Visiting Zion National Park in March

Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Zion National Park in March? Zion in the spring is a terrific time to go. It’s important to know the services available, weather, and things to do when visiting in Zion in March.

Use this Zion National Park travel guide to plan your trip: what to pack, where to stay, and things to do at Zion in March.

Zion National Park in March

Zion is the most-visited Utah National Park to explore and photograph the colorful cliffs and canyons there.

Check out these Zion itineraries to help you plan your vacation for the number of days you’ll be in the park:

Zion Travel Bundle optin
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.

A Photo Tour of Zion National Park

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

Visiting Zion National Park in March

Zion National Park is a popular destination for spring break in Utah so expect crowds.

Due to melting snowpack in the area in the spring, the rivers and waterfalls in Zion in March are full. If you enjoy photographing waterfalls and rivers, then you’ll love visiting Zion National Park in the spring.

And… if you’re there during a rainstorm, there are amazing pop-up waterfalls that cascade over the mountains. It’s really amazing to see, and something most people don’t get to experience!

Unfortunately 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.

Waterfall at Zion due to rain

Does the Shuttle Run in March?

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.

**Be sure to check the shuttle schedule for exact dates for the month of March.

There might be limited parking at Zion National Park in the town of Springdale so plan to start your day early to get a parking spot in town and a spot on the shuttle.

Weather at Zion in March

Zion National Park weather in March is wet so be prepared with rain gear in case a storm rolls through so you can still enjoy the outdoor activities at the park. There may be a random snow storm in March so always check the weather forecast so you have the right clothing for the conditions.

The days and nights are still cool this time of year at Zion. In March the highs are usually in the mid 60s and the lows are near 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Can you Drive Through Zion National Park in March?

The first part of March you’ll be able to drive your car through Zion Canyon on the week days. The shuttles will run every weekend and resume full schedule every day in mid-March.

You can always access the other Zion National Park scenic drives. Keep in mind the upper Kolob Terrace Road, including Lava Point, closes in the winter due to its high elevation. And access to Kolob Canyons may close due to inclement weather.

What Services Are Available in March?

Zion National Park is open all year long. It is open every day of the year. Check the website for the most current Zion facilities hours:

  • Zion Canyon Visitor Center
  • Park Store
  • Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk
  • Zion Human History Museum
  • Zion Nature Center
  • Kolob Canyons Visitor Center

If you want to camp in Zion National Park, keep in mind that starting mid-March the Zion campgrounds are usually full every night so plan ahead.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Zion?

A trip to Zion in March is awesome as long as you’re prepared for inclement weather.

Check out our guide for finding the best time to visit Zion National Park. Each season and month of the year will have different activities and services available.

Things to Do at Zion National Park in March

Here’s a list of fun things to do at Zion National Park in March.

Zion National Park scenic drive
Zion National Park scenic drive

Zion Scenic Drives in March

All four Zion National Park scenic drives are breathtaking! The Zion Canyon road is only open to cars until mid-March (note that the shuttle runs every weekend in March). On the 6.5 mile drive, you will see the most incredible rock formations.

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is a must-drive that goes through an incredible 1.1 mile tunnel! In March you may encounter snow or rain. If it’s raining, look for waterfalls!! We like to stop at the pullouts to take photos, hike and look for bighorn sheep.

Another nice drive is along Kolob Terrace, west of Springdale in the town of Virgin. In March you may not be able to access the higher elevations due to snow, but you can enjoy the views before hitting that section.

And if you’re up for a drive, check out the Kolob Canyons area, about 40 miles north of Zion Canyon.

hoodoos along Highway 9 at Zion
Hoodoos along Highway 9 at Zion

Hiking at Zion in March

The Zion National Park hikes in March are great when the weather isn’t scorching hot. But trails may close due to falling rocks, rockslides or other unsafe conditions.

Between mid-March and late May, The Narrows and The Subway trails close when the water levels are too high due to the spring runoff. Check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions before setting out on any hike in March.

Here’s a handy list of Zion hikes without the shuttle if you want to avoid the crowds. We always recommend hitting the park and trails first thing in the morning!

IMPORTANT: Angels Landing permit: hikers going to Angels Landing will need a permit. The National Park Service (NPS) will issue permits using online lotteries at Recreation.gov.

Canyoneering in March at Zion

The Subway and The Narrows are two famous trails for canyoneering at Zion. Canyoneering trails involve route finding, rappelling, hiking, and swimming!

Some of these technical hikes require a permit, and all overnight trips in these areas also require a permit. If you want to give it a try, check out these canyoneering tours!

BUT in March, high water levels could close the canyoneering trails so be sure to check with the Visitor Center to get the most updated information!

Waterfall at Zion during a rain storm
Pop-up waterfall at Zion National Park

Zion Photography in March

If you’re a landscape photographer, check out our guide all about Zion National Park photography

The best times to photograph the park are sunrise and sunset when the light isn’t as bright as midday. You won’t actually see the sun rising or setting due to the high stone walls in the park. You’ll be photographing the reflected glow onto the red rocks.

We often wish for rain when we take our March trip to Zion. The pop-up waterfalls are so amazing to see and photograph, especially along Highway 9!

Our favorite Zion National Park photo spots are:

  • History Museum back patio: sunrise
  • Canyon Overlook: sunrise
  • Three Patriarchs (shuttle stop): early morning
  • Riverside Walk (shuttle stop): early morning
  • Highway 9 landscape and bighorn sheep: early morning and evening
  • Checkerboard Mesa: early morning and evening
  • Pa’rus Trail: sunset
  • Kolob Terrace: sunset

Check out our Zion National Park Photography Guide with the best photo spots for sunrise, sunset and night photography!

deer at Zion National Park
Deer at Zion National Park

Wildlife at Zion in March

March is a great time to see wildlife in the park like deer, elk, and Bighorn sheep. Deer like to hang out in along Pa’rus trail and in Zion Canyon.

We’ve always had good success seeing the Bighorn sheep when driving Highway 9, so keep your eyes open as you take that scenic drive!

Bicycling in March at Zion

One of the FUN ways to access Zion Canyon is by bike! Bicycling at Zion is a fun way to get around the park. You can rent bicycles in Springdale. Be aware of the rules for riding your bike at Zion:

  • Bicycling is permitted on the park roadways and the Pa’rus Trail. The areas closed to bikes: all other park trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. 
  • Bikes must be ridden single file on the right side of the park roads and Pa’rus Trail. Due to the narrow park roads, there is a limit of 6 bicycles or less for every cycling group.
  • Wear your helmet.

BUY ZION GUIDES & MAPS AT AMAZON

Zion national park guides and maps

Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

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

get the free Zion National Park packing lists

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *