Places to Visit in Utah in March

Visiting Utah in March

There are a lot of places to go for spring break in Utah. March weather is unpredictable so it’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter! A Utah spring vacation in Mach can be in the snow or sun, or both! 

Utah spring weather in March will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The temperatures in the higher elevations will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.

Utah temperatures in March:

• Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 55 / lows 36 degrees F 
• Southern Utah (St. George): highs 68 / lows 39 degrees F

In Northern Utah and higher elevation areas expect cold temperatures with snow storms possible any time during the month! In Central and Southern Utah, you can enjoy more moderate temperatures and usually snow-free conditions in March. The higher elevations in Southern Utah will be cold and snowy, like Bryce Canyon.

When visiting Utah in March, you’ll want layers. We recommend being prepared for moderate to really cold temperatures:

• Fleece jacket
• Insulated jacket
• Winter hat
• Winter gloves
• Insulated boots

Pack your winter road trip supplies because Utah roads could be impacted by snow or ice after storms. Driving between the northern and southern parts of the state you’ll be passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.

Places to Visit in Utah in March

Check out this list of amazing places to go and things to do when visiting Utah in spring, specifically in the month of March.

We asked our travel friends to share their tips and experiences for visiting all these Utah destinations in March. We got a ton of insightful tips that could make any trip to Utah in March a blast. From suggested hiking trails to must-see landmarks, here’s a rundown of the top suggestions from our travel community.

Antelope Island State Park in March

People often prioritize planning a day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats when they are visiting Salt Lake City, but there is another attraction just outside of the city that should not be missed: Antelope Island State Park. 

There are a variety of easy as well as challenging Antelope Island hiking trails, stunning views of the Great Salt Lake, and a vast array of wildlife. One of my personal favorite hiking trails is Buffalo Point at sunrise. The views are breathtaking. I would try to explain it here, but it is better if you go and see for yourself! In terms of wildlife, you can simply drive around the park to spot them. They are everywhere – sometimes even on the road. 

March is one of the best times to visit Antelope Island State Park for a couple of reasons. First, you can enjoy mild temperatures. The average high stays around 53 degrees Fahrenheit (11 Celsius) while the average low dips to 28 Fahrenheit (-2 Celsius).

Second, the biting gnats (aka no-see-ums) do not hatch until April. If you do not know what the biting gnats are, trust me, you do not want to find out. (Recommended by Alaina, Beyond the Moments)

Salt Lake City Lodging & Tours

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Arches National Park in March

With over 2000 arches, Arches National Park deserves a spot on your travel list, with March being a terrific to go. The first part of March is your best bet to avoid the crowds when it’s spring break in Utah.

Although you may still need a jacket, the weather at Arches National Park in March is just warm enough for outdoor activities but not too hot to make you uncomfortable. You don’t need a timed entry reservation permit in March, that starts April 1st.

At many landscapes like the Garden of Eden or Fiery Furnace, you can see the park’s iconic red rock formations perfectly against the snow-capped La Sal mountains in the background.

Take the full scenic drive, stopping at the monoliths of Park Avenue and Balanced Rock. An Arches National Park itinerary is not complete without a visit to the free-standing, Delicate Arch. And don’t miss a sunset at the Windows. (Recommended by Catherine, Day Trip Nomad)

Arches National Park Lodging & Tours

• Arches National Park Lodging
• Arches National Park Camping
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Bryce Canyon National Park in March

Bryce Canyon is best known for its unique hoodoo rock formations and breathtaking landscapes, which take on an entirely different look under blankets of snow. Bryce Canyon National Park in March will still feel like winter. It’s a special opportunity to see and capture the beauty of this park.

You’ll want to come prepared for icy trail conditions and several feet of snow, but almost all of Bryce Canyon winter hikes and viewpoints are still accessible in March. Head out to Inspiration Point for an unforgettable sunrise view or hike down into the amphitheater on Queen’s Garden Loop. Just remember to bring traction devices and dress warmly. Temperatures typically fall in the 20s to 40s range.

For a more adventurous experience, rent cross country skis or snowshoes and enjoy the incredible views, which you’re likely to have all to yourself, along the rim trail.

Whether you choose to venture out into this winter wonderland or experience it from one of the many iconic viewpoints it will definitely leave a lasting impression. (Recommended by Joren, Lor & Jor Explore)

Bryce Canyon Lodging & Tours

• Bryce Canyon National Park Lodging
• Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
• Bryce Canyon National Park Tours

Canyonlands National Park in March

March is the perfect time to enjoy Canyonlands National Park, with daily highs in the upper 50s or lower 60s—perfect for hiking. The early mornings and nights can definitely be chilly, though—even getting below freezing temperatures—so be sure to pack along some cozy layers.  March is also a great time to see wildflowers dot Canyonlands’ red desert landscape, especially during the latter half of the month. 

One drawback of visiting Canyonlands National Park in March? It’s a popular spring break destination, so you likely won’t get to enjoy those desert views on your own. 

The most popular area of the park is its Island in the Sky district, which offers a variety of easy hiking trails or scenic overlooks to enjoy. For example, the short Mesa Arch Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, with a sandstone arch perfectly framing the unique rock formations that jut out of the desert floor, over a thousand feet below. (Recommended by Jess, Uprooted Traveler)

Places to Stay Near Canyonlands

• Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
• Canyonlands National Park Camping
• RV Parks Near Canyonlands National Park

Capitol Reef National Park in March

Capitol Reef National Park is a must-visit when going to Utah in March. The park is located in Southern Utah, near the town of Torrey. Although there are many National Parks in Utah, this one is a little more out of the way to get to on its own, but it makes the perfect stop on a Utah National Parks road trip.

The park is open year-round, but the Gifford Homestead is only open starting March 14 (Pi Day), so we recommend visiting during the second half of March to get the full experience! We visited Utah in March and the mornings were a little chilly, but the afternoons were beautiful, with lots of sunshine. 

Back in the day, Mormon pioneers lived on this land, planting orchards to support their community. And you can see many of these orchards when you visit! You can get freshly made pies and homemade ice cream made with what they grow!

In addition to eating incredibly delicious pies when visiting Capitol Reef in March, you can explore the Fruita community, schoolhouse and even pick fruit in the orchards!

Once you’re ready to get out and explore the trails, consider hiking the Navajo Knobs Trail (9.1 miles), Cassidy Arch (3.1 miles) or Hickman Bridge (1.7 miles). All will provide you incredible views of the orange glow over the park. (Recommended by Adam and Kathryn, Adventures of A+K)

Capitol Reef Lodging & Tours

• Capitol Reef National Park Lodging
• Capitol Reef National Park Camping
• Capitol Reef National Park Tours

Dead Horse Point State Park in March

Dead Horse Point is a must-stop destination if you’ll be in the Moab area. The park is located near the Canyonlands Island in the Sky entrance. Dead Horse Point State Park is known for its stunning views of the Colorado River, dramatic vertical cliffs, canyons, and vista views.

The US National Park pass is not valid here since this is a Utah State Park. But we feel the additional fee to visit this park is well worth it to view this iconic scene you can’t see at Canyonlands.

The best time to photograph Dead Horse Point is at sunset when the landscape gets that red glow. We have found it best to find a spot along the trail below and to the right of the platform to capture the Dead Horse Point sunset.

There may be quite a few people there to watch the sunset, but there is plenty of room along the canyon rim for everyone to have a great view!

For hikers, there are seven miles of Dead Horse Point State Park hiking trails that connect to eight scenic overlooks. The trail is fairly easy with minimal elevation change.

Mountain bikers will enjoy Dead Horse Point State Park’s extensive, Intrepid Trail System. In total, this trail system covers 16.6-miles and includes only non-motorized, singletrack trails. (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers)

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in March

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is the perfect March destination if you are planning a road trip to Utah’s top sites or simply looking for a road-less-traveled.

Escalante is remote. Several roads are unpaved and trailheads are not well marked. This is intentional as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is meant to be backcountry. If you’re looking to skip the crowds of Utah’s National Parks but still have incredible scenery and hiking, Grand Staircase-Escalante is your spot!

Some unique hikes to have on your itinerary are the Zebra Slot Canyon, the Toadstools, Peek-a-Boo Gulch and Cassidy Arch Trail. Also don’t miss the dinosaur fossils and petroglyphs.

In March the snow is melting and temperatures peak in the high 50’s and low 60’s which is ideal weather for hiking. However, conditions in the spring are a little unpredictable. Start your trip with a stop at the visitor center to check on conditions. (Recommended by Julie, Ruhls of the Road)

Where to Stay Near Escalante

• Escalante Hotels
• Escalante Vacation Rentals

Kanab in March

Kanab is located in southeastern Utah near the Arizona border. The area is surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and vistas of sagebrush. You’ll find so many things to see, do, and photograph in the Kanab area!

At Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park you’ll find dunes of coral pink sand. Boasting over 2000 acres of sand in this 3730 acre state park means lot’s of options for OHV fun. March is the ideal time to enjoy the sand dunes because summers get hot!!

Peekaboo Slot Canyon is one of the easiest to access and walk through in Southern Utah. The red Navajo sandstone walls tower about 80 feet over a narrow slot that’s been cared by flowing water. You’ll need to be confident driving 3.5 miles in very deep sand to get the the entrance. We booked a tour with Dreamland Safari for our photography group. Tripods are allowed here and you can photograph the canyon at your own pace.

We also did an overnight White Pocket tour with Dreamland Safari and LOVED every minute of it. You’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to navigate the deep, sandy roads. If there’s been any rain, the road to White Pocket can be impassable due to the clay!! We recommend you stop by the Kanab Visitor Center or the BLM office to get detailed instructions and the latest road conditions.

Once you’re at the White Pocket formations you freely walk around, explore, and take pictures in solitude. It’s a must-see destination for photographers! (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers)

• Kanab Hotels
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Meadow Hot Spring in March

Meadow Hot Spring, right off I-15 near Fillmore. It is a fun place in Utah to visit in March. With outside temperatures averaging just below 60F, and the hot springs sitting between 90-100F, the hot springs are perfect to soak in all day long. 

These hot springs in Utah are unlike any hot springs we’ve visited around the world. Meadow’s three hot springs are actually one massive hot spring, connected via underwater caves! 

The depth of these hot springs are unknown, so you’re free to fully immerse yourself in the water. Just be sure to hold onto the given ropes when swimming below the surface, as people have gotten lost in the caves and have actually drowned. 

It’s not just the cave aspect of these hot springs that make them unique. The temperature of the water in the hot springs, especially in the cooler pool, sits at the perfect temp to allow warm water fish to survive.

So yes, bring some goggles, and swim in these hot springs while feeling like you’re on a tropical island somewhere! (Recommended by Heather, ArboursAbroad)

Where to Stay Near Fillmore

• Fillmore Hotels
• Fillmore Vacation Rentals

Moab in March

Moab is a small desert town located in southern Utah. It is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, both being within a 40-minute drive from Moab. 

Moab in March is one of the best months to visit due to the pleasant weather and smaller crowds. With average temperatures around 65°F, this makes for perfect hiking conditions. 

Outside of the national parks, there are some fantastic hikes near Moab. Corona Arch Trail and Fisher Towers Trail are both highly recommended and with a moderate difficulty level, people of all hiking levels can hike these trails. 

Camping and rock climbing are other popular activities during this time of the year. River rafting on the Colorado river usually doesn’t start until May, so don’t expect to be able to sign up for a trip in March. (Recommended by Jenoa, The Travel Folk)

Moab Lodging & Tours

• Moab Hotels
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Reflection Canyon in March

If you have backpacking experience and want to discover something truly remarkable this spring, Reflection Canyon is one of Southern Utah’s best kept secrets. 

Witnessing the stratified sandstone pillars rising above winding Lake Powell could be considered a once-in-a-lifetime journey. It’s best accessed on foot, following a rugged 50-mile drive down Hole-in-the-Rock Road starting in Escalante. Plus an additional 18-mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead to get to the viewpoint.

It isn’t a journey for the faint of heart as it’s a route rather than a maintained trail. The first four miles follow a dirt path, with many social trails, and the last 4-miles will require expert route-finding across fields of slick rock. Albeit difficult, it’s not impossible with the right amount of grit and preparation.

Utah in March fosters near perfect conditions to get out and see this gem. Since the trail offers no shade or water sources, this should be considered a mandatory Utah spring activity for pleasant hiking conditions. This trip is loads of effort for an even higher reward for those looking to avoid crowds and see something spectacular this season. (Recommended by Aaren, What Do You Sea)

Scenic Byway 12 in March

With Bryce Canyon at one end and Capitol Reef at the other you’ll be amazed at the things you’ll see as you drive Scenic Byway 12 in Utah: Red Canyon, Escalante Petrified Forest, Anasazi State Park Museum, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center, and Boulder Mountain.

Highway 12 is a winding, country road 124 miles long. Plan an average speed of 40 miles per hour as you estimate your drive time. The road runs through remote and rugged landscape. Cell phones do not work along much of the drive. Plan to make calls when stopped at locations that do have service.

We recommend you pack the water and food you’ll need for this drive. There are small grocery stores in Panguitch and Torrey. The smaller towns along the route do offer lodging and food, but it can be hit-or-miss when or if they are open!

There are other points of interest just a short drive off the main highway:

• Kodachrome Basin State Park
• Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway and Grosvenor Arch
• Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway
• Lower Calf Creek Falls hike 
• Capitol Reef Burr Trail Loop

Wet weather in March may make these scenic backway dirt roads impassable even for 4-wheel drive vehicles. If you travel after a storm you may find yourself stuck due to the high clay consistency. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before setting out! (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers)

Snow Canyon State Park in March

Snow Canyon State Park is a fantastic place to visit in Utah during March. It’s located in Utah’s southwest corner, near St George – the largest city in southern Utah  Here, March daytime temps reach the mid-60s and rain is uncommon.

Once you enter this incredibly scenic Utah State Park, you will find yourself surrounded by tall red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs. You can then choose to hike across petrified sand dunes and marvel at their permanently ingrained variegations. Or you can descend into the earth and explore lava tubes left behind by the area’s ancient volcanic eruptions. 

Or you can even climb to the top of one of those extinct volcanoes for incredible views out across the Park’s colorful landscape – plus you can hike down into the crater too!

And you can enjoy all of this amazing geography without fighting the crowds found in southern Utah’s more famous National Parks. So if you are visiting Southern Utah in March, or any other time of year for that matter, be sure to spend a day or two in beautiful Snow Canyon State Park. (Recommended by Steven, The Thorough Tripper)

St. George in March

Nestled in the Southern Utah desert, St. George is a picturesque town known for its red rock landscapes and pioneer heritage. St. George is home to about 200,000 people and one of the fastest-growing towns in the US. 

March is the ideal time to visit St. George because you can avoid the crowds and blistering heat that both accompany summertime. Typical springtime weather is sunny and 70s – perfect for getting outside and exploring the desert landscapes. 

While the area is best known for its proximity to Zion National Park, there is actually a ton of other things to do in St. George, Utah that make it worth visiting. And there is a plethora of  dining and lodging options, from hotels and Airbnbs to some over-the-top vacation rental resorts. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, beyond Zion there are also three incredible state parks that provide ample opportunities for recreation. At Snow Canyon State Park, you can enjoy hiking or riding ebikes along trails lined with red rock cliffs and black lava tubes. At Sand Hollow State Park, you can try your hand at wake surfing, paddleboarding, cliff jumping, or even off-roading on the sand dunes.  

St. George is also home to cool historical sites to explore. Whether you’re interested in learning about the area’s Native American and pioneer history or going back millions of years and literally following in the tracks of dinosaurs, you’ll find something to keep yourself entertained. (Recommended by JJ Haglund, The Minivan Bucket List)

Yant Flat in March

A unique place to visit in Utah is Yant Flat, aka the Candy Cliffs. Yant Flat is located just outside of St. George in the southwest corner of the state. The hike is about 3.5 miles round trip and the landscape is definitely worth it! 

While the majority of the hike is through a forest, it comes out at a rocky cliff with incredibly unique patterns. If you walk even further, you’ll get to a section called the ‘Candy Cliffs’ named for its orange and white swirls.

March is a great time to visit since you’ll have cooler temperatures for the hike. The farther along on the rock cliffs you hike, the more strenuous it is to return. With no shade on the rocks, the cooler temperatures are a great time to go! (Recommended by Ashley, Jetset Jansen)

St. George Lodging & Tours

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Zion National Park in March

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is famous for its red rock mountains and canyons. Stunning at any time of the day, the colors come to life in the sun, making it a breathtaking option to drive through the park, or for outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing.

Zion National Park in March is a popular destination for spring break so expect crowds. Be prepared for rain, and even a random snow storm, in March. Temperatures typically range between 30° – 60° F.

The wet weather during the spring could close some Zion National Park hikes due to falling rocks, rockslides and fast-moving water. The Narrows trail will close whenever the river is moving too fast. And Angel’s Landing will close if the trail is wet and slippery. You will need a permit to hike the chains section of Angel’s Landing past Scout Lookout.

The first part of March, the Zion National Park shuttle only runs on the weekend so you have full access to drive into Zion Canyon with your car, unless it gets too full and they need to close it off! Beginning mid-March, the shuttle runs every day and that’s the only way to access Zion Canyon.

Zion National Park is close enough to Las Vegas to be planned as a day trip as an option. (Recommended by Hanit, Gotta Love New York)

Zion National Park Lodging & Tours

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Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Utah Bucket List

Check out even more fun Utah Bucket List ideas for your March vacation. Be sure to grab the free printable that includes ideas for things to see, do and taste all around the state! Click the image below!