March is the perfect time to visit the American national parks. At this time of year, you can enjoy the full range of activities in the National Park. March is the official off-season, so you’ll see parks across the country at different stages of the season.
Head south and you’ll get mild weather and desert parks without the scorching summer heat. Head north and you’ll get more alpine mountain terrain with ski slopes still running and frozen lakes for ice skating. Mars has incredible flexibility in finding a national park that matches your interests and preferences. There is a lot of food for thought.
Best US national parks to visit in 2024
In this guide we present you the best national parks in March. For each national park, there is an overview of where to stay and what to do in March – from skiing to fewer people, to beautiful flowers and wildlife watching. Give us 10 minutes and we will find the best solution for you and your dream trip.
1. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a beautiful place to visit in March. It is one of the least visited national parks in the United States and has fascinating fossilized mountain ranges. Millions of years ago, the Guadalupe Mountains were actually underwater. Today you can see the fossilized remains of marine animals, especially in the exhibits of the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
The second best thing about Guadalupe Mountains National Park is its hiking trails. You can go hiking in the beautiful McKittrick Canyon or the Smith Spring Trail. Or you can go hiking on the Devil’s Hall Trail. If you are up to the challenge, you can climb the Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas – a breathtaking 8,751 feet. To reach the Summit, make a grueling 8.4-mile round trip. The 6 to 8 hour hike is worth it; From above you have a magnificent view of the desert landscape and the surrounding mountain range.
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in west Texas, right on the border with New Mexico. You can visit by car from one of the main cities in Texas, such as San Antonio. Alternatively, you can fly to Albuquerque and leave from there.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the biggest names in American national parks. Covering over 415 square miles of mountainous terrain, the Rocky Mountains are famous for their wildlife and iconic landscapes. You can expect everything from alpine meadows to mountain passes with elk and bighorn sheep. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to many more people than other national parks in the United States, so it makes sense to visit it during an off-season.
While summer brings backcountry camping in abundance and easy visits to the parks, and the lack of snow opens up the best road trip terrain, March brings the best snow. While the rest of these national parks include snow-free terrain and the beginning of the wildflower season, Rocky Mountain National Park is entering its best time for snow activities.
3. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is definitely a candidate for a trip to a national park in March. Why? Because it holds the record for being the hottest place on earth. In 1913, Death Valley reached 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Even on a normal summer day, it reaches average temperatures above 114 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t take a genius to understand that these are not ideal temperatures for hiking or the road.
Instead, you can visit Death Valley National Park in March. In March, temperatures range from 55 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. You will enjoy a lot of amazing things to do in Death Valley National Park, without frying in the process – a win-win in our books. The scorching summer heat is not conducive to experiencing the best of Death Valley.
