The 13 Best National Parks to Visit in March 2025

Do you smell that? It’s the sweet aroma of springtime, and with March officially kicking off the shoulder season, there are dozens of enticing US national parks that you should consider for your next trip. 

Deciding which ones to choose, though, is trickier than you’d think. While many would think Rocky Mountain National Park or Grand Teton National Park are great options, there are even better ones to pick from. 

So, keep reading to discover the best national parks to visit in March.

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13 Best US National Parks to Visit in March

From spectacular scenery to idyllic conditions on hiking trails, early spring break in the country’s great national parks spoils you for choice.

Arches National Park

Among the smaller US national parks, Arches National Park is hands down one of the top to explore during March. 

Why Visit Arches National Park in March

It’s no surprise that the best time to visit Arches NP is during the shoulder season, and March proves why. As warmer weather sets into the park and crowd numbers remain relatively low, the month delivers all-around enjoyable moments.

The Weather

Expect average daytime temperatures to reach highs of roughly 62℉ and average lows to dip to 37℉, with little rainfall.

How Many Days Do You Need?

The ideal trip should last three days, as it is packed with activities in a small area. However, one day in Arches is enough to see most highlights. 

Best Things to Do in Arches

Let’s dive into what the park offers during March that you can’t afford to miss out on.

Hike to Delicate Arch

Considering the changing seasons, some amazing hiking trails in Arches blossom during March. One of the best is the trek to Delicate Arch, a moderately challenging route set against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains.

Go Rock Climbing

Starting mid-March, the weather allows for some out-of-this-world rock-climbing adventures if you’re up for it. Several areas provide ample chances to test your skills, ranging from Wall Street to the Windows and the Fisher Towers.

Firey Furnace Ranger-Led Tour

While you’ll need a permit to venture into this natural labyrinth of intersecting narrow passages, it’s a hands-on experience you must see to believe. You’ll need to scramble and squeeze in some areas, but few adventures compare.

Zion National Park

Where some parks are still quiet during March, Zion National Park shows off why it’s one of America’s favorites as spring comes around. Tackling the crowds is worth it.

Why Visit Zion National Park in March

Located in southwestern Utah, visiting Zion in March is more than milder temperatures. As the park’s waterfalls come alive, fed by melting snow, the Virgin River flows, and the season helps the park emerge into a visual feast for the senses. 

The Weather

Quickly shrugging off the colder winter days, Zion National Park in March sees daily highs of between 50℉ and 60℉, with lows of around 30℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

With the rising number of visitors, a worthwhile trip to Zion should last two to three days.

Best Things to Do in Zion

Throughout the park are dozens of top experiences that can quickly fill up any Zion itinerary, and these are some of the best picks.

Venture on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

As one of the four main roads in the park, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a spectacular way to see the park’s highlights under the spring sun. Keep your camera handy as the road leads past iconic highlights such as Zion Lodge, Angel’s Landing, and the Court of The Patriarchs.

The Narrows Riverside Walk

An easily accessible, leisurely trail, the Narrows Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River with the legendary Narrows waiting as a reward. Flanked by cottonwood trees with hanging gardens, the walk is an excellent intro to the rest of the park.

Conquer The Watchman Trail

Ascending along a moderately challenging hike, the Watchman Trail offers beyond-belief views of its namesake spire running down the southern end of Zion Canyon. Some elevation gain gives you a different perspective of the park.

Yosemite National Park

There isn’t a better time to visit Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains than March, with plenty of reasons to be excited.

Why Visit Yosemite National Park in March

While Yosemite National Park is a fantastic year-round destination, as March rolls around, the park is transformed. Waterfalls are gushing, flowers are blooming, and the summer heat and crowds haven’t arrived yet, with accommodation still running low prices.

The Weather

Early March is early spring, which means average daily temperatures reach the high 60s and lows average in the high 40s.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Yosemite is awash with impressive things to do, and with so many possibilities, you should plan to spend two to four days.

Best Things to Do in Yosemite

Speaking of what to include in your Yosemite itinerary, here are some options for the best things to do in the park during March.

Admire Yosemite’s Waterfalls

Yosemite National Park is among the most beautiful national parks in the country because its waterfalls are unforgettable in spring. Some falls, including Ribbon Fall and Horsetail Fall, are only seen during the season, with Bridalveil Falls remaining a favorite.

Go White Water Rafting

If you’re looking for a super fun activity in the Yosemite Valley, look no further than tackling the Merced River on a whitewater raft. Depending on winter snowfall, the river can be any thrillseeker’s dream, with other days ideal for beginners.

Hike Yosemite’s Trails

Weather permitting, March typically sees several of the park’s hiking trails open back up, but as always, check out trail conditions updated by the National Park Services. Some highlights include:

• Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (1-mile)
• Sentinel & Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail (2.3 miles)
• The Mist Trail (1.3 miles)

Bryce Canyon National Park

It is no surprise Bryce Canyon National Park is listed as one of the best national parks to visit in March. During this month, its unique landscapes become showstoppers.

Why Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in March

March in Bryce Canyon is full of surprises, as you might still see the hoodoos dusted with snow. Of course, crowd numbers haven’t returned to their peaks yet, and cooler days in the canyon are the best if you want to explore as much of the park as possible genuinely.

The Weather

Bryce Canyon in southwestern Utah should still be quite chilly during March. Daytime temperatures peak at 50℉, and nights drop to below 20℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You can plan a trip to Bryce Canyon NP, in one or two days, but ideally, two days is the minimum.

Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon offers a wide range of must-do activities that can fit any trip itinerary.

Queens Garden and Navajo Loop

A relatively short 3.1-mile hike, the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop showcases some of the most unique rock formations in the park, starting from Sunrise Point. Keep your camera handy to spot sights such as Queen Victoria and Thor’s Hammer.

Beat the Fairyland Trail

If you’re after the ultimate adventure in Bryce Canyon, head out on the Fairyland Trail, a challenging 7.9-mile loop taking you to the quieter side of the park. You’ll spot other park icons along the route, including the China Wall and Tower Bridge.

Catch the Sunrise or Sunset

It wouldn’t be a trip to Bryce Canyon without sitting back and marveling at the sunrise or sunset. The park has a bounty of places to choose from, with some highlight spots being Sunrise and Sunset Points, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.

Capitol Reef National Park

The mountain peaks of Capitol Reef National Park often go overlooked among Utah’s Mighty 5, but in March, the park couldn’t be a better place to spend a few days.

Why Visit Capitol Reef National Park in March

Putting on its pre-summer showcase without the crowds, March and springtime in Capitol Reef is the best time to visit. As the colder days of winter retreat, the Waterpocket Fold becomes particularly beautiful with the softer, gentler breath of spring.

The Weather

Nestled in southern Utah, Capitol Reef takes full advantage of the warmer weather, with days reaching 65℉ and nights dipping to 41℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

The ideal length of your trip to Capitol Reef should be at least three days.

Best Things to Do in Capitol Reef

As spring break rolls through US national parks, Capitol Reef awakens again and bursts with dozens of attractions you won’t want to miss.

Visit the Gifford House

Synonymous with Capitol Reef is the famous Gifford House. Located just a short drive from the visitor’s center, the homestead kicks off pie season during March. Selling fresh pies, cinnamon rolls, bread, and more —it’s a must-visit.

Hike to Cassidy Arch

Another standout attraction in the park, Cassidy Arch, was named after the infamous Butch Cassidy, and the hiking trail is picturesque in March. Expect a simple 1.7-mile out and back with roughly 650 feet of elevation.

Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop

Okay, how about some offroading? The rough, rugged, and remote Cathedral Valley Loop is a knockout adventure that can only be done by 4WD, but few other experiences like it are as perfect during March.

Death Valley National Park

It won’t take much convincing to cement Death Valley as one of the best national parks to visit in springtime, and March kicks things off gloriously.

Why Visit Death Valley National Park in March

March is, without a doubt, among the best times to visit Death Valley National Park, as the scorching heat of summer has yet to arrive. Alongside changing temperatures, the annual Death Valley Superbloom also starts during this month. 

The Weather

Straddling the border of California and Nevada, March weather in Death Valley is pleasant, with daytime highs in the 80s and evenings in the 50s.

How Many Days Do You Need?

For a memorable trip to Death Valley, plan your trip itinerary to last between two and three days.

Best Things to Do in Death Valley

With many things to do during your national park visit to Death Valley, these are some of the top picks.

Attend The Death Valley Day Sky Festival

Hosted in early March, the National Park System presents the Death Valley Day Sky Festival, where you can participate in dozens of stargazing programs. Awarded an International Dark Sky Park, Death Valley is a fantastic place to watch the night sky.

Visit Racetrack Playa

Proving just how crazy Death Valley’s landscapes are, Racetrack Playa is where to head if you want to see large rocks seemingly glide over a dry lakebed. That said, you must plan ahead and have a 4×4 to reach your destination, but it’s so worth it.

Go to Zabriskie Point

One of the park’s most illustrious viewpoints, Zabriskie Point, is a must-visit in March. After a short walk from the parking lot, the overlook gives you picturesque views of the park that are even more majestic at sunrise or sunset.

Joshua Tree National Park

Located in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park needs no introduction. Where some parks only start up again in March, it’s in full swing with plenty of reasons to visit.

Why Visit Joshua Tree National Park in March

A word of caution: Joshua Tree is exceptionally busy during March and April, thanks to Spring Break, but with proper planning, it’s a phenomenal place to visit in spring. Cool weather and some rainfall create the perfect conditions to venture into the park, regardless of crowd size.

The Weather

March marks the end of the wet season in the park. Daytime temperatures reach the 70s, while the average low-temperature dips into the 40s.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You should spend at least one day in Joshua Tree, with three days being the perfect duration.

Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree

Ready to get planning? There is more than enough to do in Joshua Tree, and these are some top options.

Tackle a Hiking Trail

Consisting of more than 300 miles of hiking trails, it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do is to tackle one of Joshua Tree’s hikes. These are some great picks that aren’t too challenging:

• The Barker Dam Trail (1.1-mile)
• The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail (¼ mile)
• The Oasis of Mara (0.5 miles)

Discover the Cottonwood Spring Oasis

Joshua Tree viewing aside, you should stop at the Cottonwood Spring Oasis during a March visit. The oasis is one of the most lush areas in the desert, with highlights like Mastodon Peak and ranger-led programs offered by the National Park Service.

Go Rock Climbing

If you’re eager to answer the call of the wilderness in Joshua Tree, why not test your mettle and go rock climbing? From traditional climbing to more advanced “no strings attached” possibilities, some standouts include Echo Cave and Wonderland of Rocks.

Pinnacles National Park

Easily one of America’s most criminally overlooked national parks, Pinnacles National Park is as unique as it comes and is a perfect March getaway.

Why Visit Pinnacles National Park in March

Situated in Central California, March is the best time to visit Pinnacles NP. Cooler weather makes hiking more fun and many of the park’s caves open up after winter. March also kicks off the official California condor nesting season, a highlight in the park.

The Weather

Benefiting from pleasant weather, daytime temperatures reach the low 60s, and at nighttime, they can drop as low as 40℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

While it’s possible to see a lot of Pinnacles National Park in one day, you can easily spend two days or more in the park.

Best Things to Do in Pinnacles

Pinnacles National Park offers a treasure trove of attractions and some of the best activities for a springtime trip.

Hike the High Peaks Trail

As the most iconic trail in the park, the High Peaks Trail is most easily accessed via the Juniper Canyon and Tunnel Trail. The 4.3-mile loop from the park’s west entrance takes you to an epic spot called the “steep and narrow”. It’s out of this world.

Go Bird Watching

Each US national park boasts incredible wildlife, but in Pinnacles NP, all attention turns to bird-watching. Bring your camera to capture majestic moments as Californian Condors soar between the many rock formations.

Treat Yourself to Wine Tastings

Well, this is out of left field, but located just outside the west entrance of Pinnacles is the Chalone Vineyard, one of the only wineries that overlook a national park. After spending time in the park, this is the ideal spot to sit back and toast to your visit.

Canyonlands National Park

What’s not to love about Canyonlands National Park? From its captivating landscapes to its hiking trails and off-the-beaten-path feel, the park is best explored during March.

Why Visit Canyonlands National Park in March

Like its Utah counterparts, Canyonlands National Park still avoids the intense heat of summer during March, creating perfect hiking conditions. In early March, snow might still cover the mesa tops, taking the park’s visual allure to the next level.

The Weather

Consider March in Canyonlands the best time to visit, as it’s not too hot or cold. Daytime highs reach the 70s, and nights drop to as low as 30℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

For a genuinely fun trip to Canyonlands National Park, plan your visit to last at least one to two days.

Best Things to Do in Canyonlands

Time for the fun stuff. While Canyonlands is home to countless activities for all seasons, these are some favorites for March.

Grand View Point Trail

The Grand View Point Trail is an easy 2-mile hike leading you to various fantastic lookout points. These include panoramic views of the canyons carved out by the Colorado River over thousands of years.

Head to Murphy Point Outlook

A moderately challenging hike, the route to Murphy Point Outlook is a 3.4-mile roundtrip with sweeping vistas of several iconic Canyonland attractions. Keep your eyes open to spot the Green River and the Island in the Sky mesa.

See the Musselman Arch

Along the famous 100-mile White Rim Road, the Musselman Arch is a natural arch that perfectly resembles a narrow bridge. While it might be tempting, walking across the arch is prohibited, and you’ll need a permit to drive the road.

Biscayne National Park

Consisting of 95% water, Biscayne National Park protects one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, and exploring it by boat in March is magical.

Why Visit Biscayne National Park in March

Located in Florida, the several islands that form Biscayne NP are a maritime paradise, and spring weather results in warmer waters. Beyond the perfect weather, activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours take centerstage.

The Weather

Speaking of weather, Biscayne in March is a pleasant affair. Daytime highs should peak at 77℉, and lows should reach 66℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Thanks to the many tours of Biscayne in March, you can easily plan a one- or two-day visit.

Best Things to Do in Biscayne

Offering a distinct range of national park activities, Biscayne National Park is full of things to do, with some standouts like these.

Visit Boca Chita Key

As the most visited key in the park, Boca Chita is a favorite for many who visit Biscayne. You can only get here by boat, and from the harbor, you’ll easily spot the iconic lighthouse built in the 1930s by Mark Honeywell.

Go Kayaking in Jones Lagoon

In the 1800s, the Jones family grew pineapples and key limes on Totten and Porgy Keys, running the waterways between them. Today, you can head out on the waters kayaking to enjoy some outdoor watersports.

Snorkel at Fowey Rocks Lighthouse 

Also known as the Eye of Miami, the historic Fowey Rocks Lighthouse is the ideal spot for some offshore snorkeling. Below the waters surrounding it, you’ll encounter many fish clustered around the metal pilings.

Big Bend National Park

Perched in the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend is a staple attraction of southwest Texas, and you’re going to love visiting it in March.

Why Visit Big Bend National Park in March

With warm weather in March, Big Bend presents the perfect conditions for outdoor recreation. The park remains relatively quiet until Spring Break starts in mid-March, thanks to its low-key vibe. That said, tourist numbers pick up near the end of the month.

The Weather

Considered the park’s peak season, March in Big Bend sees average daily highs of around 75℉ and lows of 47℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

If you want to experience as much of the park as possible, you should plan to spend three days there.

Best Things to Do in Big Bend

As one of the most remote parks in the lower 48 states, you might be wondering what to do in the park. Well, here are some best picks.

Venture Along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

This sensational 30-mile road takes you through some of Big Bend’s most beautiful landscapes, with various pitstop points. The drive starts at Panther Junction Road and ends at the gorgeous Santa Elena Canyon.

Hike The Window Trail

Often confused with the Window View Trail, which you can also tackle, the Window Trail is a moderately challenging 5.6-mile route ending at the Window. Your rewards? Unparalleled views of Big Bend National Park.

Hike the Chisos Basin Loop

Weaving its way through the Chisos Basin Valley, the Chisos Basin Loop leads through forests of oak trees, juniper, and Mexican pines, with some views of the surrounding mountains. Beware of bears and mountain lions, though.

Congaree National Park

Safeguarding the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States, Congaree National Park might be one of the smallest parks, but it packs a punch. 

Why Visit Congaree National Park in March

Early March is the best time to visit Congaree, courtesy of warm temperatures and relatively low mosquito numbers. Being one of the wettest months to visit, you’ll also have a chance to see some flooding in the forest, which is quite a spectacle.

The Weather

Congaree weather in March typically sees above-average rainfall, with daytime temperatures peaking at 68℉ and dropping to 43℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

A fantastic reason to head to South Carolina is that you should spend at least one to two days exploring Congaree National Park.

Best Things to Do in Congaree

Congaree is one of the least-visited national parks in the US, but for its size, it has plenty to do, especially in March.

Make the Boardwalk Loop Trail

The Boardwalk Loop Trail is a standout introduction to the park’s ancient hardwood forests. The 2.3-mile trail weaves through swampy landscapes filled with diverse wildlife. Much of the trail is elevated, so you won’t get too wet.

Go Canoeing or Kayaking

Cedar Creek is a famous feature of the park and an even better spot for canoeing or kayaking. Water levels peak during March, making the month ideal for discovering the park’s watery wilderness.

Hike the Weston Lake Loop Trail

Looping through the old-growth forest, the Weston Lake Loop Trail, at 4.5 miles, offers you an up-close encounter with much of the forest’s plant life. The best way to tackle the hike is counter-clockwise, starting at the Boardwalk Loop Trail.

Grand Canyon National Park

Last but certainly not least, Grand Canyon National Park and springtime are a match made in heaven, and March is the best shoulder season to visit.

Why Visit Grand Canyon National Park in March

In Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park opens in March after the winter cold wears off. This means visitor numbers are still manageable without the unbearable heat of summer to contend with.

The Weather

March inside the Grand Canyon is a mixed bag and contends for the best time to visit. The South Rim typically sees highs of 50℉, with nighttime lows of 20℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

To fully appreciate the Grand Canyon and what the national park offers, you should plan a three-day itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon

With changing weather comes changing activities, and inside Grand Canyon National Park, you are spoilt for choice.

Traverse the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

This is one of the quickest ways to reach the park’s most iconic viewpoints. The 1.8-mile roundtrip hike to Ooh Aah Point delivers knockout canyon views as you peer into its depths.

Catch the Sunrise at Mather Point

The famous Mather Point is renowned for being one of the best sunrise spots in the park, and for good reason. With expansive views of the canyon illuminated by the morning sun, the scene is set for exceptional snapshots.

Desert View Drive

Close your time in Grand Canyon National Park by heading to Desert View Drive. A popular scenic route that leads to various viewpoints of the canyon, with highlights including the Desert View Watchtower.

Wrapping Up The Best National Parks in March

When all is said and done, America has some of the most phenomenal national parks in the world, and as March comes by, plenty of them deserve all your attention. Choosing your favorite might be difficult, so why stop at just one?

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