Breathtaking scenery and fewer visitors make spring the ideal time to visit America's most spectacular national parks. Here are a few of our favorites.
If waterfalls, wildflowers, and cool, crisp mountain air sound like your perfect getaway, keep reading. Spring is one of the best times of year to go on an adventure in the United States. You can enjoy a spectrum of different vistas without queueing with all the crowds. Here are a few ideas for the best national parks in spring.
There are several state parks near the cosmopolitan city of Colorado Springs.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most magical places on America’s West Coast. The park is named for the gnarly yucca plants, which are best viewed with the golden light of sunrise. Far away from artificial lighting and atmospheric pollutants, this national park is a must-see for magical stargazing. A visit in spring is recommended because it can get extremely hot in this desert landscape in the summer.
3. Yellowstone National Park in Spring
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the world. It encompasses almost 50% of the world’s hydrothermal sites. Towards the end of spring, melting snow feeds spectacular waterfalls that cascade down cliffs and into gorges. The wildlife also enjoys the warmer temperatures and the new growth of shrubs and trees. Yellowstone makes for superior wildlife viewing. Look out for moose, grizzly bears, and the bison herds with their new calves.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia boasts a vast assortment of fauna and flora. The perfect place to soak up spring’s colorful bounty. If you are driving, enjoy panoramic views from viewpoints scattered along the famous Skyline Drive. For hikers, there are several hiking trails of varying distances. There is so much beauty to soak up. Make a long weekend of it and stay over in the camps or lodges in the park.
5. Hot Springs Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana is a picturesque place to experience glacier-carved mountains, alpine meadows, beautiful forests, and breathtaking lakes. The snow only starts melting away towards the end of spring. If you want to have extensive access to the different areas of the park, a visit in May is best. However, if you want to enjoy springtime snow activities, warming your muscles in the hot springs is a great way to end your day!
Tips for visiting national parks in spring
The temperatures are rising but in some places, the weather can still be quite chilly. Make sure to pack enough warm clothing, especially if you are camping. Snowfall is unpredictable at this time of year. Check online or call ahead of time to check the accessibility of roads and paths that you want to take. Lastly, ensure that you have enough phone memory for all the Instagram-worthy pics you want to take while exploring these national parks in spring!
