Visiting Arches National Park in March
You’ll enjoy so many fun activities when you visit Arches National Park in March.
Use this Arches National Park travel guide to plan a March vacation: things to do, what to pack, where to stay, and more!
Arches National Park in the spring is one of the most popular seasons due to the moderate temperatures. It’s nice to be able to explore the park all day long without worrying about the daytime heat during the summer!
If you’re looking for done-for-you Arches National Park itineraries:
- Arches National Park in One Day
- Two Days in Arches National Park
- Three Days in Arches National Park
- Arches National Park and Canyonlands in One Day
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A Photo Tour of Arches National Park
Take a visual tour through Arches National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Visiting Arches National Park in March
Arches is a very small Utah National Park. It’s a popular destination and it gets crowded during the peak spring season.
The first part of March is your best bet to avoid the crowds when it’s spring break in Utah.
Arches Weather in March
The Arches National Park weather in March is starting to get warmer, but the mornings and evenings will still be cold.
Keep in mind the weather can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through with rain, and possibly snow. The average highs are near 60 degrees with the lows in the mid 30s.
Dress in layers when visiting in March:
Remember that this area of Utah is a dry environment, don’t forget lip balm and lotion!
Download our free Arches National Park Packing List!
Is March a Good Time to Visit Arches National Park?
Arches National Park is open 24/7. Visit the NPS site to get the updated operating hours for Arches.
March is one of the best times to visit Arches National Park due to the moderate temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going the first two weeks of March.
Be sure to enter the park EARLY before 7:00 am, leave when it gets crowded, then go back in the afternoon!
Things to Do at Arches National Park in March
There are so many things to do at Arches National Park. Here’s a list of activities to consider:
Visitor Center at Arches National Park
Stopping at the visitor center is the first place you want to stop! It is open every day in March and is full of so much useful information.
There you can talk with the park ranger, tell them what you are most interested in, and ask for recommendations.
- A good way to get to know more about Arches is to participate in ranger-led hikes and campfire talks.
- You can watch the park orientation film at Arches Visitor Center, which is open seven days a week – check the website for operating hours.
- Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge (Junior Ranger booklet). Get more details at the visitor center.
Scenic Drive at Arches National Park
There’s a 43-mile Arches National Park scenic drive you must explore. It should take 2 to 3 hours to drive the road, including the two short spur roads. Be sure to add more time if you’ll be taking photos or hiking at any of the stops.
The road is paved with pullouts and parking lots perfect for any Arches National Park photography you want to do.
Some of the arches and landmarks can be seen from the parking lot, or by a short walk. Download the Arches National Park map to navigate along the scenic road to each point of interest.
Hiking at Arches in March
March is a great time to explore the Arches National Park hiking trails because even though the sun is out, the air is cool. This is quite different from summer when you’re sweating and worrying about heat exhaustion.
Most of the trails at Arches are fully exposed to the sun, which is perfect for your visit in March since you aren’t worrying about finding shade! It’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen due to the elevation of Arches.
Some of the best hikes in Arches National Park:
- Delicate Arch
- Devil’s Garden Trail
- The Windows Area
Photography at Arches National Park
One of the most popular Arches National Park activities is photography!
If you want to capture photos without people climbing on the rocks at Balanced Rock, Turret Arch or the Windows, you’ll want to plan to visit these locations for sunrise at Arches National Park!
Delicate Arch is the most popular photo spot for sunset at Arches National Park. In March, you won’t have this location to yourself so be patient waiting for everyone to take their turn to get a photo under the arch!
CHECK OUT our 3 day Arches & Canyonlands Itinerary and Photography Guide so you know all the best places and times to take pictures here!
Stargazing at Arches in March
Definitely take one evening to stay after the sun set and LOOK UP! Can you see the milky way?
Arches National Park is internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing because of its remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.
The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” encourages visiting at night to simply Look up! On a clear night, the sky is literally filled with stars.
Arches is a popular destination for astrophotographers so you won’t be alone in the park at night. In March the milky way is visible from 3:00 am to sunrise.
Things To Do Near Arches National Park
You’ll find a ton of other places to visit in Utah that are near Arches National Park to add to your itinerary:
- Things to Do in Moab
- Kid-Friendly Things to do in Moab, Utah
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky
- Needles Canyonlands
- Dead Horse Point State Park
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps:
Planning an Arches National Park Vacation:
- Arches National Park Travel Guide
- Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
- Things to Do at Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Packing List
- Arches National Park with Kids
- Arches National Park Photography
- Tours Near Moab, Utah
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park:
There are no hotels in Arches so most people stay in the nearby town of Moab. There are all types of lodging in and near Moab from budget-friendly hotels to higher-prices resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks.
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Hotels Near Arches National Park
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park with Kids
- Arches National Park Camping
Here are a few of our favorite places to stay near Arches:
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Arches.
- Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
- Vacation Rentals Near Arches – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.
