March is a magical month in America’s National Parks, where the subtle signs of spring begin to emerge, painting the landscapes with fresh hues and invigorating the air with a sense of renewal. This month’s spotlight takes you to some of the best parks to visit in March, each offering unique experiences, from wildflower blooms to serene hikes, ensuring your visit is both memorable and inspiring.
Remember: Weather during early spring can be unpredictable. Streams and water crossings that are often safely navigated can be impassable. Be sure to check with the individual parks you plan to visit to ensure a safe and memorable trip!
1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
As winter fades, Joshua Tree National Park welcomes the early warmth of spring, making it a perfect time for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The moderate temperatures are ideal for exploring the vast landscape, dotted with its iconic Joshua trees and dramatic rock formations. March also sees the beginning of the wildflower season, where sporadic rains bring bursts of color to the desert floor. Don’t miss the chance to witness the park’s night sky, renowned for its clarity and brilliance.
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, layers for cooler mornings and evenings, and a good pair of hiking boots.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains start to shake off the winter chill in March, with wildflowers beginning their long-awaited bloom. This is the season to enjoy the park’s flowing streams and cascading waterfalls at their most lively, fed by the melting snow. The park’s lower elevations are ideal for early spring hikes, offering a glimpse into the awakening flora and fauna. Early spring also means fewer crowds, giving you a more serene experience of the park’s majestic beauty.
What to bring: Rain gear, layered clothing, waterproof hiking shoes, and a camera to capture the blooms.
3. Death Valley National Park, California
March is arguably the best time to visit Death Valley, with pleasant temperatures that allow for comfortable exploration of its otherworldly landscapes. If the winter brought enough rain, you might be lucky enough to witness a "super bloom," where the valley floor is carpeted in wildflowers—a rare and breathtaking sight. Explore the park’s diverse terrains, from salt flats and sand dunes to badlands, all while enjoying the milder weather.
What to bring: Plenty of water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a vehicle with high clearance to explore off-the-beaten-path sights.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion in March is a revelation. The snow begins to melt, feeding into the Virgin River and enhancing the beauty of the park’s iconic hikes, such as The Narrows and Angel’s Landing. The cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make exploring the park’s canyons and cliffs a peaceful endeavor. The contrast of the park’s red rocks against the vivid green of new foliage and the clear, blue sky is simply striking.
What to bring: Waterproof gear for The Narrows, hiking poles, a hydration system, and layers for variable temperatures.
5. Everglades National Park, Florida
March is the tail end of the dry season in the Everglades, providing warm temperatures and low mosquito levels, ideal for wildlife viewing. The receding waters concentrate wildlife into smaller areas, making it easier to spot alligators, manatees, and an incredible variety of birds. Take a guided boat tour, kayak through the mangroves, or walk the Anhinga Trail for an up-close experience with the park’s diverse ecosystem.
What to bring: Binoculars for bird watching, insect repellent, sun protection, and water-resistant footwear.
Visiting America's National Parks in March offers the unique opportunity to witness the transition from winter to spring, with each park offering its own set of marvels. Whether you're seeking the calmness of blooming deserts, the thrill of water-fed hikes, or the awe of wildlife encounters, there's a park waiting to share its springtime secrets with you. Remember to prepare appropriately for each park's conditions and to respect the natural environments during your visit. Here's to your March adventures, where the end of winter heralds the beginning of nature's most captivating displays.