Discover the 10 Best National Parks to Visit in March

We all need a healthy escape, a way to feel safe, have fun, and feel at peace again. So, depending on what you’re looking for, March can be one of the best months to visit most national parks in the United States. You’ll also find pleasant temperatures to enjoy the outdoors in March.

Visiting a national park is one of the best ways to soothe an aching soul. This article covers the 10 best national parks you could visit in March. It also explains why you should visit each park and what to expect while you’re there.

Let’s take a trek into nature!

1. Arches National Park

Arches National Park

Arches National Park offers an otherworldly and surreal view, especially with winter ending. This, combined with the Delicate Arch, makes it a view to remember for life. Given its beauty, Arches National Park tends to get crowded. However, this is not the case in March, making it the perfect time to visit. 

You will avoid the spring break crowds by visiting the park in March and get to enjoy the panoramic view from the Garden of Eden all by yourself.

2. Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Due to the rise in temperature in later months, March is the best time to visit Zion National Park. Zion boasts wonderful attractions such as Angels Landing, the Hidden Canyon Trail, Emerald Pool Trails, The Narrows, and the Zion Observation Point. 

Zion National Park is also home to around 68 species of wildlife, including mountain lions, bighorn sheep, foxes, and many others. Just know when and where to look to catch sight of these mammals.

3.  Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park

Due to the popularity of Big Bend National Park, March is its busiest month of the year. It is best to book your accommodation near the park earlier in advance. Despite this, the vast park offers a lot in the way of nature.

The mountains, rivers, and desert will provide you with endless delights as you safely explore them. A scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell will offer you a stunning view of the Chihuahuan desert, with the end of the road being the highlight.

4. Channels Islands National Park

Channels Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park comprises five different islands, offering more variety than most national parks. A ferry is made available with a schedule to travel between the islands. The islands also offer free camping as long as you bring your tent and equipment. In March, the islands offer a lot of green scenery with wildflowers in bloom.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

March is the perfect month to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. This is because it is usually less crowded due to the relatively low temperatures. Bryce Canyon provides many opportunities to view a number of wildlife, including Rocky Mountain elk, North American porcupine, short-horned lizard, and many others.

Despite the snow, the park still has stunning scenery. By visiting, you’ll be able to view the hoodoos of the Rim Trail and the wondrous scale of the Main Amphitheater.

6. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park offers panoramic views that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. As you go through the park, you will encounter bears and refreshing streams teeming with brook trout and flowers on the sides of the trail beckoning you forward.

Despite the cold temperatures, the park is still very popular for hikers in March, with trails wide enough to accommodate motorcycles and bicycles.

7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Unlike all other national parks, the main attractions of Carlsbad Caverns National Park not only fall under the open sky. Within the Carlsbad Caverns, you will find ancient fossils, wildlife, skeletons, and cultural artifacts.

The park is less crowded in March, making it a viable option. Since the attractions are closed-sky, fewer people means a better view of the park.

8. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is named after a type of cactus. You will be sure to find all kinds of fauna at Saguaro. With most flora being cacti, you will find it calming to explore the one-of-a-kind cactus garden.

March is the best time to visit Saguaro. The temperatures are warm but not hot with minimal rainfall. The park is also less-crowded during this period. 

9. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is especially lovely in March – this is when the wildflowers start to bloom. The skies also happen to be very clear during this month, making them optimal for stargazing and all its activities.

The perfect temperature makes hiking comfortable as it is neither too hot nor too cold. With sights such as the Ubehebe Crater, Telescope Peak, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, and Dante’s View, Death Valley is a very worthwhile destination. You will also come across traditional wildlife, such as gophers, coyotes, and bobcats at Death Valley.

10. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

With winter about to end in March, Yosemite National Park is mostly cold and snowy or rainy. There are a few warm days in between. The park is renowned for its deep valleys, granite monoliths, giant ancient sequoia trees, wildlife, and famous waterfalls.

The best time to visit Yosemite is in March because it is usually less crowded.