Ever found yourself dodging selfie sticks, wrestling with campsite reservations, or feeling more restricted than a penguin in a tuxedo during peak tourist season? If you want to experience Utah’s red rock country without the gridlock, visiting Moab in March could be your perfect welcome respite.
Visiting Moab in March allows you to score the area’s best campsites, explore world-renowned national parks without the crowds, and get an early jump on spring adventures. Let’s dive into what early spring brings to this desert wonderland!
The Weather When Visiting Moab in March
One might forecast the early spring climate as “bring-a-jacket-you-might-not-use” weather. During the first half of the month, daytime temperatures typically range from the high 40s to mid-50s. As the month progresses, sunny days regularly climb into the low 60s.
As for the elements, expect a bit of wind and light precipitation. Rain averages just 0.5 inches for the month, and you might still find dustings of snow blanketing the surrounding peaks. Snow in the desert creates a stunning, high-contrast landscape, especially against the backdrop of the towering La Sal Mountains.
To stay cozy on the slickrock, make sure your Moab packing list includes:
- Breathable, moisture-wicking wool socks to keep your feet dry in your boots
- Layerable clothing made from moisture-wicking materials (avoid cotton)
- A water-resistant base layer
- A reliable, windproof jacket with a waterproof shell
Is it Warm Enough to Camp in Moab in March?
For those willing to brave chillier desert nights, prepare for nighttime temperatures to drop between 20 and 30 degrees. Be sure to bring a high-quality cold-weather sleeping bag, and ignite a campfire where permitted!
The massive upside to the chilly nights? Your housing options are wide open. When visiting Moab in March, you have the luxury of choosing almost any campsite you want—whether you prefer established federal campgrounds or dispersed BLM (Bureau of Land Management) sites.
Is it Busy When Visiting Moab in March?
Spring and fall are peak seasons in Utah’s adventure capital, largely because Moab is the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. However, early March offers a sweet-spot window when the land is still thawing, and the massive crowds have yet to arrive.
March also marks the kickoff for exciting spring events that take advantage of the cool racing weather:
- The Skinny Tire Festival: A classic 4-day road bike tour fundraising for cancer research.
- Behind the Rocks Ultra: A grueling but beautiful 100-mile and 50K endurance footrace for cardio enthusiasts.
Visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in March
Is March a good time to visit these National Parks? The short answer is yes! March is an incredible time of year to explore the parks. The cool daytime temperatures provide comfortable hiking conditions long before the intense, unforgiving summer heat waves hit the region.
Exploring Arches National Park in March
Arches National Park, located just 5 miles from downtown Moab, is stunning year-round. Entry is $30 per vehicle.Â
(Pro Tip for Seniors: The $80 lifetime National Park Pass grants lifetime access to all federal parks and gives you half-priced camping at federal campgrounds!)
- Catch the Sunrise: Head into Arches at dawn if you’re seeking solitude. The changing morning light transforms the red rock fins and towers into a spectacular shifting canvas of colors. It’s also the perfect time to hike up to Delicate Arch. The steep trail is well-maintained, and watching the morning glow hit the freestanding arch is worth the early wake-up call.
- Maximize Your Trail Time: The parking lot for Delicate Arch is incredibly close to the trailhead for Double Arch, meaning you can check off two bucket-list hikes without moving your vehicle. Before you head out, stop by Balanced Rock to snap a photo of the iconic boulder catching the morning sun.
Trails range from mild to wild in Moab, making it the perfect choice for all travelers.
Exploring Canyonlands National Park in March
Spanning over 300,000 acres, Canyonlands is the larger, wilder, and less-visited neighbor to Arches. If you visit in March, expect dramatic, snow-dusted sandstone canyons and complete tranquility.
The scenic drive from downtown Moab to the Island in the Sky District takes about 40 minutes. Stop at the Visitor Center to check out the interpretive exhibits and fill up on water before hitting these spots:
- Mesa Arch: A short, half-mile walk leads to an arch hanging right over a sheer cliff face. Arriving around sunrise gives you unobstructed views of the canyon floor glowing through the stone.
- Green River Overlook: A brief, flat walk opens up to a massive aerial vista of the snake-like Green River carving through the canyon plateaus 1,000 feet below.
What is Rafting the Colorado River Like in March?
Eager to get on the water? Our rafting trips on the Castle Valley section of the Colorado River begin operating in March! While the river water is crisp (typically in the 40°F range), the towering red rock canyon views from this calm stretch of the river are utterly unmatched.
Because Castle Valley is primarily a mild float trip with smaller, friendly rapids, the likelihood of taking an accidental swim is very low. Mild to Wild Rafting provides wetsuits and neoprene booties for rent and complimentary splash jackets to ensure you stay warm and comfortable.
Backcountry Jeep Tours in Early Spring
Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Moab’s backcountry unfolds beautifully on wheels. A guided 4×4 Jeep tour stands out as one of the premier things to do when visiting Moab in March.
Early spring snow and ice can make the slickrock terrain incredibly slippery. Having an expert, professional guide at the wheel is invaluable for navigating the changing trail conditions. By late March, the milder desert air makes open-air jeeping incredibly comfortable. Highly recommended trails range from mild to wild:
- Onion Creek: An 11.4-mile route meandering through sagebrush pastures and the deep red walls of Fisher Valley.
- Gemini Bridges: A rugged, rutted 27.2-mile trail tracking through scenic canyon bottoms.
- Chicken Corners: A thrilling route tracking along the Kane Creek anticline to a high perch directly above the Colorado River.
Next Steps to Plan Your March Moab Trip
Now that you’re as savvy about visiting Moab in March as a desert-dwelling collared lizard during the vernal equinox, it’s time to secure your spot! Don’t leave your spring break up to chance. Lock in your lodging and adventure tour reservations ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the red rocks.
