Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world, but it’s also one of the driest, except for the winter rains. These rains help break the scorching temperatures that linger into fall and make it possible for a layer of wildflowers to grow across the desert in spring.
Migratory birds come back to this part of Minnesota as the temperatures climb, and many species of animals are being born during this time of year as well. Make sure to keep an eye out for violets throughout the park, too!
17. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Check out our Utah parks itinerary here.
16. Yellowstone National Park
Beginning at the lower elevations, vibrant wildflowers begin popping up starting as early as February and continue to bloom throughout the spring months at Joshua Tree. Catch a glimpse of the crimson flowers atop the tall cactuses and all the critters coming out of their winter hibernation to bask in the warm sun atop the rocks.
15. Yosemite National Park, California
Texas is known for its large swaths of bluebonnets along the highways in the spring. Fall and winter rains soak the deserts in and around Big Bend National Park, yielding thousands of plant species from March to May. It’s no wonder springtime is high season at Big Bend, but the crowds aren’t nearly as crowded as other larger National Parks.
Yellowstone is colorful any time of the year, but especially in the spring as the wildflowers bloom and add to the already-vibrant landscape. The park is busiest in the summer, so planning a spring visit is ideal for avoiding large crowds. It’s also prime bicycling season as the bike trails open in late April once the snow thaws and is cleared away.
14. Olympic National Park, Washington
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Spring temperatures here are much more tolerable than the scorching summer heat, even if that means drawing larger crowds this time of year. Joshua tree has made its way onto plenty of BMTM lists because of its beauty and amazing scenery. The spring flowers are just another reason to go!
13. Arches National Park, Utah
Spring is such a special time of year to get outside and explore. Snowy landscapes transform into brightly-colored hills of wildflowers, animals reemerge from their long winter naps, and all the while our knees finally get the sunshine they’ve been waiting for since October!
Trails also become more accessible and programs start up again as the temperatures rise in the spring. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive through the park or getting out onto the backwoods trails, you’re sure to find plenty of wildlife emerging from their winter hiding places.
12. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Make sure to stay for one of the park’s famous sunsets, and keep in mind that the winds are particularly strong in the spring so come prepared!
Whether you’re heading out for a much-needed spring break road trip, or just a quick weekend getaway, consider stopping at any of these amazing parks to see the magic of springtime:
11. Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands is a springtime must-stop for wildlife enthusiasts. If you go in early spring, you can catch the end of Gray Whale season as they migrate north. Stick around to see California Sea Lions and Northern Fur Seals return to their rocky coastal homes after a long winter. Spring also marks the beginning of seabird season as they migrate to the islands to nest.
10. Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
If you’re looking to head south for your spring adventure, consider making Everglades National Park your destination. The park is best enjoyed during the dry season, which lasts from November to May when the water levels are lowest and more food becomes accessible to wildlife. There’s a greater diversity of creatures in the park during this time of year.
As the winter snow melts, Arches National Park opens up and slowly becomes a desert paradise as wildflowers bloom. The nights are chilly, but warm enough to get outside and stargaze. The park gets very hot beginning in June, so make sure to make the most of the cooler temperatures in the spring.
The white sand dunes are the world’s largest gypsum dunefield, taking up 275 square miles of desert. What makes this park an amazing site in the spring is the yucca plants that pop up all over the dunes. These plants speckle the landscape and are part of the reason why they say there really isn’t anywhere on earth quite like it.
9. Everglades National Park, Florida
There are reasons to love Yosemite at any time of year, but in the spring, the snow melts and feeds the waterfalls. The crowds come to Yosemite in the summer, but by then they’ve missed the waterfalls at their biggest and most powerful!
The park is also much less crowded in the spring, compared with the more popular fall and summer months.
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Visitors can move through the icy waters by kayak or canoe before the big boats take over the lake, making spring the best time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the park.
Watch how you can spend 2 days in Death Valley National Park here:
7. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Check out our Washington National Parks itinerary here.
You might associate Florida with high humidity and mosquitoes. However, this time of year tends to be less humid and has fewer mosquitoes, making it the perfect time to go enjoy everything Everglades has to offer.
6. Joshua Tree National Park, California
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If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Colorado to see what happens after all the snow melts, you can’t miss Great Sand Dunes. While the sand gets pretty hot to the touch in the summer, spring brings cooler temperatures that make sandboarding and sand sledding much more enjoyable.
5. Redwoods National Park, California
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most magical places to visit during the spring due to the appearance of synchronous fireflies in early May. It’s one of the only places in the world where fireflies gather in such large numbers, which creates a stunning display.
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3. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Grand Teton National Park is a prime example of spring doing its thing–animals coming out of hibernation after a long winter, moving into the grasslands as bird return from their migrations south.
2. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
I can’t think of a better way to welcome spring than to float down a river and take in all the beautiful wildflowers along the way. You can do just that at Buffalo National River in Arkansas, where the rivers and waterfalls are at their fullest in the spring. In this area, wildflowers are fullest and most vibrant around the waterfalls, making it a beautiful site during this time of year.
Dawn and dusk are the best times of day to see wildlife at the park. Consider taking a Mountain Safari during your visit to get a more in-depth experience.
1. Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Plus, you’ll get cooler weather. Believe me, hiking on that granite rock in the summertime gets HOT.
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