Things to Do at Arches National Park in March
Arches National Park in Utah is an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities. There are a variety of things to do at Arches National Park in March. Visitors can take advantage of mild temperatures and the opportunity to explore the park’s trails, canyons, and arches.
Use this Arches National Park travel guide to plan a vacation in March: things to do, what to pack, where to stay, and more!
With its stunning red rocks, towering sandstone formations, and dramatic landscapes, Arches is a breathtaking place to visit.
From hiking to camping to photography, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at Arches National Park during the month of March.
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!
What It’s Like at Arches National Park in March
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.
Is Arches National Park Busy in March?
Arches is a popular Utah National Park, especially during the peak spring season.
We recommend visiting the first part of March to avoid the crowds when it’s spring break in Utah.
A trip to Arches in March means you won’t need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket since that program runs April 1 to October 31. But you’ll want to enter the park EARLY before 7:00 am, leave when it gets crowded, then go back in the afternoon!
Weather at Arches National Park in March
March weather in Arches National Park is starting to warm up, but the mornings and evenings will still be cold. The average highs are near 60 degrees with the lows in the mid 30s.
Just remember, the weather can be really hit-and-miss in March. If a storm blows by, you could end up with some rain or even snow.
Dress in layers when visiting in March and pack at a minimum:
Arches is a dry desert environment so be sure to also pack lip balm and lotion!
Download our free Arches National Park Packing List!
Things to Do at Arches National Park in March
You’ll find a variety of Arches National Park spring activities to explore this stunning park!
Visitor Center and Ranger Program at Arches in March
The Arches visitor center is open every day in March and is full of so much useful information. We recommend you stop to talk with the park ranger, tell them what you are most interested in, and ask for recommendations.
Arches Ranger-led programs are a good way to get to know more about this unique National Park. Find out what activities are available during your stay in March!
If you’re visiting Arches National Park with kids, be sure to grab the Junior Ranger booklet so they can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!
Scenic Drive in March at Arches National Park
The Arches National Park scenic drive is a must-do. It’s a paved road that’s a total 43 miles, including the two short spur roads. Plan about 2 to 3 hours for the full drive, but add more time if you’ll be taking photos or hiking at any of the stops.
You’ll find many of the Arches National Park photo spots are along the road pullouts and parking lots. Many 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.
We recommend the Arches GyPSy Guide App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
March Hiking at Arches National Park
You’ll find a variety of Arches National Park spring hikes for all levels of hiker: easy, moderate, and strenuous. The weather is perfect for hiking in March at Arches! Due to the elevation and location of Arches, it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Some of the best hikes in Arches National Park in March:
- Delicate Arch
- Devil’s Garden Trail to Landscape Arch
- The Windows Area
- Skyline Arch
- Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch
March Photography at Arches National Park
One of the most popular Arches National Park activities is photographing the amazing landscape!
If you want to enjoy a more quite time and 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 at 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!
March Stargazing at Arches National Park
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. Be sure to schedule one night to enjoy the night sky at Arches!
Astrophotographers from around the world visit Arches National Park so you won’t be alone in the park at night. In March, the milky way is visible from 3:00 am to sunrise.
March Camping at Arches National Park
If you want to do Arches National Park camping in March, you will need to reserve a spot at Devil’s Garden Campground.
Reservations for camping at Arches are required from March 1- October 31. If you don’t reserve a spot ahead of time, you most likely will need to find a place to camp outside the park. You can reserve these spots up to 6 months in advance.
You’ll also find RV Parks near Arches National Park for camping in case you can’t get a spot in the park.
More March Activities to Do at Arches National Park
- Biking the park (on the road)
- Canyoneering
- Backpacking
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
- TOURS near Arches
Things To Do Near Arches in March
You’ll find a ton of other places to visit in Utah that are near Arches National Park to add to your March vacation:
- 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:
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park:
There are no hotels in Arches National Park 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
- Vacation Rentals Near Arches
