Spring is the time to shake off the winter blues and embrace the return of warmer weather. Nothing makes the changing of the season better than a trip to one of America’s national parks. Of course, with 63 national parks to choose from, picking the right one can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to break down the best national parks to visit in the US in spring and the must-do activities for every park on our list.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the US for those seeking spring adventures surrounded by fresh greenery and wildflowers. The park is famous for its towering sequoia trees as well as gorgeous cliffs, waterfalls, and birdwatching. One must-visit site is the Half Dome, a granite rock formation rising nearly 5,000 feet.
The park is home to several rustic lodging sites like the Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, which has a one-of-a-kind Yosemite-inspired spa equipped with a cool mist room and warm waterfall coves.
If you want to take a little piece of Yosemite home, check out the black-and-white landscape prints in the Ansel Adams Gallery, dedicated to Adams’ iconic photographs of the park.
Zion National Park
Located in southwest Utah, Zion National Park has become increasingly popular for visitors in recent years. The park’s natural landscape is a sight to behold, especially its steep sandstone cliffs and vast forest lands.
The park also contains beautiful hanging gardens, which you can find by following the Virgin River down to the Emerald Pools. As the name suggests, these pristine pools and waterfalls offer a hidden oasis amidst the harsh Utah desert.
Several upscale hotels allow you to immerse yourself in the region’s stunning scenery with maximum comfort. Those include AutoCamp Zion and Under Canvas Zion.
Joshua Tree National Park
About an hour outside Palm Springs, California, lies Joshua Tree National Park. The park was named for its unique Joshua trees, each tree taking on a twisting shape all its own.
It’s beloved for its rugged landscape, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints, such as Keys Views, where you can observe panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. Popular hiking trails include the Discovery, Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Twentynine Palms Oasis.
If you want to enjoy Joshua Tree National Park’s stunning scenery and mountainous hiking trails without worrying about extreme temperatures, spring is your best bet. During the winter, temperatures in Joshua Tree can drop to nearly freezing, and the heat of the summer can be almost unbearable.
Everglades National Park
If the desert isn’t quite your vibe, a trip to Florida’s Everglades National Park might be the best US national park for you.
As the largest tropical wilderness in the United States, the Everglades is one of the best national parks to visit in the US for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park has dozens of species of birds, reptiles, fish, and even Florida panthers.
No trip to the Everglades is complete without visiting the manatees near Flamingo Marina. These nearly extinct creatures are native to the park, and their gentle disposition makes them an awe-inspiring sight.
Be warned, though. Florida’s summer temperatures can be brutal, especially in the park’s humid climate. Planning your trip to the Everglades in the spring is the best time to experience everything the park has to offer without the sweltering heat.
Crater Lake National Park
Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park is one of the few national parks settled on the remains of a collapsed volcano. Formerly called Mount Mazama, the area offers gorgeous hiking trails and views of the lake and its volcanic formations. Among the most popular trails are Garfield Peak and Discovery Point.
If you want to get the most out of your time at the lake, sites like Mazama Campground allow you to set up your tent or park your RV just steps from the lake. Make sure you set aside time to do some stargazing, as the park is considered one of the best national parks to visit in the US for stargazing.
Grand Canyon National Park
There’s a reason 5 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park every year. Its otherworldly scenery makes it one of the best national parks to visit in the US.
While the Grand Canyon is a bucket list experience for many travelers, visiting the park during the mild spring weather is the best time to experience the canyon’s views without the oppressive desert heat.
You can drive or take a guided tour to see the canyon. Another option is taking the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona. If you’re a thrill-seeker, the canyon offers some of the best white water rafting on the Colorado River.
To take advantage of the canyon after the tourists have departed, book an overnight stay at the El Tovar Hotel. This historic hotel, dating back to 1905, has a prime location overlooking the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
