Travel Guide For Visiting Moab in March
With its stunning red rock vistas, exciting outdoor activities, and unique cultural attractions, it’s no wonder why visiting Moab in March is a popular time of year!
We live close enough to enjoy Moab at various times throughout year so we have lots of ideas and tips to share about planning a March vacation.
Use this Moab Utah vacation guide to plan a trip in March: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay. and more!
You’ll find so many things to do in Moab like hiking, biking, off-road jeep tours, and photography. There’s something for everyone in this amazing desert oasis!
Keep reading for our tips to help you plan a Moab, Utah vacation!
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Spring Clothing for Hiking
Moab, Utah in early spring will still have cold mornings so layers are key.
- Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, and wicking clothing
- Sunhat: Sun protection is a must
- Fleece jackets: A jacket is perfect for that morning layer when the temperatures are cool.
- Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters!
- Waterproof hiking shoes: Spring rain is common so be sure your hiking shoes are waterproof. Be sure the shoes are sturdy with good tread and traction.
Spring Hiking Gear
Here’s the spring hiking gear we recommend for exploring the Moab area:
- Water: Carry and drink at least two liters of water. Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Utah, you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
- First aid kit: No matter whether your hike is long or short, always pack a hiking first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has the essentials like plasters, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, etc.
- Headlamps: If you’ll be hiking in the morning or late afternoon, carry a headlamp so you’re prepared in case you need to hike in the dark.
- Snacks: Pack salty and easy to digest snack to replace electrolytes.
A Photo Tour of Moab, Utah
Take a visual tour through the Moab, Utah area to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Tips for Visiting Moab in March
Moab, Utah is one of the most popular places to visit in Utah, especially in the spring.
The weather in Moab in March is perfect to explore the national parks and surrounding areas! It will be cool to cold in the mornings and evenings, but it’s just right during the day when the sun in shining.
There is not much shade to be found around Moab so it’s nice to be outside on a sunny day when the air is cool! It makes hiking, biking and offroading so much more enjoyable!
And you’ll see waterfalls and desert flowers in the spring you won’t see any other time of year!
BUT Moab is a popular destination for spring break in Utah so expect crowds! The town, trails and points of interest will be packed with people.
And definitely avoid the weekend of the Moab Easter Jeep Safari unless you are going there to specifically attend this event. The small town will be very crowded which means higher prices for accommodations and long lines at the restaurants!
March Weather in Moab
In March, temperatures are mild and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The average highs are near 60 degrees with the lows in the mid 30s.
Expect the Moab weather in March to start getting 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.
Dress in layers when visiting Moab in March. A good fleece jacket and waterproof hiking boots are good things to have when you visit in early spring.
Activities to Do in Moab in March
Here’s a fun list of Moab spring activities and ways to get to know the history and geology of the area.
Utah National and State Parks in March Near Moab
If you want to visit the National and Utah State Parks in the Moab area, you may find these guides helpful. Here’s what to expect at these parks in March:
Arches National Park in March – one of the best times to visit 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. There may be lines to get into the park, especially on the weekends. And the points of interest will be packed with people.
Canyonlands National Park in March – it’s a terrific time to visit, but it’s also a popular spring break month so be sure to enter the park early, leave when it gets crowded, then go back in the afternoon!
Dead Horse Point State Park – known for its stunning views of the Colorado River, dramatic vertical cliffs, canyons, and vista views. We highly recommend this location at sunset!
Scenic Drives in March Near Moab
Moab, Utah is a scenic destination with many beautiful drives to enjoy the breathtaking views around the area.
Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway – the 34-mile round-trip drive is a terrific half-day excursion from the Moab area to see great views of the Colorado River, ancient rock art, and dinosaur tracks. Potash Road or the Lower Colorado Scenic Byway runs along the Colorado River and ends at the border of Canyonlands National Park. We recommend this drive in the late afternoon when the red rocks glow and reflect in the river!
Watch for signs and pullouts indicating petroglyphs. And look for the “Dinosaur Tracks” sign and turnout. A short hike takes you to a series of three-toed dinosaur tracks. You’ll be amazed at all the dinosaur tracks in Moab you can find.
Arches National Park Scenic Drive – the full 43-mile scenic drive, including the spur roads, takes 2 to 3 hours. Add more time if you plan to walk around and take photos or do any hiking at any of the stops.
Canyonlands Island in the Sky Scenic Drive – you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready to capture the beauty you’ll see at all 10 overlooks along this drive!
Hiking in March Near Moab
The Moab Utah hiking trails are awesome, and one of the best ways to explore the area!
If you are looking for some of the best hiking you definitely want to explore the trails in the National and State Parks near Moab where you will find trails for all hiking levels.
March is probably the best time for hiking when the sun is out. It’s quite different from summer when you’re sweating and worrying about heat exhaustion.
Remember it’s still important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen! Most of the trails in Moab are fully exposed to the sun, which is perfect for your visit in March since you aren’t worrying about finding shade.
Biking in March Near Moab
With so many outdoor activities to do there, Moab is considered the adventure capital of the US!
March is a great time to enjoy the Moab mountain bike trails because you can be out all day and not worrying about getting too hot! BUT that also means more people will be on the trails so be prepared to share the trails.
The Moab landscape is filled with “petrified” sand dunes and slick rock that have become famous for bike rides.
We recommend you book a Moab biking tour – there are a variety of tours for all ages and levels. You can also rent bikes in Moab.
Photography in March Near Moab
March is a terrific time to capture pictures of the stunning landscape around the Moab area.
The best times to photograph the areas around Moab are sunrise and sunset. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed.
CHECK OUT our 3 day photography guide for Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point to capitalize on all the best places and times to take pictures in the Moab area! We share some of our favorite ‘lesser known’ places to take pictures in Moab!
Remember that if you want pictures at the most popular sites without people getting in the way, early morning is the best time to be out taking pictures.
Stargazing in March Near Moab
Definitely take one evening to get away from the Moab city lights, go outside and LOOK UP!
Moab is home to 3 best places for stargazing because of the remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies: Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point. They are all Dark Sky Certified parks!
In March, if you’ve got a clear sky, you can try to capture a photo of the Milky Way! The Milky Way is visible from 3:00 am to 5:45 am in March.
Off-Roading in March Near Moab
Many times the Moab Jeep Safari will take place in March. As the name suggests, it’s always scheduled around Easter each year. It’s a busy time in in town and on the off-roading trails. If you’re not participating in this event, you should probably avoid this week!
Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals, but for inexperienced drivers, it’s best to join a tour or have a guide ride along with you to navigate and teach. We have used and recommend Outlaw Jeep Tours.
Camping in March Near Moab
There are a variety of ways to camp in the Moab area in March: RV Parks and Campgrounds, National Park Campgrounds, State Park Campgrounds, and BLM camping.
- Arches National Park Camping
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Dead Horse Point State Park Camping
- BLM Campgrounds in the Moab area
If camping is not your thing, here are many types of accommodations to choose from in Moab: budget-friendly hotels to higher-priced resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks in Moab.
