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#2 on this list
Zion National Park
Utah
Waterfalls run with snowmelt; cottonwoods leaf out in the canyon.
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#3 on this list
Death Valley National Park
California
Last comfortable month before triple-digit heat returns.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Zion National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southwestern Utah, USA | Eastern California and Nevada border |
| March Temperatures | Highs around 63°F, lows around 36°F | — |
| Primary Geology | Navajo Sandstone, 2,000-foot canyon walls | — |
| Canyon Shuttle | Mandatory service resumes early March | — |
| Park Elevation | 3,666 to 8,726 feet | — |
| Standard Entry | $35 per private vehicle (valid 7 days) | — |
| March Highs | — | 78°F to 84°F at basin floor |
| March Lows | — | 50°F to 55°F overnight |
| Elevation Range | — | -282 ft to 11,049 ft (Telescope Peak) |
| Backcountry Permits | — | Free online registration via Recreation.gov |
| Entry Fee | — | $30 per private vehicle (7-day pass) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Zion National Park
- Mild daytime hiking weather without punishing summer heat
- Active waterfalls and surging canyon streams from seasonal snowmelt
- Fewer tourists early in the month before peak spring break travel
- Budding cottonwoods provide fresh color contrast against red canyon walls
- High river flow and frigid water frequently close The Narrows
- Lingering ice and snow on high-elevation rim trails require traction gear
- Mid-to-late March brings heavy spring break shuttle lines and parking congestion
Death Valley National Park
- Ideal daytime temperatures before lethal summer heat sets in
- Spectacular star-gazing with designated Gold-Tier International Dark Sky status
- Massive open wilderness with virtually limitless off-trail route finding
- Rare chance to view desert wildflowers and active pupfish breeding
- Severe spring windstorms bring blinding dust and rapid dehydration
- Extremely long driving distances between trailheads with expensive fuel
- Sharp gravel roads demand high-clearance vehicles and puncture-resistant tires
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