5 Things You Can Only Do in Yellowstone in March
Visiting Yellowstone in March offers a unique experience as the park transitions from winter to spring. Early in the month, you’ll find a snow-covered wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing, skiing, and spotting wildlife like wolves and bison. Later in the month, much of Yellowstone is closed, offering fewer crowds, quiet trails, and serene opportunities for wildlife viewing along the Northern Range—like spotting the first glimpse of a bear emerging from hibernation! In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Yellowstone in March… from weather to wildlife-watching, and five things you can only do in Yellowstone in March.
Winter in Yellowstone © [John Morrison] via Canva.com
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What to Expect in Yellowstone in March
March is a transitional month in Yellowstone, marking the end of the winter season and the start of preparations for spring. Early March is still very much a winter experience, with snow covering much of the park, while by mid-March, the winter season ends to begin preparations for the spring and summer seasons. From mid to late March, snowmobile and snowcoach travel has ended, making Yellowstone’s interior largely inaccessible. Despite this unique “off-season” in Yellowstone, March offers a unique time to visit, especially as trails are quiet and animals become more active toward the end of the month.
Here’s what you can expect when visiting Yellowstone in March.
Weather: In March, Yellowstone’s weather is still cold and wintry, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 30°F to 40°F (around -1°C to 4°C) and nighttime lows often dipping below 20°F (-6°C). The park sees frequent snow, with about 6 to 8 snow days on average, but occasional rain showers are possible, especially later in the month as temperatures slightly rise. Snow can linger, especially at higher elevations, creating a snowy landscape through much of March.
Winter Season Ends, “Off Season” Begins: From mid-December to mid-March, Yellowstone's winter season is in full swing. The roads between the North and Northeast Entrances are open for self-driving, while interior park roads are accessible by snowcoach and snowmobile. However, in early March, in-park lodges close for the season, and snowcoach routes begin closing. Around March 15th, Yellowstone officially enters its off-season. The off-season is a transitionary period in the park when winter activities have ended, but the spring and summer seasons have not yet begun. The roads between the North and Northeast Entrances stay open, but interior roads close for snow plowing in preparation for spring.
Lodging: Accommodations in Yellowstone are limited in March, with the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel closing for the winter season in early March. Once these hotels close, you can only find lodging in nearby gateway towns, such as Gardiner, MT, and West Yellowstone, MT.
Road Closures: Road access in March is limited, but the route between Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner) and Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance (Cooke City) is open to self-driving. All other park roads remain closed to cars but, until mid-March, can be explored via snowcoaches and snowmobiles. Snowmobile and snowcoach travel ends on March 15th, after which Yellowstone’s interior is largely inaccessible.
Things to Do: Popular activities when visiting Yellowstone in early March include snowmobiling, snowcoach tours, snow sports, and wildlife watching. Mid to late March, when Yellowstone’s “off-season” has begun, popular things to do in the park are largely limited to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs, and wildlife watching along Yellowstone’s Northern Range.
Wildlife Watching: Yellowstone in March offers special wildlife-watching opportunities, particularly from Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower-Roosevelt, Slough Creek, and Lamar Valley. Slough Creek and Lamar Valley are prime spots for observing wolves navigating the winter landscape. Bison, with their thick winter coats, can be seen across Lamar Valley, often grazing in snow-covered fields. Coyotes and foxes can also be frequently spotted. With fewer visitors, wildlife watching becomes more intimate, and the chance to see wildlife—including early bears emerging from hibernation—is unforgettable.
Yellowstone in March offers a peaceful atmosphere and fewer visitors, making it an ideal period for those looking to enjoy the park at a more leisurely pace.
Mid to late March is “Off-Season” in Yellowstone National Park
Twice a year, Yellowstone’s interior roads close to all traffic (private and commercial vehicles). This is off-season in Yellowstone. From mid-March to mid-April and again from Nov 1st to mid-December, only the roads between the North and Northeast Entrance (Gardiner to Mammoth to Lamar Valley to Cooke City) are open.
These are also the only roads open to self-driving during the winter season; however, snowcoach and snowmobile traffic is permitted in the winter but not offered during the off-season. This means you will be unable to visit Yellowstone’s interior—including attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone—when visiting Yellowstone in mid to late-March.
Off-season in Yellowstone is a transitionary period allowing the park time to prepare for the upcoming winter or spring/summer season. For example, interior roads close in mid-March to allow time for snow plowing in preparation for the upcoming spring season. Interior roads close again in November to prepare for the upcoming winter season. During these times, the roads between the North and Northeast Entrance remain open for self-driving, so you will be able to access the Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
Why You Should Visit Yellowstone in March
Off-season is the quietest time of year in Yellowstone! Enjoy less traffic, better access to wildlife pull-offs, and solitude on hiking/snowshoe/cross-country skiing trails. Early in the month, visitors can still enjoy winter sports like snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling while the park’s iconic geothermal features look stunning against a snowy backdrop. The absence of large crowds makes for intimate wildlife encounters, especially in Lamar Valley, where wolves are frequently spotted. As the month progresses, the melting snow reveals the park’s changing landscape, offering early glimpses of spring. Visiting in March allows you to experience the park’s stunning beauty in both winter and early spring.
Since interior roads close mid-March, many famous Yellowstone sights, like Old Faithful Geyser, Artist Point, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, become inaccessible. After this, March visitors enjoy the solitude and serenity of an off-season visit that encourages lots of wildlife watching and leisurely strolls on trails near Lamar Valley, Tower-Roosevelt, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Downsides of Visiting Yellowstone in March
While visiting Yellowstone in March offers a quieter experience, there are drawbacks to visiting during this transitionary month, such as:
Limited Services: As March progresses, the park's lodges close, and snowmobile and snowcoach tours typically wrap up by mid-March. This transition means that while you'll still have access to winter activities like photography, snow sports, and wildlife viewing, some of the winter excursions and accommodations may no longer be available depending on the time of your visit.
Road Closures Limit Attraction Access: Starting March 15th, most of the park’s roads close (except those between Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances). This limitation restricts access to many of Yellowstone’s popular attractions, such as Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Cold Temperatures and Unpredictable Weather: Yellowstone in March can be cold and unpredictable, with snowstorms and frigid temperatures common. The transition from winter to spring means you can experience a wide range of conditions within a short timeframe, and it's not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate significantly from day to day. This variability is due to the park's high elevation and location in the northern Rocky Mountains, where weather patterns can change rapidly. As a result, it's important to be prepared for various weather scenarios when visiting Yellowstone in March.
Fewer Guided Tours: By mid-March, winter tours usually conclude, and the summer activities have not yet started. This results in fewer guided tour options, limiting your opportunities for guided exploration of the park.
These factors can make visiting in March more challenging, but if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet time to be in Yellowstone—or you want to enjoy Yellowstone’s cross-country ski and snowshoe trails largely to yourself—it can still be a great time of year to the be in the park.
Confirm current year dates on NPS.gov.
Yellowstone Weather in March
March in Yellowstone remains cold and snowy, especially in early March. At Mammoth Hot Springs, temperatures average between 30°F to 40°F (around -1°C to 4°C) during the day and drop to around 18°F (-8°C) at night. Snowfall can still be significant, especially early in the month, but starts to decrease as spring approaches. On average, Yellowstone receives 6-8 days of snow in March. Snow can linger, especially at higher elevations, creating a snowy landscape through much of March.
Transitioning from winter to spring can lead to a wide range of weather conditions, and it's not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate from day to day. This variability is due to the park's high elevation and location in the northern Rocky Mountains, where weather patterns can change rapidly. It’s important to be prepared for various weather scenarios when visiting Yellowstone in March.
Monthly averages from NPS.gov.
Is Yellowstone busy in March?
Yellowstone is not busy in March. In fact, March is one of the least crowded months to visit Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone receives around 30,000 visitors in March, with the majority coming in early March when winter activities are still available. After March 15th, visitation drops significantly as roads and services shut down, making it a quiet time to snowshoe, cross-country ski, wildlife watch, and explore the park’s serene, snow-covered landscapes.
March is one of the least busy months to visit Yellowstone National Park.
What wildlife can you see in Yellowstone in March?
March is actually an excellent time for wildlife watching in Yellowstone. Many animals, such as bison, elk, deer, moose, and pronghorn, move to the valleys. The relatively milder temperatures, food availability, and reduced snow cover make these lower-elevation areas more attractive to wildlife. Continued snow on the ground also helps with wildlife viewing in March, as many animals' dark winter coats stand out against the white landscape, making them visible from a distance.
Bison, elk, and wolves are commonly seen in Lamar Valley this time of year. Bald eagles and other birds of prey are also visible as they prepare for spring. Pronghorn are active in Yellowstone’s off-season, as the males usually shed their horns in November or December and begin regrowing in February or March. It’s also a good time to observe the return of various bird species, such as sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks, bluebirds, and meadowlarks.
One main highlight of Yellowstone in March is the initial signs of spring. Male bears begin to emerge from their dens, searching for winter-killed carcasses and leaving distinctive paw prints in the snow. As the season progresses, bison begin to move back to Blacktail Ponds and areas east of the Gardiner basin. By the end of March, driving between Mammoth Hot Springs and Cooke City provides a good chance of spotting wildlife. Yellowstone’s lack of crowds in March allows for a more peaceful wildlife experience, with fewer traffic jams and less competition for parking.
5 Things You Can Only Do in Yellowstone in March
In early March, snowmobile and snowcoach tours remain the primary way to explore the park. These guided tours offer opportunities to visit iconic sights like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Snowcoach tours provide a comfortable, heated ride through Yellowstone's winter scenery. These oversized vehicles can traverse the snow-covered roads, offering access to key areas like Old Faithful and Artist Point within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Snowmobiling is another popular activity in Yellowstone in March. You can enter to win a personal snowmobile permit or join a guided snowmobile tour. Most Yellowstone snowmobile tours begin in West Yellowstone, MT.
By late March, most winter activities come to a close, but visitors can still enjoy wildlife viewing and photography, especially as the park quiets down before the roads reopen for spring and summer. Here are five amazing things you can (mostly) only do in Yellowstone in March!
Early Bear Sightings: March is one of the first times of the year when you might catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear emerging from hibernation.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing on Park Roads: With most of the park's roads closed to vehicles, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along these snow-covered roads offer a peaceful way to explore otherwise inaccessible areas. Popular routes include the road to Tower Falls and the trail around the Upper Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Wildlife Tracking in Snow: The snow-covered landscape makes it easier to spot and track wildlife. Look for tracks of elusive animals like cougars, bobcats, and lynx that might otherwise be hidden.
Solitude in Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley remains a prime location for wildlife viewing in March. Watch for wildlife, including bison, wolves, and coyotes, in a serene setting—with some of the smallest crowds of the year. Look for pronghorn males who typically begin regrowing their horns in February or March.
Early Spring Bird Migration: March marks the return of several bird species to Yellowstone. You can spot early migrants like sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks, bluebirds, meadowlarks, and robins that signal the beginning of the spring season.
Driving through Yellowstone in March
Driving through Yellowstone in March is limited to the roads between Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT). This route offers access to key areas like Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. However, all other park roads remain closed to self-driving until the spring season begins in mid-April. If you're visiting after March 15th, keep in mind that guided snowmobile and snowcoach tours will no longer be available, making driving your only way to explore the park’s northern corridor.
That said, driving is still one of the best things to do in Yellowstone in March, and park rangers do a great job of keeping these main roads from Gardiner to Cooke City as clear as possible. We highly recommend driving this entire way, from Gardiner to Mammoth to Tower Junction through Lamar Valley and the Northeast Entrance to Cooke City.
Driving through Yellowstone in March requires extra caution due to wintery conditions, including the possibility of snow and icy roads. Many rental car companies do not allow snow chains, so it’s best to drive slowly and be prepared for rapidly changing winter conditions. Wildlife such as bison can often be seen near or on the road in the winter, which is another reason to drive with caution.
Where to Stay to Visit Yellowstone in March
Accommodations in Yellowstone are limited in March, with the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel closing for the winter season in early March. Once these hotels close, you can only find lodging in nearby gateway towns, such as Gardiner, MT, and West Yellowstone, MT.
1. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel:
Location: Located in the northern part of the park, near the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces.
Closes: March 3rd
Why Stay Here: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is one of the only lodges open within Yellowstone during winter. It offers accommodations with easy access to the Northern Range, a prime area for winter wildlife watching, and the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. The hotel also serves as a base for snowcoach and cross-country skiing tours.
2. Old Faithful Snow Lodge:
Location: Situated near the famous Old Faithful Geyser in the park's interior.
Closes: March 2nd
Why Stay Here: Accessible only by snowcoach or snowmobile in winter, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers a unique and remote winter experience. Guests can explore the nearby geysers and hot springs and enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered geothermal features. The lodge provides a cozy, rustic atmosphere, perfect for a winter retreat.
3. Gardiner, Montana:
Location: Just outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
Open: Year-Round
Why Stay Here: Gardiner sits at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, the only entrance open year-round. You can drive your vehicle into the park from this entrance in March and easily access Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, some of the best spots for March wildlife watching. We might be biased—after all, we live here part-time—but Gardiner, MT, is our favorite home base for visiting Yellowstone.
4. West Yellowstone, Montana:
Location: Located near the park’s West Entrance.
Snowcoach and Snowmobile Tours End: March 15th (however access to certain areas in the park may close earlier)
Why Stay Here: West Yellowstone is a hub for winter activities, with numerous lodging options and easy access to snowmobile and snowcoach tours into Yellowstone. The town also has the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, a great spot to learn about local wildlife and view grizzly bears and wolves (among other wildlife) from a safe and close distance.
Getting to Yellowstone in March
The easiest way to get to Yellowstone in March is to fly into Bozeman International Airport (BZN) and then rent a car to drive to the park. We recommend renting a vehicle so you can drive into the park from Yellowstone’s North Entrance (near Gardiner, MT) to explore Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
However, driving in March requires extra caution due to wintery conditions, including the possibility of snow and icy roads. It’s best to drive slowly and be prepared for rapidly changing winter conditions. Bozeman Pass between Livingston and Bozeman can be difficult during winter, as unpredictable weather can cause road closures. We highly recommend avoiding early flights from Bozeman unless spending the night before your flight in a nearby hotel.
Packing for Yellowstone in March
Here's a comprehensive packing list for visiting Yellowstone in March.
Clothing
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool or synthetic).
Insulating Layers: Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof winter coat (preferably insulated).
Snow Pants: Waterproof and insulated snow pants.
Warm Hat: Wool or fleece beanie that covers your ears.
Gloves/Mittens: Insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens.
Neck Gaiter/Scarf/Buff: For extra warmth and protection against the wind.
Socks: Thick wool socks (bring a few pairs).
Winter Boots: Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction.
Swimsuit: Particularly if you’re staying in Gardiner, so you can visit Yellowstone Hot Springs or Chico Hot Springs!
Gear
Sunglasses or Goggles: For protection against the sun’s glare on the snow.
Daypack: To carry snacks, water, extra layers, and camera gear.
Trekking Poles: Optional, but useful for stability on snowy or icy trails.
Snowshoes/Cross-Country Skis: If you plan to explore backcountry trails.
Water Bottle/Thermos: Insulated bottle to keep drinks from freezing.
Binoculars: For spotting wildlife from a distance.
Essentials
Sunblock: The sun can be intense even in winter, especially with the reflection of the snow.
Lip Balm: To protect against chapped lips in the cold, dry air.
Camera: To capture the stunning winter landscapes and wildlife.
Phone/Camera Batteries: Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, so bring extras and keep the extras in a warm inner pocket of your coat or backpack.
Nail Clippers/Nail File: Winter in Yellowstone is extremely dry.
Hand Lotion: Really dry.
Remember that temperatures can vary, so layering is key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Add insulating layers, such as fleece or down, to retain body heat, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer to protect against the elements. You’ll want to avoid tight-fitting garments and cotton clothes.
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Happy Travels!
