Hiking

16 Best National Parks to Visit in Spring – Bearfoot Theory

February 26, 2023

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Spring is the right time to get outdoors and revel in nature after an extended winter. With the hotter climate and blooming flowers, it’s an awesome alternative to take a break and go to among the most stunning nationwide parks within the US, normally with milder climate.

Whether you’re searching for a weekend getaway, a spring break journey, or an extended trip, these National Parks have one thing to supply for each spring lover from scenic hikes full of wildflowers to new child wildlife viewing.

In this weblog put up, we’ll spotlight the very best nationwide parks to go to within the spring and why spring is the very best time to be there. Get able to pack your luggage and hit the highway in your springtime journey!

Important Reminder: As it goes in the entire locations we share, please apply good path etiquette and bear in mind to Leave No Trace. This means packing out all your rubbish (together with rest room paper), being respectful to others on busy trails, and following the established guidelines.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Two tents set up in campsite next to Joshua Tree with sky turning pink and purple at sunset or sunrise — Enjoy comfy temperatures and wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park in spring

COMFORTABLE TEMPS – Joshua Tree is brutally scorching in the summertime and might really get fairly chilly within the winter, so plan your go to within the spring to make the most of the very best day and evening temperatures.
DESERT WILDFLOWERS – Catch the very best spring wildflower blooms in Joshua Tree between February and April.

Joshua Tree National Park is without doubt one of the greatest parks to go to within the spring due to comfy temperatures, fewer crowds, and countless alternatives for out of doors recreation.

Springtime in Joshua Tree brings colourful wildflowers which can be uniquely contrasted in opposition to the desert surroundings. Enjoy these spring blooms on one of many park’s many day mountain climbing trails plan an in a single day backpacking journey.

If you’re a climber, spring can also be a good time to apply your bouldering abilities. The day temperatures are heat sufficient to stop freezing fingers however nonetheless cool sufficient so your palms don’t get slippery from sweat.

Best issues to do in Joshua Tree in spring

2. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake National Park in spring with snow blanketing rim — Visit Crater Lake within the spring to view the lake surrounded by snow

SEE THE LAKE SURROUNDED BY SNOW – Crater Lake is located at 7,000 ft, so spring can nonetheless be very snowy. Viewing the lake rimmed by snow drifts is gorgeous!
EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS – Spring is a superb time of yr to go to Crater Lake in order for you no crowds or site visitors. East and West Crater Rim Drives are usually closed till June or later, so you may hike, bike, or snowshoe with out fear.

For winter lovers not fairly prepared to surrender on snowy adventures, visiting Crater Lake within the spring is a very magical expertise. Crater Lake is located at over 7,000 ft, so the snow doesn’t begin melting till late spring and even early summer time. But that doesn’t imply you may’t discover this stunning park within the early season.

Crater Lake’s highway crew usually begins eradicating snow on West Rim Drive in early April, ‘paving’ the way in which for early-season out of doors actions like mountain climbing and biking and even snowshoeing.

Since the Rim Drive roads don’t open to automobiles till a couple of months later, this implies you may discover Crater Lake with out the heavy site visitors that’s typical throughout peak season.

Best issues to do at Crater Lake in Spring

Hike, bike, or snowshoe West Rim drive earlier than it formally opens to site visitors
Photograph Crater Lake surrounded by snow

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3. Olympic National Park, Washington

Landscape photo of Ruby Beach on Olympic Peninsula in Washington — Catch the magic of spring on the Olympic Peninsula as comes alive after a winter of rain and storms

WILDLIFE – After an extended, darkish, moist winter, the Olympic National Park involves life within the spring with Roosevelt Elk, migrating birds, and different wildlife.
WATERFALLS – It rains loads on the Olympic Peninsula throughout the winter months, which suggests spring is a good time to see cascading waterfalls.
AVOID CROWDS – Olympic National Park is without doubt one of the most-visited National Parks within the US, particularly throughout the summer time months. Skip the crowds by visiting throughout the spring months.

Visiting Olympic National Park within the spring is a singular and unforgettable expertise. The park gives a various vary of landscapes, from the rugged Pacific shoreline to the luxurious temperate rainforests, making it a must-visit vacation spot for out of doors lovers.

During spring, the Hoh Rainforest is especially gorgeous, because the rain and heat temperatures convey new life to the vegetation. Spring can also be the right time to identify native wildlife equivalent to elk, deer, and quite a lot of hen species.

The highway as much as Hurricane Ridge is usually closed till May, but when it’s open, take the drive up for unimaginable views of the snow-capped Olympic mountains.

Best issues to do in Olympic National Park in Spring

Explore the Olympic National Park’s many waterfalls
Backpack the 29-mile Enchanted Valley Loop
Backpack the 17-mile South Coast Trail
Visit the Hoh Rainforest, one of many largest temperate rainforests on the earth with old-growth timber and plush vegetation

4. Pinnacles National Park, California

Landscape photo of large boulders in Pinnacles National Park in California surrounded by green vegetation and yellow wildflowers — Pinnacles National Park is without doubt one of the greatest locations to see spring wildflowers on the west coast

WILDFLOWERS – Pinnacles National Park is without doubt one of the greatest locations to view spring wildflowers. Visit between March and May for the very best probability to see wildflower blooms.
CALIFORNIA CONDORS – California Condors may be seen year-round in Pinnacles National Park. Take benefit of cool spring temps because the climb to the viewing space is difficult.

Pinnacles National Park is a small and sometimes ignored National Park positioned on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains in central California.

But regardless of its small dimension and unsung stature, Pinnacles National Park is a gem, particularly within the spring when guests can expertise unforgettable wildflower blooms. The peak wildflower season in Pinnacles runs from March by May with dozens of various varieties budding every week.

When Becky, Bearfoot Theory’s behind-the-scenes assistant, visited Pinnacles National Park in March, the wildflowers had been exploding and the grass was a vibrant shade of inexperienced.

Best issues to do in Pinnacles National Park in Spring

Hike as much as the High Peaks the place you may view California Condors hovering within the thermals
Enjoy dozens of various wildflower varieties that bloom all through the park together with California poppies, manzanita, capturing stars, child blue-eyes, and lots of extra.

5. Channel Islands National Park, California

Landscape view of dramatic rugged and steep coastline of Channel Islands National Park — See 1000’s of birds and vibrant wildflowers once you go to the Channel Islands in springtime

SPRING WILDFLOWERS – View gorgeous spring wildflower blooms on the Channel Islands in early and late spring.
BIRD MIGRATION & NESTING – The Channel Islands are an necessary cease for a lot of migrating birds within the spring. Spring can also be the nesting season for a number of species.
WILDLIFE VIEWING – California sea lions and northern fur seals begin to collect at their rookeries and Island fox pups are born.

Spring within the Channel Islands National Park, which is located off the coast of California, is when the islands’ natural world begin to come alive once more after a chilly and dormant winter.

These islands are an necessary location for a lot of migratory birds that go to within the spring for meals and breeding. They’re additionally the nesting web site for a number of land birds together with Peregrine falcons. Birdwatchers will discover no scarcity of viewing alternatives within the spring!

February by March additionally brings spectacular wildflower blooms that may be considered from the handful of mountain climbing trails on Santa Cruz or Anacapa Islands.

Best issues to do within the Channel Islands in Spring

Explore the mountain climbing trails on Santa Cruz Island for nice wildflower viewing.
Be amazed on the sheer variety of migratory and resident birds that the Channel Islands maintain.
Get out on the water in a kayak or boat tour (whale-watching season winds down within the spring, however there’s nonetheless an opportunity to see some whale species).

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6. Death Valley National Park, California

DESERT WILDFLOWERS – Spring in Death Valley can convey gorgeous wildflower blooms, that are uniquely contrasted in opposition to the austere terrain.
TOLERABLE TEMPS – While winter is the very best time to go to for cool temps, early spring temperatures vary between lows within the 50’s and highs within the 90’s.

Death Valley is understood for its austere, barren, Mars-like terrain, however for a couple of weeks within the spring, this desolate National Park transforms into a colourful wildflower-studded backyard.

When California has skilled constant winter rains, the spring wildflower blooms in Death Valley can attain tremendous bloom standing, which final occurred in 2016.

But even when the situations don’t warrant an excellent bloom, wildflowers in Death Valley can nonetheless be a motive to go to, particularly since there are such a lot of different distinctive issues to do all through the park.

Best issues to do in Death Valley in Spring

Hike to the highest of Wildrose Peak.
Visit Badwater Basin, the bottom level in North America.
Take within the vistas from Dante’s View.
Go barefoot within the Mesquite Dunes.

7. Zion National Park, Utah

Landscape view of Zion National Park with tall red rock cliffs towering over lush green valley — Zion within the spring gives superb distinction between new inexperienced foliage and the purple rock bluffs

FEWER CROWDS – Zion is without doubt one of the hottest National Parks within the US and summer time is the height season. You can keep away from the worst of the crowds by visiting within the spring.
VIBRANT COLORS – The spring colours in Zion may be gorgeous: vibrant inexperienced spring vegetation contrasted in opposition to the purple rocks.
GUSHING VIRGIN RIVER – The Virgin River runs by Zion and within the spring, guests can view excessive water ranges from snowmelt.

Zion National Park is gorgeous all yr spherical, however the colours in spring are significantly vibrant. New inexperienced leaf buds and emerald spring grass distinction strikingly in opposition to the purple rock cliffs of Zion.

Spring can also be a good time to make the most of fewer crowds. While you’ll nonetheless possible share the park with different guests, it’s certain to be much less busy than in peak summer time months.

Best issues to do in Zion National Park in spring

Hike the Narrows (be sure you verify climate situations and water ranges)
Hike to Observation Point
Explore The Subway slot canyon
Test your worry of heights on Angel’s Landing

8. Arches National Park, Utah

Landscape photo looking through North Window arch in Arches National Park in Utah — Spring is without doubt one of the greatest occasions to go to Arches National Park for cool temps and golden glows

NICE TEMPERATURES – Spring is the right time to go to Arches for heat, however not scorching, day temps and funky, however not chilly, nighttime temperatures.
SPRING STARGAZING – Whether you wish to brush up in your constellations or apply your nighttime pictures, spring in Arches means glorious star viewing due to lengthy nights.

Spring is the preferred time to go to Arches National Park, however for good motive. The temperatures are comfy, the climate is nice, and the early morning and late afternoon spring mild typically casts a ravishing glow on the purple rocks.

If you intend on visiting Arches between March and May, it’s greatest to enter as early as you may or e book a campsite inside the park so you will get a head begin in your prime hikes.

Best issues to do in Arches in spring

9. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Woman stands next to a lake in Rocky Mountain National Park — Avoid crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park by visiting within the spring

VALLEY HIKES – Most of the higher-elevation trails are nonetheless snow-covered in spring, however there are lots of stunning valley hikes to select from.
SPRING SKIING & SNOWSHOEING – Take benefit of hotter days and head to larger elevations together with your cross-country skis or snowshoes.
WILDLIFE VIEWING – Spring is a good time to view wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s birthing season, so it’s possible you’ll get the prospect to see elk calves and bighorn sheep lambs.

Spring is one in every of our favourite occasions of yr to go to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The air is crisp, wildflowers are beginning to bloom, and there’s a way of freshness and new beginnings.

While a lot of the park stays underneath snow at larger elevations, the valley usually melts out in mid- to late- spring. Of course, for those who’re searching for snow-filled adventures, you may snowshoe or cross-country ski effectively into the spring.

For hikers, there are a number of low-elevation trails which can be normally snow-free and for those who get pleasure from watching wildlife, spring is a good time to view elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and different animals.

Best issues to do in Rocky Mountain in spring

Pack your cross-country skis or snowshoes and benefit from the closing stretch of winter in Rocky Mountain National Park
Head to Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park for the prospect to see elk calves, bighorn sheep lambs, and different wildlife.
Lace up your mountain climbing boots and head out on one of many a number of lower-elevation trails within the valley.

10. Yosemite National Park, California

Waterfall in Yosemite National Park with lake and meadow in foreground — Catch Yosemite’s many falls at their fullest throughout the spring months

CLIMBING – Many climbers flock to Yosemite within the spring to climb the park’s iconic routes.
FLOWING WATERFALLS – Spring is the very best time to go to Yosemite to see the park’s many waterfalls cascading to the valley flooring.
FEWER CROWDS – Skip the summer time Yosemite Valley crowds by visiting within the spring.
BIKE TIOGA PASS – The weekend earlier than Tioga Pass opens within the spring, avid cyclists are capable of get pleasure from it car-free.

Spring is a particular time to go to Yosemite National Park. The park’s many waterfalls are gushing from spring snowmelt, the paths are opening again up, and customer numbers are usually nonetheless low so you may get pleasure from Yosemite’s greatest sights, like Half Dome, crowd-free.

Spring can also be a good time to get pleasure from out of doors recreation. From mountain climbing Yosemite’s greatest trails to climbing its iconic granite partitions to biking alongside the Valley’s bike paths, there may be an journey for everybody.

Best issues to do in Yosemite in spring

Head out on one in every of Yosemite’s iconic hikes. (Some trails should still be closed because of snow relying on the yr).
Bike Tioga Pass. For three days earlier than Tioga Pass into Yosemite opens for the season, the California Department of Transportation permits cyclists to benefit from the 40-mile (one-way) stretch of highway to the valley flooring car-free. Keep in thoughts that this can be a very difficult experience and solely appropriate for avid cyclists.

11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina

Cascading Laurel Falls in Smoky Mountains National Park surrounded by flowering trees and spring vegetation — Visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park within the spring for cascading waterfalls and wildflowers

WILDFLOWERS – There are over 1,500 flowering crops in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and lots of of them attain peak blook between March and June.
WILDLIFE VIEWING – Spring is birthing season for a lot of animals that stay in Great Smoky Mountains National Park together with elk, deer, and different mammals.

Spring and fall are the 2 greatest occasions of yr to go to Great Smoky National Park. Fall rewards guests with sensible fall colours whereas spring brings unforgettable wildflower blooms.

Wildflower viewing within the Smokies is so spectacular, in truth, that there’s an annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage occasion that occurs each April to have fun the park’s tons of of various flowering crops.

Spring guests can even catch sight of herds of elk with their new child calves in addition to spring birds and different wildlife.

Temperatures and climate can fluctuate wildly and alter shortly, so make certain you’re ready with layers and rain gear.

Best issues to do in Great Smoky Mountains in spring

Participate within the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage that occurs each spring with professionally guided walks and extra.
View herds of elk and their new child calves in Cataloochee Valley.
Hike the gorgeous Ramsey Cascades Trail.

12. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Rafters floating down river in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia with lush forest lining both banks — The New River options whitewater rapids as much as Class V

WHITE WATER RAFTING – New River Gorge is residence to 53 miles of free-flowing water with rapids starting from Class 1 all the way in which to Class V. Spring is a good time to e book a whitewater rafting journey or get out your whitewater kayak.
ROCK CLIMBING – With over 1,400 established climbing routes, New River Gorge is a vacation spot for rock climbers. Spring brings cool temps, that are good for tackling any route.

Designated as America’s latest National Park in 2020, New River Gorge is residence to one of many oldest rivers on the continent – New River.

While each season brings its personal distinctive character to this park, spring is without doubt one of the greatest occasions to go to, particularly for those who benefit from the adrenaline of whitewater rafting.

New Gorge National Park is famed for its rapids that span 53 miles of free-flowing water. The higher portion of the river options comparatively simple rapids as much as Class III whereas the decrease river is for knowledgeable whitewater rafters and kayakers who really feel comfy tackling Class III to Class V rapids.

Not into whitewater sports activities? There’s nonetheless lots to see and do in New River Gorge within the springtime from mountain climbing, mountain climbing, tenting, and extra.

Best issues to do in New River Gorge in spring

Book a whitewater rafting day tour or, for those who’re skilled, deal with the rapids in your individual raft or kayak.
Grab a guidebook and verify off a couple of of the 1,400 climbing routes all through the park.
Explore New River Gorge on foot on one in every of its many mountain climbing trails.
Drive the African American Heritage Auto Tour to be taught extra concerning the historical past that helped form this space.

13. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Landscape views out over the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

NICE HIKING TEMPS – Take benefit of cooler spring temperatures within the Grand Canyon in your bucket listing hikes and backpacking adventures.
RIVER RAFTING – April and May are the 2 hottest months for rafting down the Colorado River due to hotter the temperatures.

The Grand Canyon National Park is greatest visited throughout the shoulder seasons to keep away from excessive temperatures – cold and hot. Spring on the Grand Canyon is a good time to discover beneath the rim whether or not that’s a day hike, a multi-day backpacking journey, a rafting journey, or a canyoneering expedition.

There is not any scarcity of springtime adventures within the Grand Canyon, nevertheless it’s a good suggestion to plan your journey effectively upfront. Many in a single day journeys require a allow, and arranged journeys promote out quick.

Best issues to do within the Grand Canyon in spring

14. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Tall Saguaro cacti in desert landscape in Arizona

SEE THE SAGUAROS IN BLOOM – Saguaro cacti begin to flower in late April and blooms peak in mid-May.
DESERT HIKING – Spring is an ideal time to discover the paths round Saguaro National Park due to nice day temperatures.

Saguaro cacti can develop to over 40 ft tall and stay as much as 175 years. It additionally takes them 10 years to develop only a foot tall! Learn extra attention-grabbing details concerning the saguaro and different desert natural world with a visit to Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.

Spring in Saguaro brings desert blooms and wildlife. The saguaro cacti begin to flower in late April and lots of animal species depend on these blooms for meals together with birds, bats, desert tortoises, javelinas, and coyotes.

Spring can also be a good time to discover Saguaro National Park’s path community with out the hazard of extraordinarily excessive desert temperatures.

Best issues to do in Saguaro National Park in spring

Once you’ve explored the paths inside the Park, try a few of Tucson’s different nice hikes.
Drive the 6-mile Bajada Loop.
Learn concerning the desert panorama on the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (the museum just isn’t a part of the National Park, however is a good place to go to throughout your journey).

15. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Two people standing on the top of Sprinter van in front of massive red rock monolith in Capitol Reef National Park — Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop in Capitol Reef National Park to see enormous monoliths

FRUIT TREE BLOSSOMS – Early settlers made what’s now Fruita in Capitol Reef National Park their residence within the late 1800s. Their fruit orchards are nonetheless producing and guests can see the timber in bloom in spring.
REMOTE DIRT ROADS – Capitol Reef has a number of distant and rugged scenic drives that take guests off the overwhelmed path. Spring is a good time to discover these areas earlier than it will get too scorching in summer time.

Capitol Reef National Park is a small and lesser-known National Park in southern Utah. It boasts gorgeous purple rock formations, towering monoliths, pure arches, petroglyphs, and a lush inexperienced valley full of fruit timber.

Spring is arguably the very best time to go to Capitol Reef as a result of the temperatures are reasonably cool and the park begins to come back alive with new development.

There are tons of sights and issues to do in Capitol Reef in spring and in contrast to most different parks, you’re prone to get pleasure from them with out the crowds!

Best issues to do in Capitol Reef in spring

Hike to Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch, two distinctive rock formations.
Drive the rugged and distant Cathedral Valley Loop to see huge monoliths like Temple of the Sun. This can also be a nice loop to bikepack!
Other scenic drives embrace Loop the Fold and Capitol Gorge Drive.

16. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Landscape views out over desert and ridges of Big Bend National Park in Texas — Spring is the very best time to go to Big Bend National Park for good climate

SOAK IN NATURAL HOT SPRINGS – Spring within the Chihuahuan Desert is an ideal time to calm down in one of many thermal swimming pools at Big Bend’s Hot Spring District.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO MEXICO – Big Bend is the one National Park with a Port of Entry location – when you have a sound passport, you may go to the small city of Boquillas, Mexico throughout your journey to Big Bend.

March and April are the 2 hottest months to go to Big Bend National Park, however regardless of its rising recognition, we nonetheless suggest planning a spring journey to this superb place.

The park is located on the Mexico border and encompasses a big swath of the Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors can discover nice mountain climbing trails, calm down in pure scorching springs, float the Rio Grande River, take within the sights of one of many park’s scenic drives, and far more.

Courtney, Bearfoot Theory’s Content Manager, visited Big Bend in January (winter can also be a good time to go to!) and you may learn her greatest issues to do in Big Bend National Park.

Best issues to do in Big Bend in spring

Hike to Boquillas Hot Springs
Check off the greatest Big Bend National Park mountain climbing trails
Drive the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to view spring wildflowers. There are many different scenic routes all through the park as effectively.

Looking for extra nice spring highway journey concepts? Check out these spring-worthy locations:

What is your favourite National Park to go to in spring and why? Which ones on this listing are in your bucket listing? Let us know within the feedback!