Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Yellowstone National Park

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Wildlife photography paradise - wolves and bison create dramatic contrast against snow, most active during daylight hours when temperatures reach -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F)
Zero crowds at accessible areas - Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs have 90% fewer visitors than summer, allowing uninterrupted viewing
Geothermal features appear more dramatic - hot springs and geysers create ethereal steam clouds in sub-zero temperatures, most spectacular at sunrise
Significantly lower accommodation costs - gateway towns offer 40-60% discounts compared to peak summer rates

Considerations

Extremely limited access - only North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to Mammoth and Northeast Entrance to Cooke City remain open, 90% of park roads closed
Harsh weather conditions require extensive preparation - temperatures drop to -15°C to -7°C (5°F to 19°F) at night with frequent snowstorms
Most park facilities closed - visitor centers, lodges, and restaurants operate minimal services, West Thumb and Grant Village completely inaccessible

Best Activities in March

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Winter Photography

March offers the most dramatic contrast between steaming limestone terraces and snow-covered landscapes. Early morning temperatures around -7°C (19°F) create maximum steam effect, while afternoon warming to 7°C (45°F) provides comfortable shooting conditions. Wildlife often congregates near thermal features for warmth.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for self-guided access. Arrive by 7am for best light and steam conditions. Park entrance fee $35 for 7 days. Microspikes essential for icy boardwalks.

Lamar Valley Wolf Watching Tours

March is prime wolf viewing season as pack activity increases with approaching spring. Snow makes tracking easier, and wolves are most active during the warmer midday hours 10am-3pm when temperatures reach peak daily levels. Success rates exceed 80% in March.

Booking Tip: Book guided wildlife tours 2-3 weeks ahead through Gardiner or Cooke City operators. Full-day tours typically $200-350 per person including transportation and spotting scopes. Tours depart 6am, return 4pm.

Cross-Country Skiing Thermal Features

March provides stable snow conditions for skiing between Mammoth and Tower Fall areas. Moderate temperatures make extended outdoor activity comfortable, and thermal features along trails create unique warming stops every 1.6 km (1 mile).

Booking Tip: Rent equipment in Gardiner ($35-45/day for skis, boots, poles). Self-guided on marked winter trails. Check current conditions at Mammoth Visitor Center. Begin early as snow softens after noon in warming March weather.

Cooke City Snowmobile Access Tours

Northeast Entrance via Cooke City offers the only snowmobile access into park interior during March. Beartooth Highway remains closed, but local trails provide access to remote thermal features and pristine winter landscapes impossible to reach otherwise.

Booking Tip: Book snowmobile rentals and guides through Cooke City operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Full-day guided tours $250-400 including machine and guide. Half-day options $150-200. Weather can change rapidly - flexible booking essential.

Old Faithful Winter Viewing

While West Entrance is closed, Old Faithful area is accessible via snow coach from West Yellowstone or cross-country skiing from available access points. March offers dramatic geyser eruptions against snow backdrop with minimal crowds.

Booking Tip: Snow coach tours from West Yellowstone book 3-4 weeks ahead, $120-180 per person. Tours operate weather permitting. Check road closures 24 hours before departure as March storms can cancel services.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Expedition

Annual guided expedition focusing on winter-adapted wildlife behavior. Professional naturalists lead multi-day programs combining wolf tracking, bison monitoring, and thermal feature ecology in winter conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) minimum - trail conditions include packed snow and ice on boardwalks

Layering system with merino wool base layer - temperatures swing 22°C (40°F) between night and day

Microspikes or ice cleats essential - thermal area boardwalks become dangerously icy, especially at Mammoth terraces

High-capacity power bank - cold weather drains phone batteries 3x faster, critical for emergency communication

SPF 50+ sunscreen and glacier glasses - snow reflection at 2,440m (8,000 ft) elevation causes severe burns

Emergency bivvy sack - sudden weather changes can trap visitors, especially on cross-country ski routes

Insulated water bottles - standard bottles freeze solid within 2 hours at March temperatures

Hand and foot warmers (12+ pairs) - essential for extended outdoor photography and wildlife watching

Waterproof gaiters - prevent snow from entering boots during deep snow hiking around thermal features

Emergency food supplies - park services minimal, nearest grocery stores 80 km (50 miles) from accessible areas

Insider Knowledge

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is the only lodging open in March, book 6+ months ahead as it's the sole option for in-park stays with only 97 rooms available

Fuel up in Gardiner before entering - no gas stations open inside park during March, nearest alternative is 80 km (50 miles) away in Livingston

Check road conditions at 5am daily via park service hotline - March storms can close North Entrance Road with 2-hour notice, stranding visitors

Wildlife viewing peaks 10am-2pm when animals seek sunny, wind-protected areas around thermal features as temperatures reach daily maximums