If you’re planning a spring national park road trip, you’re in the right place! Spring is a beautiful time to visit many of the US national parks. You can enjoy wildflowers, mild weather in the desert, and witness high altitude parks coming back to life after a winter thaw.
Spring can be a crowded time in national parks, as many people travel for spring break. But with early mornings and a little research, you can find solitude too. I hope this list gives you some great ideas for the best springtime national parks. It’s based on my experience visiting 59 out of the 63 parks (so far!).
Things To Know About Visiting National Parks in the Spring
- In high altitude parks, such as Rocky Mountain or Glacier, there is still a lot of snow and ice in the spring. If you’re visiting one of those parks, make sure to bring microspikes and layers, and check for avalanche danger before heading out.
- I love listening to Guide Along audio tours when I travel to national parks! They have tours for Shenandoah, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and many other parks on this list.
- If you’re visiting multiple national parks over the course of a year, you’ll probably save money with the America the Beautiful pass.
- Make sure to leave no trace when you spend time outdoors. That includes packing out your trash, not feeding wildlife, staying on the trails, and planning ahead.
- Please take extra care to not trample wildflowers as you’re hiking. Get creative with your photos and don’t leave the trail.
The 20 Best National Parks to Visit in the Spring
1. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America! In addition to the massive dunes, this Colorado park protects wetlands, forest, alpine lakes and tundra. It’s a beautiful place to hike, sled or sand board, and relax on the sands.
There is a seasonal river that flows through Great Sand Dunes called Medano Creek. It usually flows between April and September, but is at its largest surge in late May into early June. This is a great time to visit the park, as the creek is not only beautiful, but allows visitors to swim. People bring tubes and set up chairs to spend the day enjoying what feels like a beach. Late spring is the perfect time to experience this phenomenon!
The Best Things To Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park:
- Bring or rent a sandboard or sled, and fly down the dunes.
- Hike up the dunes on the High Dune Loop.
- Hike to Zapata Falls. This is outside of the national park, but very close by.
- Spend a day swimming and hanging out along Medano Creek.
Pro Tip: This park allows dogs in much of the main areas of the park. Make sure to pack out their waste and keep them on a leash.
2. Pinnacles National Park, California
Pinnacles is one of the least visited California national parks, and is known for its stunning rock formations, caves and massive California condors. It’s relatively small, but great for hiking. One of the most unique aspects of this park is the Talus Caves, but there are large chunks of the year when they are not open due to bats' pupping season, flooding and other factors.
Typically, both portions of the Bear Gulch Cave are open for the last week of March, and sometimes they are open for the whole month of March. When you also consider the nice spring weather, March is the perfect time to visit Pinnacles.
The Best Things To Do in Pinnacles National Park:
- Explore the Talus Caves.
- Hike a loop around the park on the High Peaks Trail.
- Look for California condors.
Pro Tip: The park can be very busy in the spring, plan to arrive at the trailheads before 9am to get a spot.
3. Redwood National Park, California
Redwood is home to the tallest trees in the world, and is a beautiful park for hiking and enjoying lush greenery. This park sits at a lower elevation than some of the other California parks, such as Sequoia, so spring is a great time for mild weather.
Spring in Redwood also brings lush greenery, wildflowers and misty weather. The rain might be a downside for some, but I absolutely loved the moody vibes that the rainy weather brought to the forests.
Redwood is a great park to include on a West Coast road trip. There are so many beautiful places to visit on both the Oregon and California coasts.
The Best Things To Do in Redwood National Park:
- Hike the iconic Fern Canyon Trail, which was featured in Jurassic Park. A permit is required.
- Drive Howland Hill Road and hike the Stout Memorial Grove or the Grove of the Titans Trails.
- Admire the coast at Wilson Creek Beach.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for banana slugs! They are all over the park.
Read my guide to Redwood National Park
4. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is unique for its variety of sceneries. You can find lush rainforests, stunning beaches, waterfalls and mountain peaks. While the highest elevations of the park are best saved for summer, spring is a beautiful time for the coastal and rainforest portions of the park.
Spring is also a great time to admire the waterfalls that gush more with spring rains. You might experience rain during the spring, but misty vibes are stunning in the famous Hoh Rainforest. You’ll also likely get to enjoy fewer crowds in the spring versus summer.
The Best Things To Do in Olympic National Park:
- Explore the beautiful beaches along the coastline, such as Ruby Beach and Second Beach.
- Take a short hike through the marvelous Hoh Rainforest.
- Chase waterfalls, such as Marymere Falls and Sol Duc Falls.
Pro Tip: Check the tide charts before heading out on some of the coastal hikes, it can be better to go at low tide.
Read my guide to Olympic National Park
5. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is one of the most underrated national parks! This remote Texas park sits right on the Mexico border and has a beautiful mix of mountains, desert landscapes, hot springs and more.
Big Bend gets quite hot in the summer, so spring brings more mild temperatures. You might also get to witness a beautiful display of wildflowers, which can include bluebonnets, yucca and cactus flowers. The flowers tend to be better after a lot of winter rain. Spring break can be quite crowded in the park, so I recommend visiting in early spring when the temperatures are cooler.
The Best Things To Do in Big Bend National Park:
- Cross the border into Mexico and visit the town of Boquillas del Carmen.
- Get up close to the Rio Grande River on the Boquillas Canyon Trail.
- Hike in the mountains on the Lost Mine Trail or Window Trail.
- Take a soak in the Hot Springs Historic District.
Pro Tip: Major weather forecasts typically report the temperatures at the Park Headquarters, but this area sits at a higher elevation than much of the park. Most of the park tends to be 10 degrees hotter.
Read my West Texas road trip itinerary, which includes Big Bend
6. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion offers some of the most iconic views in the United States! The park is most known for its massive canyon with walls that are 100’s of feet high. During a visit here, you can hike through rivers, gaze upon the canyon from above and below, admire waterfalls, and more.
Zion gets extremely hot in the summer, so it’s best to avoid the warmest months. Spring is a great time for more mild temperatures, but it can be crowded. You can also enjoy some wildflower blooms in the spring, and the waterfalls should be gushing.
The Best Things To Do in Zion National Park:
- Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and drive through the iconic tunnel.
- Snag a permit for Angel’s Landing, an infamous hike known for its narrow chain section.
- Enjoy some of the best views in the park from Observation Point.
- Hike up The Watchman Trail, which leaves from the visitor center.
Pro Tip: Due to powerful snowmelt, The Narrows are often closed in the spring.
Read my guide to visiting Zion National Park
7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains is a West Texas park that has some amazing hiking opportunities. In fact, this park is home to the highest peak in Texas! Spring is a great time to visit for mild weather hiking. However, you may experience high winds and large crowds. As long as you can arrive early enough to snag a parking spot, I think that spring is a great time for this park.
The Best Things To Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
- Hike to the tallest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak.
- Hike the Devil’s Hall Trail.
- Visit the Salt Basin Dunes.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water, snacks and sun protection to the hike to Guadalupe Peak. It’s quite strenuous.
Read my guide to Guadalupe Mountains
8. Everglades National Park, Florida
This Florida national park is an incredible place for wildlife and enjoying nature. From alligators to dolphins to a variety of birds, there is so much to see. Plus, you can admire several different ecosystems throughout the park.
Everglades has two distinct seasons - a wet and a dry season. The dry season occurs from November and May and is the best time to visit. You’ll enjoy less humidity and rain, cooler temperatures and this tends to be the best time to hike, ride an airboat and other activities.
The Best Things To Do in Everglades National Park:
- Take a ranger-led wet walk and walk out into the water to see a cypress dome.
- Rent bikes and ride to (or take the shuttle) out to the Shark Valley Observation Tower.
- Go kayaking. I loved taking a tour near the park with Jenny’s Eco Everglades.
- Go hiking. I love the Anhinga Trail.
- Go on an airboat tour.
Pro Tip: It’s more than likely that you’ll see A LOT of alligators here. Be sure to keep a safe distance, but also don’t let it scare you!
Read my itinerary for Everglades National Park
9. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park protects the saguaro cactus, which is the largest cactus in the world! Throughout the park, you can admire saguaros of all ages and sizes, some of which are 100’s of years old. Along with the cacti, this park is home to mountains, waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife, and other desert plants.
Spring is a great time to explore the desert of Arizona. You should have mild weather, and have a chance to admire desert blooms. Typically, saguaros begin to flower in the last two weeks of April, and this continues through early June.
Saguaro National Park has two separate units on opposite sides of Tucson. Both sides offer beautiful hiking trails and scenic drives. I recommend visiting both sides, and enjoying the incredible food scene in Tucson while you’re there!
The Best Things To Do in Saguaro National Park:
- Hike to the top of Wasson Peak.
- Check out the petroglyphs at Signal Mountain.
- Drive the Cactus Loop Scenic Drive.
- Hike to Bridal Wreath Falls.
- Drive the Bajada Loop Drive.
Pro Tip: Spend an evening watching the sunset from Gates Pass, which is right outside of the national park. Get there early to snag a parking spot!
Read my guide to Saguaro National Park
10. Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands National Park protects five different islands off the coast of California. Due to their isolation, the islands have plants and animals that are found nowhere else. After about an hour on a boat, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world.
Spring is a great time of year in the Channel islands for mild weather, migrating birds and a few lingering gray whales. You might even see some pups of the famous miniature foxes. You also may get to see wildflowers on the islands.
Keep in mind that landings on the islands are subject to weather conditions. Spring trips to Anacapa Island have an increased chance of being cancelled due to high winds, but this is not as much of an issue with the other islands. No matter when you visit, it’s a good idea to have a backup day in case your trip gets cancelled.
The Best Things To Do in Channel Islands National Park:
- Take a day trip to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa or San Miguel Islands. Santa Cruz is the biggest, and the one I recommend visiting first.
- Kayak in and out of sea caves with Santa Barbara Adventure Company! I can’t recommend this adventure enough.
- Make sure to stop at the Channel Islands Visitor Center in Ventura.
Pro Tip: You can choose between island landing trips or wildlife trips with Island Packers. Check out all of their options to see what you’d be more interested in.
Read my guide to visiting Santa Cruz Island
11. Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands is a magical park that is home to stunning white sand beaches, historic ruins, and some great hiking trails. It’s a great park to spot wildlife, such as hermit crabs, sea turtles, and more. A lot of visitors stop by for one day on a cruise, but I recommend spending at least a few days on the island to get a full experience.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the park. It won't be as hot as the summer, but will still be warm. However, be prepared for crowds year round. This park gets very busy.
The Best Things To Do in Virgin Islands National Park:
- Snorkel at Cinnamon Bay Beach.
- Hike the Ram Head Trail and Reef Bay Trail.
- Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation.
- Visit Trunk Bay Beach, which has an underwater snorkeling trail.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring and wear reef safe sunscreen while snorkeling!
12. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce is a stunning park known for its canyon full of hoodoos. It has the highest elevation out of the Utah Mighty Five, so you might still have snow and ice in the spring, especially in early spring. However, I think that visiting Bryce with snow is such a beautiful time. The contrast of snow against the orange formations is so interesting!
The Best Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail.
- Take the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from one of the overlooks.
- Hike the Fairyland Loop Trail.
- Hike the Mossy Cave Trail.
Pro Tip: Rainbow Point is the highest point in the park, so you’ll find more snow there.
Read my guide to visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
13. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakalā is a special park that is home to both volcanic landscapes and rainforests. Haleakala has a couple distinct areas - the summit district and the Kīpahulu District, which is on the coast. It’s full of variety and beauty.
Haleakalā has a big change in elevation and the summit can be quite cold year round. If you’ll be heading to the summit for sunrise, make sure to bring warm layers.
Spring in Haleakala brings warm weather and tends to be less crowded than summer (but more crowded than fall and winter). You also might get to enjoy some flowering plants throughout the park.
The Best Things To Do in Haleakala National Park:
- Watch the sunrise from the summit of the park (a reservation is required).
- Explore the Kīpahulu District, which is accessible via the Road to Hana.
- Hike across the crater floor on the Sliding Sands Trail.
Pro Tip: Be logged on right when sunrise reservations go on sale, they go quickly!
Read my guide to Haleakala National Parl
14. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of those places that all Americans should try to see before they die! As with many of these parks, it can get very hot here in the summer. Plus, most people visit during the summer, so it can get very crowded. Spring offers great temperatures with slightly less crowds.
May can be a wonderful tim to see wildflowers, and if you’re also planning to visit the North Rim, it typically reopens for the season in mid-May.
The Best Things To Do in the Grand Canyon (South Rim):
- Hike the Bright Angel Trail into the canyon (make sure you’re prepared to hike back up!)
- Take the shuttle and admire the many beautiful overlooks, especially around sunset.
- Visit the historic Desert View Watchtower.
Pro Tip: There is a convenient, free shuttle system that will transport you around the park.
15. Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley is the hottest (and lowest and driest) place in the US! Some of the highest temperatures in the world have been recorded in Death Valley National Park, so you definitely want to avoid visiting during the summer.
Spring in Death Valley can be hot, but it can also bring incredible displays of spring blooms. I recommend visiting in March for cooler weather and a chance to see the flowers. Keep in mind that the amount of wildflowers can vary each year.
Death Valley is a very unique park home to sand dunes, salt flats, colorful canyons, and more. It makes for a great day trip from Las Vegas, but there is also a lot to explore if you spend a few days.
The Best Things To Do in Death Valley National Park:
- Watch the sunrise from Sunrise at Zabriskie Point.
- Explore Artist’s Palette at Golden Hour.
- Visit the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
- Hike the Desolation Canyon Trail.
- Visit Badwater Basin.
Pro Tip: Temperatures and conditions may vary a lot depending on what elevation you’re at. Death Valley is a huge park with a large variation of altitudes.
Read my itinerary for Death Valley National Park.
16. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
This remote park is truly unique and hard to reach. Dry Tortugas is located 70 miles off the coast of Key West and features a historic fort, along with pristine beaches and a variety of aquatic and bird life.
Spring is a nice time to visit Dry Tortugas for ideal weather. The spring months also tend to have calmer seas which are better for snorkeling. However, this can be the busiest time of year, so make sure to book your transportation to the island a few months in advance.
To visit Dry Tortugas, you can either take the ferry or a seaplane. You also have the option of taking a day trip or camping on the island. Reservations can be hard to get, especially for camping, so make sure to plan ahead.
The Best Things To Do in Dry Tortugas National Park:
- Go snorkeling.
- Take a tour of historic Fort Jefferson.
- Camp on the island and enjoy the night skies.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets for the ferry a few months in advance, and be prepared for possible rough waters.
Read my guide to Dry Tortugas National Park
17. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches is a famous Utah park known for its many stunning natural arches and bridges. This park has a wonderful variety of both easy and difficult trails, so there is something for everyone.
Arches is located in the Utah desert, so it’s best to avoid hiking here in the summer. Spring brings great hiking weather, and you may get to see some desert blooms. However, spring break can bring huge crowds. I recommend visiting the park very early in the morning to get parking spots and beat the crowds.
The Best Things To Do in Arches National Park:
- Hike to the famous Delicate Arch, the most famous arch inside the park!
- Take the short trails to Double Arch, Tunnel Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and more.
- Snag a permit or take a ranger-led tour to explore Fiery Furnace, an adventurous area of the park that requires route finding.
- Hike the challenging Devil’s Garden Loop, which leads you past 7 arches.
Pro Tip: Hike to Delicate Arch at sunrise, but arrive early to get a parking spot!
Read my guide to Moab, which includes Arches National Park
18. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
This park is home to two of the most active volcanoes on earth! If you’re lucky, you might get to see the lava flowing (eruptions can’t be predicted, but typically happen at least once a year and can last several days). Even if you don’t get to see an active eruption, you can still admire the volcanic landscapes throughout the park.
Spring brings mild weather to Hawaii Volcanoes, which is great for hiking. You also might see flowers blooming among the volcanic rocks. Spring can be a bit rainy, but showers pass quickly.
Spring break can be a busy time in this park, but it’s typically not as crowded in the spring as summer or the winter holiday season.
One of the most interesting things about this park is that it’s constantly changing. Major eruptions have occurred in the last 100 years that have reshaped the island. It’s really special to visit a place that has the power to change the landscape on a human time scale.
The Best Things To Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube.
- Drive down Chain of Craters Road to the coast and see the Hōlei Sea Arch.
- Hike the Kilauea Craters Trail.
- Hike the Devastation Trail to see giant cinder cones.
- Check out the Sulphur Banks and the Steam Vents.
Pro Tip: Check the webcams before visiting to find out if there is any volcanic activity!
Read my guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
19. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest is a colorful park that is perfect for anyone interested in geology. You can see a lot of petrified wood here that is 1000’s of years old, plus colorful badlands. It’s small, but has a lot to offer.
This is another desert park, so it gets quite hot in the summer, and spring is a lot nicer. You can also enjoy wildflower blooms throughout the park.
The Best Things To Do in Petrified Forest:
- Hike the Blue Mesa Historic Trail and the Blue Mesa Trail for colorful views (my favorite trails!)
- Hike the Crystal Forest and Giant Log trails to see lots of petrified wood up close.
- Admire the many overlooks in the park, such as Tiponi Point and Newspaper Rock.
Pro Tip: Make sure to not take any petrified wood with you. Not only is it against the principles of leaving no trace, but there is a curse that many have experienced!
Read my guide to visiting Petrified Forest National Park***
20. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree is a beautiful park known for its desert plants, iconic joshua trees and beautiful rock formations. It’s an amazing park for bouldering, hiking and enjoying the night skies.
Joshua Tree gets very hot in the summer, so spring is a better time to visit. You can enjoy vibrant wildflowers in the springtime. However, spring can be the most crowded time in the park, so I recommend getting a very early start.
The Best Things To Do in Joshua Tree National Park, California:
- Watch the sunrise at Cholla Cactus Garden.
- Hike to Arch and Heart Rock.
- Hike the Hidden Valley Trail.
- Watch the sunset from Keys View.
- Hike the FortyNine Palms Oasis Trail.
Pro Tip: I’ve experienced some of the most intense crowds in this park. Visit on a weekday and go early if you can!
Read my itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park
Final Thoughts
I hope this list gives you some ideas on which national parks to visit in the spring! From vibrant wildflowers to desert blooms, there are so many beautiful national parks that are perfect for spring. Spring is a great time to hit the road and explore the beauty of the United States.
More Outdoorsy Spring Destinations all over the US, check out these guides:
- How to Spend 2 Days in Santa Cruz Island
- An Epic West Texas and New Mexico National Park Road Trip
- An Epic Itinerary for the Utah Mighty Five
- An Epic Florida Keys Road Trip
- How to Spend a Day in Redwood National Park
- The Best Things To Do on Orcas Island, WA
- An Epic 4 Day Texas Hill Country Road Trip
- The Best Things To Do in Cave Junction, OR
- An Epic Maui Itinerary
- A Guide to Seeing the Texas Bluebonnets in Ennis
- How to Spend 2 Days in Olympic National Park
Thanks for Reading!
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