10 National Parks to Visit in March

March marks the onset of spring in many parts of the United States, making it an excellent time to explore the nation's diverse and lesser-known national parks.

In this post, I will guide you through ten hidden gems, providing details on each park's location, reasons to visit, weather conditions, sunrise and sunset times, crowd levels, and the best activities to indulge in during this enchanting month.

Let's embark on a journey to discover the untouched beauty of these national parks.

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1. Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Location: Colorado

• Reason to Visit: March offers a unique experience at Great Sand Dunes National Park, with cooler temperatures making hiking and sandboarding more comfortable. The dunes are less crowded, providing a serene atmosphere to enjoy the stunning landscapes.

• Weather: Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 6:45 AM and the sunset around 6:30 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences lower crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience with the dunes and surrounding mountains.

• Best Things to See and Do: Hike to the High Dune for panoramic views, try sandboarding on the dunes, and stargaze in the clear night skies.

• Recommended Duration: Two to three days are sufficient to explore the unique landscapes of Great Sand Dunes National Park.

2. Pinnacles National Park

• Location: California

• Reason to Visit: March offers mild temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the unique rock formations, caves, and diverse flora and fauna of Pinnacles National Park. Spring brings wildflowers to the park, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

• Weather: Enjoy temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F, creating a comfortable environment for hiking and wildlife observation.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 7:00 AM and the sunset around 6:45 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences moderate crowds, providing a balanced experience for visitors.

• Best Things to See and Do: Hike the Bear Gulch Cave Trail, explore the High Peaks Trail for stunning vistas, and spot California condors in the park.

• Recommended Duration: Two days are recommended to explore the unique geology and biodiversity of Pinnacles National Park.

3. Capitol Reef National Park

• Location: Utah.

• Reason to Visit: March is an ideal time to explore Capitol Reef National Park, as the temperatures are moderate, and the park is awakening from winter. The famous Waterpocket Fold and orchards are ready to be explored without the summer heat.

• Weather: Expect temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F, creating a comfortable environment for hiking and sightseeing.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 7:15 AM and the sunset around 7:30 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences moderate crowds, providing a tranquil setting to explore the park's wonders.

• Best Things to See and Do: Drive the scenic Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, hike the Hickman Bridge Trail, and explore the Fruita Historic District.

• Recommended Duration: Three to four days are recommended to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Capitol Reef.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park

• Location: Florida.

• Reason to Visit: March provides pleasant weather for a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park, where the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life are at their best. The park's historical Fort Jefferson is also more accessible.

• Weather: Enjoy temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F, creating an ideal climate for snorkeling and exploring the park.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 7:00 AM and the sunset around 7:15 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences moderate crowds, allowing for a peaceful exploration of the park's marine and historical wonders.

• Best Things to See and Do: Snorkel in the coral reefs, tour Fort Jefferson, and birdwatch in the pristine surroundings.

• Recommended Duration: A day trip is sufficient, but camping options are available for those wanting to extend their stay.

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5. Great Basin National Park

• Location: Nevada.

• Reason to Visit: March is an excellent time to explore the diverse ecosystems of Great Basin National Park, from ancient bristlecone pine groves to the pristine Lehman Caves. The park offers a tranquil escape with snow-capped peaks.

• Weather: Expect temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F, providing a snowy yet enchanting atmosphere for exploration.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 6:30 AM and the sunset around 6:15 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences lower crowds, allowing for a peaceful experience in the park's serene landscapes.

• Best Things to See and Do: Tour the Lehman Caves, hike the Bristlecone and Glacier Trail, and stargaze in the designated Dark Sky Park.

• Recommended Duration: Two to three days are recommended to explore the park's diverse offerings.

6. Mammoth Cave National Park

• Location: Kentucky.

• Reason to Visit: March offers mild temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the extensive cave systems of Mammoth Cave National Park. Spring also brings wildflowers to the park, adding color to the surrounding forests.

• Weather: Enjoy temperatures ranging from 30°F to 55°F, creating a comfortable environment for cave tours and hiking.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 7:00 AM and the sunset around 7:15 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences moderate crowds, providing a pleasant and less crowded cave exploration experience.

• Best Things to See and Do: Take a cave tour, hike the Green River Bluffs Trail, and explore the park's diverse surface features.

• Recommended Duration: Two days are recommended to explore the cave systems and surface features.

7. Channel Islands National Park

• Location: California.

• Reason to Visit: March offers moderate temperatures, making it an excellent time to explore the diverse landscapes and marine life of Channel Islands National Park. The wildflowers begin to bloom, adding vibrant colors to the islands.

• Weather: Expect temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F, providing a comfortable environment for hiking and snorkeling.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 6:45 AM and the sunset around 7:00 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences moderate crowds, providing a balanced experience for island exploration.

• Best Things to See and Do: Take a boat to the islands, hike the Inspiration Point Trail, and snorkel in the clear waters.

• Recommended Duration: A weekend trip is sufficient to explore the main islands, but longer stays allow for more in-depth exploration.

8. Wind Cave National Park

• Location: South Dakota.

• Reason to Visit: March offers a unique opportunity to explore the underground wonders of Wind Cave National Park, where the cave formations are highlighted by electric lighting. The park also provides a peaceful environment for wildlife observation.

• Weather: Expect temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F, creating a cool yet enchanting atmosphere for cave exploration and hiking.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 7:00 AM and the sunset around 7:15 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences lower crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience with the cave and wildlife.

• Best Things to See and Do: Take a cave tour, hike the Rankin Ridge Trail for panoramic views, and spot bison and pronghorn in the park.

• Recommended Duration: 2-3 days are sufficient to explore the cave systems and enjoy the park's natural beauty.

9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• Location: Colorado.

• Reason to Visit: March provides a serene environment to explore the dramatic landscapes and deep canyons of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park's unique geological features are accentuated by the softer winter light.

• Weather: Expect temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F, creating a cool yet captivating atmosphere for canyon exploration.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 7:00 AM and the sunset around 7:15 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences lower crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience with the canyon's grandeur.

• Best Things to See and Do: Take in the views from the various overlooks, hike the Warner Point Trail, and stargaze in the dark skies of the park.

• Recommended Duration: 2-3 days are recommended to explore the deep canyons and appreciate the park's geological wonders.

10. Big Cypress National Preserve

• Location: Florida.

• Reason to Visit: March offers a mild climate to explore the unique ecosystems of Big Cypress National Preserve, where cypress swamps and grasslands come to life. The park is teeming with wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for observation.

• Weather: Enjoy temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, creating a pleasant environment for hiking and wildlife spotting.

• Sunrise and Sunset Times: Witness the sunrise around 7:00 AM and the sunset around 7:15 PM.

• Crowd Levels: March experiences moderate crowds, allowing for a peaceful experience with the park's diverse flora and fauna.

• Best Things to See and Do: Take a scenic drive on the Tamiami Trail, hike the Kirby Storter Roadside Park Trail, and participate in ranger-led programs.

• Recommended Duration: A weekend trip is sufficient to explore the diverse ecosystems of Big Cypress National Preserve.