March is an excellent time to explore America’s natural wonders, as many national parks come alive with the first signs of spring. Whether you’re seeking warm weather escapes or late-season winter activities, there’s a perfect destination for every outdoor enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top national parks to visit in March, providing you with essential information on weather conditions, activities, and planning tips to make your spring adventure unforgettable.
When to Visit National Parks in March
March marks a transitional period in many national parks, with the spring equinox ushering in longer days and changing weather patterns. As daylight saving time begins, visitors can enjoy extended hours of sunlight for exploration. However, weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the park’s location and elevation.
In southern parks, March often brings mild temperatures and the first blooms of spring. Northern parks may still experience winter conditions, offering opportunities for snow activities before the spring thaw. It’s essential to research specific park conditions and pack accordingly for your March visit.
Best Warm Weather National Parks in March
For those seeking to escape the last remnants of winter, several national parks offer ideal warm-weather destinations in March.
Everglades National Park
Florida’s Everglades National Park is a prime choice for March visitors. With comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, it’s the perfect time to explore this unique ecosystem. Wildlife viewing is exceptional during this period, with opportunities to spot alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
The park’s dry season typically runs from December to April, making March an ideal time for activities such as kayaking through mangrove tunnels, hiking the Anhinga Trail, or taking an airboat tour through the River of Grass. Visitors can also enjoy ranger-led programs and stargazing in the clear night skies.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park offers a tropical paradise for March visitors. The park’s crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and birdwatching. March temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Explore the historic Fort Jefferson, one of the largest 19th-century forts in the United States, or take a boat tour to spot sea turtles and dolphins in the surrounding waters. With limited facilities on the island, it’s essential to plan ahead and make reservations for transportation and camping if you intend to stay overnight.
Virgin Islands National Park
For a Caribbean getaway within U.S. territory, Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is an excellent choice in March. With average temperatures in the low 80s and minimal rainfall, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the park’s beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and snorkeling spots.
Visitors can explore the ruins of sugar plantations, hike the Reef Bay Trail, or relax on the pristine sands of Trunk Bay. The park’s diverse marine life makes it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. March also coincides with the tail end of the humpback whale migration season, offering potential whale-watching opportunities.
Biscayne National Park
Another Florida gem, Biscayne National Park, is a haven for water lovers in March. With pleasant temperatures and calm waters, it’s an excellent time for boating, fishing, and underwater exploration. The park protects a unique combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours to view colorful fish and coral formations, kayak through mangrove-fringed shorelines, or snorkel in the clear waters surrounding the park’s islands. March is also a great time for birdwatching, with many migratory species passing through the area.
Best Snow and Winter Activities National Parks in March
For those who aren’t ready to say goodbye to winter just yet, several national parks offer excellent opportunities for snow activities in March.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a winter wonderland in March, with snow-capped peaks and crisp mountain air. The park receives 4.2 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular national parks in the country. March offers a unique opportunity to enjoy winter activities with fewer crowds and the potential for sunny days.
Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter wildlife viewing. The Bear Lake area is particularly popular for winter activities, with several trails suitable for various skill levels. As spring approaches, lower elevation areas may begin to thaw, offering opportunities for early-season hiking.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is another excellent destination for March visitors seeking snow activities. With 3.6 million visitors annually, the park offers breathtaking mountain scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
In March, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing on groomed trails, snowshoeing through pristine forests, and wildlife watching in the Jackson Hole valley. The Taggart Lake Trail and the Moose-Wilson Road are popular winter routes. As the month progresses, some lower elevation areas may begin to open up for hiking and biking.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington state offers a diverse range of ecosystems and activities for March visitors. With 3.7 million visitors annually, the park provides a unique combination of mountains, rainforests, and coastline.
In the higher elevations, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Hurricane Ridge. The park’s temperate rainforests, such as the Hoh Rain Forest, are particularly lush in March, offering excellent hiking opportunities. Along the coast, storm watching and beachcombing are popular activities during this time of year.
Glacier National Park
While many areas of Glacier National Park in Montana remain snow-covered in March, it’s an excellent time for winter enthusiasts to explore the park with fewer crowds. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities, with several trails accessible from the West Glacier entrance.
As the month progresses, some lower elevation areas may begin to open up, offering early-season hiking opportunities. Wildlife viewing can be excellent in March, with opportunities to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears emerging from hibernation.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon offers a unique winter experience in March. The deep blue waters of Crater Lake, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, create a stunning backdrop for winter activities. Visitors can enjoy ranger-led snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing, and snow camping.
The Rim Drive, which circles the lake, is typically closed to vehicles in March but open for skiing and snowshoeing. As one of the snowiest places in America, Crater Lake receives an average of 43 feet of snow annually, ensuring excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
Family-Friendly National Parks for Spring Break
March is a popular time for spring break vacations, and several national parks offer excellent options for family-friendly adventures.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park in Texas is an ideal destination for families seeking warm weather and diverse activities. March brings comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and stargazing in one of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states.
Families can explore the Chisos Basin area, take a dip in the Rio Grande, or embark on a scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including roadrunners, javelinas, and various bird species.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Another Texas gem, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, offers families a chance to explore diverse landscapes and ecosystems. March brings mild temperatures, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The park is home to the four highest peaks in Texas and features ancient marine fossils, desert flora, and unique wildlife.
Families can hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, or explore the colorful McKittrick Canyon. The park’s Junior Ranger program is an excellent way for children to learn about the area’s natural and cultural history.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
For families in the Midwest, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a perfect spring break destination. As winter recedes, the park comes alive with early spring blooms and wildlife activity. Visitors can explore over 125 miles of hiking trails, bike along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, or take a scenic train ride through the valley.
The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and waterfalls, provide excellent opportunities for nature observation and photography. Families can also participate in ranger-led programs and visit historic sites within the park.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky offers a unique underground adventure for families. As the world’s longest known cave system, it provides an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. March is an excellent time to visit, as the cave’s temperature remains a constant 54°F year-round, providing a comfortable environment regardless of surface weather conditions.
Families can choose from a variety of cave tours, ranging from easy walks to more challenging adventures. Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and canoeing on the Green River. The park’s Junior Ranger program allows children to earn a badge while learning about cave ecology and conservation.
Top National Parks for March Visits
While many national parks offer excellent experiences in March, some stand out for their unique features and optimal visiting conditions during this time of year.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park in California is a desert wonderland that comes alive in March. As temperatures begin to rise, the park’s iconic Joshua trees and diverse desert flora burst into bloom, creating a colorful landscape against the backdrop of unique rock formations.
March visitors can enjoy comfortable daytime temperatures, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s dark skies also make it an excellent destination for stargazing and astrophotography. Popular activities include hiking the Hidden Valley Trail, exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden, and watching the sunset from Keys View.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park, straddling California and Nevada, offers a surreal landscape and pleasant temperatures in March. As one of the hottest places on Earth during summer, March provides an ideal window for exploring this unique desert environment comfortably.
Visitors can marvel at the colorful badlands of Zabriskie Point, walk on the salt flats of Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), and explore the golden canyon trails. March also brings the possibility of spectacular wildflower blooms, depending on winter rainfall. The park’s vast open spaces and clear skies make it an excellent destination for stargazing and night photography.
Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks in March
Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion—offer incredible landscapes and outdoor experiences. March is an excellent time to visit these parks, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park showcases over 2,000 natural stone arches, along with massive fins and balanced rocks. March visitors can enjoy comfortable hiking conditions and the possibility of seeing snow-dusted arches against clear blue skies. Popular trails include the Delicate Arch hike and the Windows Section.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its otherworldly hoodoos – tall, thin spires of rock. In March, the park may still have snow, creating a stunning contrast against the red rock formations. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, ranger-led snowshoe hikes, and stargazing programs in the clear night skies.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park offers a vast and rugged landscape carved by the Colorado River. March brings mild temperatures ideal for hiking and exploring the park’s diverse districts. Popular activities include scenic drives in the Island in the Sky district and hiking in the Needles area.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park features a long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust called the Waterpocket Fold. March visitors can enjoy hiking through colorful canyons, exploring historic orchards, and viewing petroglyphs left by ancient cultures. The park’s remote location also offers excellent stargazing opportunities.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, with its soaring cliffs and narrow canyons, is a hiker’s paradise. March brings comfortable temperatures and the possibility of seeing waterfalls at their fullest. Popular activities include hiking the Narrows, Angels Landing, and exploring the Emerald Pools trails. Zion National Park receives 4.9 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited national parks in the country.
Alaska National Parks in March
While many think of Alaska as a summer destination, March offers unique experiences in the state’s national parks. Visitors can witness the Northern Lights, enjoy winter activities, and potentially catch a glimpse of the famous Iditarod Race.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, offers stunning winter landscapes and opportunities for aurora viewing in March. Visitors can enjoy dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park’s winter visitor center provides information on current conditions and activities.
Kenai Fjords National Park
While much of Kenai Fjords National Park is inaccessible in winter, March visitors can still enjoy activities near the Exit Glacier area. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing are popular winter activities. Clear nights offer chances to see the Northern Lights dancing over the frozen landscape.
National Parks to Avoid in March
While many national parks shine in March, some may be best visited during other seasons due to weather conditions or limited access.
Yellowstone National Park
While Yellowstone National Park attracts 4.7 million visitors annually, March can be a challenging time to visit. Many roads and facilities remain closed, and weather conditions can be unpredictable. However, if you’re prepared for winter conditions, you can enjoy unique experiences like wolf watching in the Lamar Valley or snowcoach tours to see steaming geysers surrounded by snow.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine can still be quite cold and potentially muddy in March as winter transitions to spring. Many facilities and roads may be closed, limiting access to popular areas. If you do visit, be prepared for variable weather conditions and limited services.
Planning Your National Park Trip in March
When planning your March national park adventure, consider the following tips:
- Check park websites for current conditions and closures.
- Make reservations early, especially for popular parks like Zion and Yosemite.
- Be prepared for variable weather by packing layers and appropriate gear.
- Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass for access to multiple parks.
- Participate in ranger-led programs to enhance your understanding of the park.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife and natural resources during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best national park to visit in March for warm weather?
For warm weather in March, consider visiting Everglades National Park, Death Valley National Park, or Joshua Tree National Park. These parks offer comfortable temperatures and unique desert or subtropical environments.
Are there any national parks closed in March?
While most national parks are open year-round, some areas within parks may be closed or have limited access in March due to weather conditions. Always check the official park websites for current conditions and closures before planning your trip.
What should I pack for a national park visit in March?
Pack layers of clothing to accommodate variable weather conditions. Include rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and any specific gear needed for planned activities (e.g., snowshoes for winter parks or swimwear for warm-weather destinations).
Can I see the Northern Lights in Alaska’s national parks in March?
Yes, March is an excellent time to view the Northern Lights in Alaska’s national parks, particularly in Denali National Park and Preserve. Clear, dark nights away from light pollution offer the best chances for aurora viewing.
By exploring these diverse national parks in March, you can experience the unique beauty of America’s natural wonders as they transition from winter to spring. Whether you’re seeking warm beaches, snowy peaks, or desert blooms, there’s a perfect national park destination waiting for you this March.