Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in March

Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Bryce Canyon National Park in March? The unpredictable nature of March weather at Bryce Canyon can cause travel issues, as unexpected snowstorms may lead to difficult driving or road closures. So, make sure to stay informed about the weather forecasts!

March begins the spring season at Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s the perfect time of year to see the unique landscape filled with orange and red formations known as hoodoos.

Bryce Canyon National Park in March

You’ll find this Utah National Park in the southwest corner of Utah. Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your vacation: things to do, what to pack, where to stay, weather conditions and more for your trip in March.

We live only a few hours away from Bryce Canyon and have visited during all four seasons. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years, and specifically for the month of March!

Our biggest tip is to be prepared for the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll be at the park so you’re able to enjoy the outdoor activities you want to do! Use our Bryce Canyon Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in March! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

get the free Bryce Canyon National Park packing lists
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A Photo Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park

Take a visual tour through Bryce Canyon National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in March

Bryce Canyon is a popular Utah National Park and it gets crowded during the peak seasons of summer and fall. You can’t beat visiting the park without the crowds and the offseason rates in March.

Yes, there will probably be snow at Bryce Canyon in March, but that’s what makes it magical! The colorful hoodoos really pop against the white snow.

Snow is also the biggest drawback for a March trip to Bryce Canyon. If you’re not a fan of exploring the outdoors in cold weather or snowy conditions, then you should probably skip visiting this park in the winter.

The main Bryce Canyon scenic drive could be closed due to weather and road conditions, which means you’ll only be able to see the amphitheater section of the park.

But the amphitheater is the most amazing part of the park, and you’ll be able to see, photograph and explore it more intimately than you would during the peak seasons.

Getting to Bryce Canyon in March

Driving to Bryce Canyon in March takes some advanced planning compared to driving there in the summer due to it’s remote and mountainous location.

Our biggest tip is to watch the weather forecast and consider other options and routes if snow is expected. The narrow and steep backcountry roads to get to Bryce Canyon may not be plowed, and can be very scary in the snow!

Once you get to Bryce Canyon, the main road and major parking lots are usually plowed quickly after a storm. Check the Bryce Canyon Conditions Page for road status.

Weather at Bryce Canyon in March

When visiting Bryce Canyon in March you can expect it to be cold. Bryce Canyon’s elevation is 9,100 feet which means spring is still cold with the possibility of rain and snow storms.

The Bryce Canyon National Park weather can change at any time so it’s important to be prepared for cold and snow. Average temperatures in March average between 44 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s cold!

You might still need insulated winter clothing if a storm rolls through. Layers are key to enjoy the outdoor adventures at Bryce! 

spring hiking gear

Bryce Canyon Services in March

Bryce Canyon is open all year round. In March the visitor center is open each day from 8 am to 4:30 pm. 

The Bryce Canyon shuttle doesn’t run in the winter or early spring. The shuttle service runs mid April through mid October. Check the Bryce Canyon NPS website for specific service dates.

Take note that in March there will be two roads closed to vehicles: Fairyland Point and Paria View. They remain open for anyone who wants to hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski in those areas.

Even though Bryce Canyon is open, you may find the main road closed beyond the amphitheater following a snowstorm. The park closes the road beyond mile marker 3 so snow plow crews can clear snow from the higher elevations along the southern scenic drive. The road closure typically last a day or so, depending on the severity of the snowstorm.

They always plow the first three miles of the main road first. This includes the Bryce Amphitheater area: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.

Check out all you need to know for Bryce Canyon camping in the winter! March isn’t necessarily “winter”, but it will feel like it at Bryce!

Things to Do at Bryce Canyon in March

You’ll find many Bryce Canyon spring activities to enjoy in March. It’s a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors and avoid the crowds!

If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park with kids, there are fun way to get them excited before, during and after the trip with National Park activities:

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center in March

We recommend you stop at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, especially in March. It’s important to find out the latest road conditions, hiking trail conditions and talk to the ranger to see if they have any tips for things to do while visiting.

It’s also good to ask about the weather forecast and what ranger-led programs at Bryce Canyon are happening during your stay. In March the Ranger Programs available are: Hoodoo Geology Talks and Full Moon Hike (depending on weather).

The services at the Visitor Center include:

  • Restrooms
  • Drinking Water
  • Backcountry permits
  • First Aid
  • Ranger Help Desk
  • Book Store
  • Twenty Minute Introduction Movie
  • Exhibits

If you are traveling with kids you will want to grab Junior Ranger booklets as well.

Kids, and adults, will enjoy collecting stamps in their National Park Passport book! Passport booklets and stamp sets are “usually” available at the park visitor centers, but we recommend you get the passport book before the trip, just in case!! We’ve seen sad kiddos when a visitor center is out of passport books. Rangers can stamp a piece of paper, but it’s not just the same experience! 

road closed at Bryce Canyon National Park with snow
Scenic Drive closed at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive in March

The Bryce Canyon scenic drive offers views of hoodoos, arches and windows at various viewpoints and overlooks.

We always recommend you start by driving to the end of the road at Rainbow Point then working your way back to the amphitheater. This way all the Bryce Canyon must-see viewpoints are on the right so it’s easy to pull in and out of each parking lot.

In March, the road from the Amphitheater to Rainbow Point might be closed due to a snow storm.

We recommend the Bryce Canyon GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.

photographer at Bryce Canyon National Park with snow
Photographer at Bryce Canyon in the winter

Bryce Canyon Photography in March 

Capturing Bryce Canyon photos is amazing any time of year! If you’re lucky to see snow in March, you can capture the contrast of white against the red rock landscape.

Anywhere along the rim between Sunrise Point and Bryce Point is a good spot for Bryce Canyon sunrise photography. Taking pictures at sunset is best at Paria Viewpoint.

Be sure to download our camera gear checklist before arriving at the park to make sure you have everything you need. Since March will still be cold, we like to use photographer gloves and keep rechargeable hand warmers in our coat pockets!

If you want detailed tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint, take a look at our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide!

Bryce Canyon Stargazing in March

Stargazing at Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-do activity. It’s worth braving the cold night air in March to see the sky full of stars on a moonless night! It will be easy to see why Bryce Canyon is one of Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks.

In March the Milky Way is visible from 3:00 am to 5:45 am. It will be COLD so be prepared!

If you’ll be doing astrophotography, be sure to use a headlamp with a red light. The red light minimizes the disruption of night vision and allows you and other photographers around you to see their surroundings while preserving the sensitivity of their eyes to low-light conditions.

Navajo Loop trail at Bryce Canyon closed after a snow storm

Bryce Canyon Hiking in March

There are so many great Bryce Canyon spring hikes to go on while visiting in March, but there are two trails that will be closed.

The Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop is closed, but the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop remains open for down-and-back hiking along the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail.

And the Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Points may also still be closed in March.

Some great easy hikes include Sunset to Sunrise, Rim Trail, Bristlecone Loop, and Mossy Cave. 

With all trails keep in mind that snow is only cleared from sidewalks as well as the overlooks. The snow can become muddy and slippery so you want to be extremely careful while hiking. 

You may need traction devices on some trails. And some trails may close due to bad conditions. Check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions. Traction devices can be rented in Bryce Canyon City.

Peek-a-Boo-Trail-at-Bryce-Canyon-in-the-winter-768x1152
Peek-a-Boo Trail with snow

Bryce Canyon Backpacking in March

Bryce Canyon backpacking is hard throughout the year, but it is even more difficult in March when there’s snow and freezing temperatures. You must be a very experienced hiker to be issued a permit in the winter months. 

Bryce Canyon Cross Country Skiing in March

One of the best ways to explore Bryce Canyon in March is cross country skiing. Bryce Canyon maintains miles of trails in the winter. If you are coming from out of town you can rent ski equipment in Bryce Canyon City. 

Bryce Canyon Camping in March

There is only one option for Bryce Canyon National Park camping in March. The North Campground is open year-round and it’s first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground is closed November through March.

Only loop A of North Campground is open in March. It is first come, first serve. Due to the cold temperatures there are times you could find yourself with the campground all to yourself. If you want to experience the campground and Bryce Canyon without all the crowds and people, March is a good time to do it. 

You can also find RV parks near Bryce Canyon if you can’t get a spot in the park itself.

Lodging Near Bryce Canyon in March

Except for camping, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only lodging available inside the park. You can book a sunrise or sunset lodge room, studio rooms, a guest suite, or cabin. This is one of the best places to stay for easy access and excellent views of the park. 

There are a few options for lodging near Bryce Canyon:

hoodoos along Highway 9 at Zion
Hoodoos along Highway 9 at Zion National Park

Things To Do Near Bryce Canyon in March

Bryce Canyon maps and guides

Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps

Bryce Canyon Travel Planner

We’ve created some done-for-you itineraries for visiting Bryce Canyon depending on the time you have to spend at the park. Click the graphic below to get a free travel bundle that includes printable daily itineraries. Or click the links below to see detailed itineraries of the best things to do at Bryce Canyon!

Bryce Canyon Travel Bundle

visiting Bryce Canyon in March

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