Where to Stay: Volcanoes Villages Estates is a grand 4-star property with a mixture of classic rooms and whole cottages.
Best National Parks to Visit in March: FAQs
As you can see, even some of the most visited national parks are peaceful to visit in March. You also get an amazing variety of activities; you can catch the backend of the ski season or enjoy some rock climbing and mild desert hiking trails. You could head to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park or Death Valley National Park or check out Utah’s Mighty Five.
Before you head off, though, hold fire to listen to these top FAQs. This section will help summarize all the simple things you need to know.
What is the Best National Park to Go to in March?
The best national parks in March are either Bryce Canyon or Death Valley. These parks offer a drastically different experience than visiting in peak season.
Bryce Canyon is under snow in March, meaning you can take guided snowshoeing tours with rangers around the canyon rim. You dodge the crowds and experience the canyon in a beautiful, snowy light.
Death Valley is much more enjoyable in early March than in summer, with lower temperatures that mean you can appreciate attractions like Mesquite Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin.
Can You Go to the Grand Canyon in March?
Yes, although the North Rim is typically closed. Due to snow and ice, you’ll have limited access to certain areas and roads. Still, overall, you get a quieter experience in the first half of March, which makes this a payoff.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Utah?
March is a great time to visit Utah. As long as you feel confident managing icy and snowy conditions under foot and via car, you’ll find its national parks quieter at this time of year. You’ll have many trails to yourself.
Can You Go to Zion in March?
Yes, you can visit Zion in March. Remember that some trails may be impacted by snow and ice. Only experienced hikers should tackle challenging routes like Angels Landing and the Narrows, which can also be closed at short notice due to snowmelt raising water levels. If you are flexible, experienced, and have great gear, Zion will be much quieter in March.
Our Favourite National Parks to Visit in March
Whether you head to West Texas and check out Big Bend National Park or go ice skating in the Rockies, these best national parks are all incredible in March. These 16 are all amazing national parks to visit, and hopefully, you now have a list of your top three or four choices. The variety of activities each national park offers is the most impressive part of US travel in March. There are hiking trails through desert scenery, snow activities, wildflower season, and more.
Whichever you choose, have a fantastic trip in March. It’s a brilliant time of year to experience the great national parks, so get ready to hit the jackpot.