March marks the transition from winter to spring, making it an ideal time to explore the beauty of America’s national parks.
As the weather warms up and the landscapes begin to bloom, outdoor enthusiasts can experience breathtaking scenery and fewer crowds.
This month offers a unique opportunity to witness the awakening of nature and enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking to wildlife watching.
Whether it’s the stunning vistas of the desert or the lush greenery of forests, each park has its own charm in March.
With so many options available, it can be tough to decide where to go. This guide highlights the best national parks to visit during this month, ensuring unforgettable adventures and memories in the great outdoors.
1. Olympic National Park in March
Olympic National Park boasts stunning coastal views and diverse ecosystems in March. Visitors can witness the snow melting in the mountains, revealing wildflowers.
Hiking trails like Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rain Forest offer spectacular scenery. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot elk and migrating birds.
Rainfall is common, so packing waterproof gear is essential for a comfortable experience. Enjoy fewer crowds while exploring this Pacific Northwest gem during the spring transition.
2. Yosemite National Park in March
Yosemite National Park in March offers a unique blend of winter’s remnants and spring’s awakening. Snow-covered landscapes provide stunning backdrops for photography, while iconic sites like El Capitan and Half Dome shine brilliantly under the sun.
Visitors can enjoy activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on groomed trails. Wildlife, including deer and bears, becomes more visible with the warming temperatures, making it a great time for wildlife watching.
March also presents fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience in this majestic park.
3. Pinnacles National Park in March
Pinnacles National Park offers a stunning experience in March with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Hikers can explore trails like the High Peaks Loop, which showcases unique rock formations and panoramic views.
They might even spot peregrine falcons soaring overhead during this season. Also, the park’s diverse habitats support wildlife such as deer and bobcats, making wildlife watching particularly rewarding. Visitors should consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon for the best experiences.
4. Channel Islands National Park in March
Channel Islands National Park is a hidden gem worth exploring in March. Visitors can enjoy pleasantly mild weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
March is also prime time for watching marine wildlife, as whale migrations peak during this month.
She can explore the island trails, which offer breathtaking coastal views and abundant wildflowers starting to bloom. He should consider taking a guided tour to learn about the unique ecosystems and history of the islands.
5. Joshua Tree National Park in March
Joshua Tree National Park thrives in March, as temperatures are mild, making it perfect for outdoor exploration.
Visitors can hike iconic trails like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam, where striking rock formations and unique Joshua trees create stunning landscapes.
Wildlife sightings, including desert tortoises and various bird species, increase during this month.
Stargazing becomes exceptional as the clear skies offer brilliant views of celestial events, enhancing the park’s allure for night sky enthusiasts.
6. Death Valley National Park in March
Death Valley National Park shines in March with comfortable daytime temperatures averaging around 75°F (24°C). Visitors can hike the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
March’s wildflower bloom often carpets the landscape, offering colors against the stark desert backdrop.
Wildlife sightings also increase, with opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and various bird species. Stargazing becomes memorable under clear night skies, making it a perfect time for nighttime adventures.
7. Red Rock Canyon Park, Las Vegas in March
Red Rock Canyon Park offers stunning scenery in March, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C).
Visitors can hike trails like the Calico Hills Loop, showcasing colorful rock formations. Wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and various bird species, is often spotted.
March is ideal for rock climbing, and photographers can capture spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Exploring the visitor center enriches the experience, providing insights into the park’s geology and ecology.
8. Grand Canyon in March
Grand Canyon National Park offers stunning vistas in March as the weather begins to warm. Visitors can hike popular trails like the South Kaibab and Bright Angel, taking in breathtaking views of the canyon’s layered rock formations.
March’s mild temperatures, averaging 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C), make it ideal for exploring outdoor activities.
Wildlife such as mule deer and various bird species become more active, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife watching. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dramatic lighting during sunrise and sunset.
9. Petrified Forest National Park in March
Petrified Forest National Park shines in March with ideal weather landscapes. Visitors can explore trails like the Blue Mesa Loop, where colorful fossilized wood and stunning vistas captivate the eye.
Wildlife sightings increase as animals become more active, including numerous bird species. March also boasts fewer crowds, allowing for a more immersive experience while photographing unique geological features under clear skies.
10. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in March
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a unique experience in March. Visitors can explore the iconic Kīlauea volcano, where steam vents and lava tubes create captivating landscapes.
March’s mild temperatures hover around 70°F (21°C), making it ideal for hiking the Crater Rim Drive and exploring trails like the Kīlauea Iki Trail. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot native Hawaiian birds such as the ʻiʻiwi and Hawaiian goose.
March also brings fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate experience with the park’s stunning geology and ecosystems.
11. Glacier National Park in March
Glacier National Park in March offers stunning winter landscapes and quieter trails ideal for adventure seekers. Visitors can snowshoe along trails like Apgar Lookout for breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks.
It’s also a great time to spot wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep, as they emerge from winter. March typically sees temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C), so dressing in layers is essential for comfort during outdoor activities.
12. Yellowstone in March in March
Yellowstone National Park offers an unforgettable experience in March, as winter’s beauty remains, and spring’s hints begin to emerge.
Visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski along trails like Old Faithful and Canyon Village, witnessing geysers and breathtaking landscapes. Wildlife, including wolves and bison, becomes more visible against the white backdrop.
March also features fewer crowds, giving a peaceful atmosphere for wildlife watching and photography amid stunning vistas.
13. Rocky Mountain National Park in March
Rocky Mountain National Park in March offers stunning snow-capped peaks alpine meadows.
Hikers can enjoy trails like Bear Lake and Alberta Falls, which provide breathtaking views and early wildflower sightings.
Wildlife, including elk and foxes, is more visible as they emerge from winter habitats. Visitors should dress warmly, as temperatures can range from 15°F to 45°F (-9°C to 7°C). Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular, enhancing the park’s winter charm.
14. Great Sand Dunes National Park in March
March offers an incredible experience at Great Sand Dunes National Park with warm temperatures averaging 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C).
Visitors can hike the iconic High Dune, the tallest sand dune in North America, for breathtaking views of the San Luis Valley.
Wildlife, such as foxes and various bird species, becomes more active during this time, making it perfect for wildlife watching. The melting snow creates small streams, ideal for peaceful picnicking and photography opportunities.
15. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park stands out in March with its incredible archaeological sites and stunning cliff dwellings. Visitors can hike the trails leading to iconic structures like Cliff Palace and Balcony House, revealing the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Wildlife, including deer and various birds, becomes active, enhancing the experience. It’s recommended to dress in layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures, which can range from 30°F to 60°F (-1°C to 16°C). March’s lower crowds allow for a more immersive exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16. White Sands National Park in March
White Sands National Park captivates visitors in March with its stunning gypsum dunes and comfortable temperatures averaging 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Hikers can explore scenic trails like the Dune Life Trail, showcasing the unique desert ecosystem.
Wildlife encounters, including lizards and various bird species, become more frequent as the area begins to thrive.
March also features fewer crowds, offering a serene experience while taking in the picturesque landscapes and perfect opportunities for photography.
17. Arches National Park in March
Arches National Park in March offers perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. Visitors can hike trails like Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden, showcasing the park’s iconic red rock formations.
Wildlife, including rabbits and various bird species, becomes more active as temperatures range from 40°F to 65°F (4°C to 18°C).
March also features fewer tourists, allowing for a more serene experience while capturing stunning photographs of the dramatic landscapes.
18. Canyonlands National Park in March
Canyonlands National Park shines in March, offering mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Visitors can hike trails such as the Mesa Arch and Island in the Sky, revealing stunning canyon vistas.
Wildlife, including coyotes and various bird species, becomes more active, enhancing the park experience. March’s lower visitor numbers provide a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and unique geological features.
Don’t forget to bring a camera for capturing the stunning sunrises and sunsets that illuminate the canyons.
19. Capitol Reef National Park in March
March at Capitol Reef National Park offers ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike iconic trails like Cassidy Arch and Hickman Bridge, where stunning rock formations come alive with spring colors.
Wildlife becomes more active, providing opportunities to spot mule deer and various bird species. The mild temperatures, averaging 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), promote comfortable exploration.
March’s fewer crowds allow for a peaceful experience while enjoying breathtaking vistas and capturing stunning photographs.
20. Zion National Park in March
Zion National Park comes alive in March with mild temperatures averaging 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C). Hikers can explore trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows, offering stunning views and unique rock formations.
Wildlife such as mule deer and various bird species becomes more active, enhancing the experience.
March’s lower crowds allow for a peaceful adventure while photographers can capture the park’s breathtaking scenery under clear skies.
21. Bryce Canyon National Park in March
Bryce Canyon National Park showcases breathtaking hoodoos landscapes in March. Visitors can hike trails like the Queen’s Garden and Peek-a-boo Loop, where stunning rock formations contrast against the clear blue skies.
Wildlife such as mule deer and various bird species becomes increasingly visible as temperatures range from 30°F to 60°F (-1°C to 16°C).
March offers fewer crowds, allowing for a serene experience while capturing the park’s stunning photography opportunities.
22. Biscayne National Park in March
Biscayne National Park thrives in March, offering a paradise for water lovers. Visitors can snorkel around coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it perfect for underwater photography.
Kayaking through mangrove trails provides a unique perspective of the park’s ecosystem. With comfortable temperatures averaging 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C), outdoor activities become enjoyable.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot dolphins, manatees, and various bird species, enhancing the overall experience. March’s lower visitor numbers create a peaceful atmosphere for exploration and relaxation.
23. Acadia National Park in March
Acadia National Park transforms in March, offering stunning coastlines and breathtaking views. Visitors can hike trails like Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain, where early spring wildflowers start to bloom.
Wildlife sightings include seals and various bird species, as they become more active. March’s milder temperatures, averaging 35°F to 50°F (2°C to 10°C), make it comfortable for exploration.
Fewer visitors in March provide a serene atmosphere for photography, enhancing the park’s unique charm.
24. Mammoth Cave National Park in March
Mammoth Cave National Park offers visitors a unique underground adventure in March. Visitors can explore the world’s longest cave system, with guided tours showcasing stunning formations and rich geological history.
Activities like hiking on the park’s surface trails become enjoyable as temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C). Wildlife, including bats and various bird species, becomes more active, providing exciting wildlife watching opportunities.
March’s relatively low visitor numbers allow for a more intimate experience with the park’s breathtaking landscapes and fascinating caves.
25. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in March
Great Smoky Mountains National Park thrives in March as wildflowers begin to bloom and wildlife becomes more active. Visitors can hike trails like Clingmans Dome and Alum Cave, revealing stunning vistas scenery.
Elk and black bears may be spotted as they emerge from winter habitats. Temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C), making it a comfortable time for exploration. March’s lower crowds enhance the serene experience while enjoying nature’s beauty.
26. Virgin Islands State Park in March
Virgin Islands State Park offers stunning tropical beauty in March, with temperatures averaging 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
Visitors can hike trails like the Lind Point Trail, revealing breathtaking coastal views landscapes.
Wildlife, including sea turtles and various bird species, becomes more active during this time, providing excellent wildlife watching opportunities.
March’s lower crowds enhance the peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for snorkeling and exploring pristine beaches like Trunk Bay.
27. Guadalupe Mountains National Park in March
Guadalupe Mountains National Park thrives in March, offering mild temperatures averaging 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Hikers can tackle trails like the Guadalupe Peak Trail, where stunning panoramic views await at Texas’s highest point.
Wildlife sightings, including mule deer and various bird species, become more frequent. March’s fewer crowds allow for a more serene experience, perfect for capturing the beauty of spring wildflowers and unique rock formations throughout the park.
28. Big Bend National Park in March
Big Bend National Park shines in March with comfortable temperatures, averaging 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Visitors can hike trails like the Lost Mine Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains and blooming wildflowers.
Wildlife sightings increase, with opportunities to spot javelinas and various bird species. March’s lower crowds provide a peaceful experience, ideal for stargazing at night under clear desert skies.
Alicia Richards