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 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:
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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.
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 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.
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.
- What to Bring on a Day Hike
- Hiking Gear and Tips for Kids
- Winter Clothing for Hiking
- Photography Gear for Hiking
- Best Cameras for Hiking
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!
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!
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
Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Itinerary
- Zion National Park Packing List
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
- Things to do at Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Tours
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.
