Things to Do at Utah National Parks in March

Planning a trip to visit Utah National Parks in March? Check out this vacation travel guide to know what to expect: what to pack, weather, things to do and places to stay for all five parks!

As you add places to visit in Utah to your bucket list, visiting the national parks is a must!

In March, mornings and evenings are no longer cold, and the daytime temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. But the crowds start to increase in the spring so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Check out our handy Utah National Park Road trip itinerary to plan your trip visiting all five parks!

Don’t forget to add the list of Utah State Parks to your list of places to visit. There are stunning State Parks near the National Parks that are must-stop locations!

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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Utah National Parks in March

Looking to visit US National Parks in March? We highly recommend the month of March to visit the National Parks in Utah.

We love the Utah National Parks in the spring because the weather is so nice for outdoor adventure! 

When you’re trying to decide the best time to visit Utah National Parks, remember that spring begins the busy season for the parks in Utah. Starting in March, the roads, hiking trails and parking lots typically fill to capacity.

All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day. We recommend you avoid the holidays around Easter and spring break because those times are especially busy!

Any time of year it’s important to stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, use sun protection, and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day! If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want lotion and lip balm handy!

Be sure you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in March:

• Arches National Park weather
• Bryce Canyon National Park weather
• Canyonlands National Park weather
• Capitol Reef National Park weather
• Zion National Park weather

Arches in March

Spring is an amazing time to visit Arches National Park in March. March 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. Remember that Arches National Park is located at 5,653 feet above sea level so it will be cold in the mornings and evenings.

While visiting Arches in March be sure to explore the Arches National Park hiking trails. There is not much shade to be found at Arches so it’s nice to be in the park on a sunny day when the air is cool! It makes hiking so much more enjoyable!

Other things you will want to do while visiting are:

• Auto tour → Arches National Park scenic drive
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Camping
• Hiking → Best hikes in Arches National Park
• Junior Ranger Program
• Photography → Arches National Park Photography
• Ranger-Led programs
• Stargazing- Don’t miss checking out the amazing night skies! 
• Visitor Center

Arches National Park Itineraries:

• Arches National Park in One Day
• Two Days in Arches National Park
• Three Days in Arches National Park

Where to Stay Near Arches:

• Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
• Arches National Park Camping
• Hotels near Arches National Park 
• RV Parks Near Arches National Park
• 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 – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.

Canyonlands in March

Planning a vacation to Canyonlands National Park in March is one of the most popular times of the year to visit. Weather can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through with rain, or even snow.

The average highs are near 64 degrees with the lows around 35. Dress in layers when visiting Canyonlands in March.

There are two popular districts to visit: Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles:

• Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, 30 miles from Moab
• Needles Canyonlands, 75 miles from Moab

Here’s a list of things to do at Canyonlands National Park:

• Auto tour → Island in the Sky Scenic Drive 
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Camping
• Climbing
• Hiking → Island in the Sky Hikes 
• Junior Ranger Program
• Photography → Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
• Ranger-led programs
• Stargazing
• Visitor Center

Canyonlands Itineraries

• Canyonlands National Park One Day Itinerary
• Two Days at Canyonlands National Park
• One Day at Needles Canyonlands National Park

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands Island in the Sky

There are no lodging facilities in the park, only camping.

• Island in the Sky Campgrounds
• Needles Canyonlands Camping
• Where to stay near Canyonlands
• Hotels near Canyonlands National Park
• RV Parks Near Canyonlands National Park
•  Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Canyonlands.
•  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!
• Townhomes south of town – we really like the townhomes in Spanish Valley with kitchen, washer and dryer in the unit and a swimming pool/hot tub (just a 5 minute drive south of Moab).

Bryce Canyon in March

Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in March you will want to be prepared for just about any weather. Yes, there will probably be snow at Bryce Canyon in March, but that’s what makes it magical!

If you’re not a fan of exploring the outdoors in cold weather or snowy conditions, then you should probably plan your trip for later in the spring.

Bryce Canyon’s elevation is 9,100 feet which means it will be cold! The temperatures in March average between 44 degrees Fahrenheit and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. But with the right cold weather clothing, you can enjoy the outdoor adventures at Bryce! 

Be sure to pack your camera and take photos of the most mesmerizing Bryce Canyon views!

With so many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park, you are guaranteed to have an incredible experience while visiting. 

• Auto tour → Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Camping
• Climbing
• Hiking → Best Day Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park
• Horseback riding
• Junior Ranger Program
• Photography → Bryce Canyon Sunrise Photography
• Ranger-led programs
• Stargazing
• Visitor Center

Bryce Canyon Itineraries:

• Bryce Canyon National Park One Day Itinerary
• Two days in Bryce Canyon National Park
• Three Days in Bryce Canyon National Park

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:

• Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
• Bryce Canyon Hotels
• Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
• Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
• Bryce Canyon National Park RV Vacation
• Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
• Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
• Best Western Plus – also right outside the park

Capital Reef in March

March weather at Capitol Reef is starting to warm up a bit with highs near 55 and lows near 31 degrees Farenheit. You may encounter snow or rain so be prepared for all types of weather if you plan a trip to Capitol Reef in March.

The Capitol Reef scenic drive is a must-do activity to see and photograph the cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges! If weather allows, and you have the right vehicle, check out the Cathedral Valley District and Waterpocket District!

Here’s a list of fun things to do in Capitol Reef National Park:

• Auto tour → Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
• Backpacking
• Camping
• Fruit picking in the orchards (seasonal)
• Gifford House treats
• Hiking → Capitol Reef Hikes
• Horseback riding
• Junior Ranger Program
• Photography → Capitol Reef National Park Photography
• Ranger Led Programs
• Rock climbing
• Stargazing
• Visitor Center

Capitol Reef Itineraries:

• Capitol Reef National Park in one day
• Two days in Capitol Reef National Park
• Three days in Capitol Reef National Park

Here’s what to expect when you plan a Capitol Reef vacation in March!

Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef

• Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park Camping
• Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park
• RV Parks Near Capitol Reef National Park
• Capitol Reef Resort – this is where we stay! Make it a unique experience and stay in a teepee or covered wagon!
• Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel – basic rooms and cabins with a deli and store right on the property which is so convenient!
• Vacation Rentals Near Capitol Reef – we like finding a place with a kitchen so we can prepare our own food.

Zion in March

Due to melting snowpack in the area, the rivers and waterfalls full at Zion National Park in March!

The days and nights are still cool this time of year at Zion. In March the highs are usually in the mid 50s and the lows are around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While visiting in the spring you will want to take the time to explore the Zion National Park hikes. The shuttle will be running, so you can’t drive your car into Zion Canyon. Here’s a handy list of Zion Hikes without the shuttle.

And of course explore all four Zion National Park scenic drives to take in and photograph all the scenic views that are all around you. 

There are so many Zion National Park activities to do in March:

• Auto tour
• Backpacking
• Bicycling
• Camping
• Hiking → Easy Zion National Park Hikes
• Horseback riding
• Junior Ranger Program
• Museum
• Photography → Zion National Park Photography
• Ranger-led activities
• Stargazing
• Visitor Center

Zion Itineraries:

• Zion National Park in One Day
• Two Days in Zion National Park
• Three Days in Zion National Park

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.

• Places to Stay at Zion National Park
• Camping in Zion National Park
• RV Parks near Zion National Park
• Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
• Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
• Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
• Vacation Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants. 

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Plan a Utah National Parks Vacation

• Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks
• Arches National Park Travel Guide
• Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
• Canyonlands National Park Guide
• Capitol Reef National Park Guide
• Zion National Park Travel Guide