{"id":26865,"date":"2022-04-14T18:14:52","date_gmt":"2022-04-14T16:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.mindfultravelbysara.com\/?p=26865"},"modified":"2024-09-11T11:32:39","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T09:32:39","slug":"best-national-parks-to-visit-in-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mindfultravelbysara.com\/en\/best-national-parks-to-visit-in-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Best National Parks to visit in Spring in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for the best National Parks in the US to visit?<\/strong><\/p>

Late March through June is one of the best times to visit the US National Parks<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>

The snow melts, and everything begins to bloom, the waterfalls are full of water and the animals come out to enjoy the spring.<\/p>

Also, National Park Week<\/a> takes place in April, a perfect time to have an adventure and explore United States’ National Parks.<\/p>

Best National Parks to visit in Spring<\/h2>

Here you have the list of the best National Parks to visit in April, May and June<\/strong>:<\/p>

\"21<\/figure>

1. Rocky Mountain National Park in Spring<\/h3>

Without a doubt one of the best national parks to visit in the USA in spring is Rocky Mountain National Park. <\/p>

Not only is it easily one of the single best things to do in Colorado<\/a>, but a trip here at this time of year means that you’ll basically have the place all to yourself since the crowds don’t really arrive until June. <\/p>

Because it’s spring it’s also a time of rejuvenation. So, snow will start to melt, waterfalls will begin to flow, flowers and trees will slowly come to life, and animals will give birth to adorable little babies. <\/p>

\"\"<\/figure>

And while many trails are still covered in snow through April, you can always rent some snowshoes in Estes Park and Grand Park and snowshoe your way along top trails like Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. <\/p>

You should also be aware that the scenic Trail Ridge Road is routinely closed through mid-May. However, don’t let that deter you since you can see wildflowers bloom, between late-April through early-May, on lower elevation trails like Nymph Lake, Cub Lake, Ouzel Falls, and Ute Trail.<\/p>

Finally, unwind for the night inside a cozy cabin at The Inn on Fall River in Estes Park before digging into a some decadent mac and cheese at SEASONED – An American Bistro. <\/p>

Also, before you visit, please be aware that Rocky Mountain National Park is continuing their required reservation system between May 28th to October 28th. So, depending on the time of your visit you may need to purchase an advanced reservation to access the park.<\/p>

Meg of Fox in the Forest <\/em><\/p>

2. Mesa Verde National Park in Spring<\/h3>

Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado<\/a> is different from many other parks in the US. <\/p>

The park has sweeping mountain views, deep gorges, thick forests and over 1000 endemic species. It is also home to ancient Pueblo settlements that thrived in this area over 700 years ago. <\/p>

\"Mesa<\/figure>

The remains of these indigenous communities can be visited with a ranger-led tour available from May to October.  Today Mesa Verde National Park protects the cultural legacy of tribes that built these communities.   <\/p>

There is plenty to do in this bucolic park. Hiking is a main draw as is wildlife viewing. You are almost guaranteed to see deer, turkeys and even the occasional black bear.<\/p>

Another popular activity is camping at the Morefield campground. Mesa Verde National Park has recently been certified as the 100th<\/sup> International Dark Sky Park. <\/p>

This means that the absence of artificial light at night displays the stars brilliantly against the night sky. It is a sight to behold to sleep under such a sky. <\/p>

Talek Nantes – Travels with Talek<\/em><\/p>

3. Acadia National Park in Spring<\/h3>

Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the spring<\/strong>! <\/p>

Avoid the peak summertime crowds while still enjoying hiking and that post-winter joy of new buds and baby wildlife.<\/p>

Acadia is the only National Park in New England and one of few East Coast National Parks<\/a>. <\/p>

\"Acadia<\/figure>

Acadia further stands apart with the highest peak on the East Coast:<\/a> Cadillac Mountain.<\/p>

While somewhat disputed, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise for nearly half the year.<\/p>

So if you’re an early bird, then drive to the top of Cadillac and be the first to greet the new day! When it’s actually light out, hiking Cadillac is a rite of passage in Acadia.<\/p>

You should also consider hiking The Beehive, but be warned there are iron rungs and ladders along this hike that aren’t ideal for those with a fear of heights.<\/p>

If you’re not a hiker, you can still enjoy the beauty of Acadia by driving along the 27-mile Park Loop Road.<\/p>

And definitely bring or rent a bike — springtime is idyllic for coasting along the Park Loop or carriage roads on two wheels and taking in the scenery!<\/p>

You can also enjoy beautiful Bar Harbor, taste a fresh Maine lobster, and bask in all the cute coastal town vibes that make New England famous.<\/p>

There are plenty of traditional New England-style B&Bs in Bar Harbor that reopen in the spring after a quiet winter of hibernation, so book early and enjoy the fresh springtime fun!<\/p>

Amanda – Hey! East Coast USA<\/em><\/p>

4. Everglades National Park in Spring<\/h3>

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.  It covers 1.5 million acres on the southern portion of Florida. <\/p>

When people think of the Everglades, they think of alligators!  Yes, you will see alligators, lots of alligators, but also turtles and many different kinds of birds  Other animals you might encounter are American crocodiles, manatees, and panthers!<\/p>

\"Everglades<\/figure>

Since the park is so large, it has three different entrances.  You could be based anywhere from the southeast coast of Miami to the southwest coast of Naples.  There are a wide variety of places to stay, eat and other things to do since you are so close to Miami<\/a>.<\/p>

The parks main entrance is located at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center near Homestead. The other entrances are the Gulf Coast Visitor Center near Naples and the North Entrance, Shark Valley.  <\/p>

When at the Shark Valley entrance, you must bike or take a tram tour to the Shark Valley Observation Tower.  It’s a 45 foot high observation deck that offers an amazing view of the Everglades.<\/p>

Spring is a great time to visit the Everglades because the weather is warm, but not unbearably hot and humid like the summer.  <\/p>

Spring time makes for a comfortable time to go biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and camping.  When in the Everglades you must take an airboat tour.  This is the best way to see the Everglades.<\/p>

Kim – Traveling Swansons <\/em><\/p>

5. Yosemite National Park in Spring<\/h3>

There’s a reason why Yosemite National Park gets so much hype. <\/p>

It’s packed with natural wonders: the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, some of the world’s highest waterfalls (Yosemite Falls is 2,425 feet tall), and a mix of granite cliffs, valleys and meadows. <\/p>

But it’s also extremely popular — more than 4 million people visit each year — and those areas that are most accessible are often the most crowded. It’s the perfect California weekend getaway<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>

\"Yosemite<\/figure>

It can sometimes be challenging to take in all of the beauty of Yosemite because of the amount of people visiting in the summertime. <\/p>

However, spring is a great time to visit. During the spring months, it is much easier to experience Yosemite at your own pace as you will have fewer people competing for parking spots, hiking trails, and photo opportunities. <\/p>

Hiking is the best activity to do in Yosemite and to get the most out of this beautiful park. The top three sights to see are the Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point. <\/p>

Each of these unique sights showcase the massiveness of Yosemite. <\/p>

While there are many places to stay around Yosemite, it’s best to stay in the park so you can get the most out of your day. <\/p>

The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge are both located in the Yosemite Valley and are great places to stay. If you do plan to stay outside the park, there are also many things to see on your drive to Yosemite<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>

Rasika – Bae Area and Beyond <\/em><\/p>

6. Denali National Park, Alaska in Spring<\/h3>

Denali National Park is one of the highlights of any Alaska Itinerary<\/a><\/strong>, especially if you are visiting during springtime. <\/p>

This time of the year is when the wildlife wakes and is more active, with lots of viewing opportunities such as moose, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, caribous, and many other species. <\/p>

\"Denali<\/figure>

Also, hiking in the spring season is the best time since the hiking trails start to open for the season, and because of the winter snow that is still on the mountain, the views are stunning. <\/p>

During your hiking, you can enjoy a vast and stunning wilderness of other massive peaks, many glacial rivers, and miles of amazing hiking trails to explore. <\/p>

When you visit Denali in spring you can expect crisp mornings, with lots of sunshine, which means, the weather warms up quickly this time of the year, and it is the best time of the year to explore the park, with pleasant temperatures averaging 65F (18C).<\/p>

The closest major cities to the park are Fairbanks (120 miles), and here you can find many accommodation options. Denali is located about 6 hours from Anchorage by car and 8 hours by the Alaska Railroad. <\/p>

If you are visiting Denali from Fairbanks, it’s just 3 hours by car and 4 hours by train. <\/p>

Paula – Paula Pins the Planet<\/em><\/p>

7. Voyageurs National Park in Spring<\/h3>

If you’d like to get more off the beaten path and still visit a beautiful natural park, add Voyageurs National Park to your spring itinerary. <\/p>

Voyageurs is located at the very northern border of Minnesota, where it meets Canada. <\/p>

\"\"<\/figure>

Because of this location, late spring, after the snow and ice have melted is the perfect time to visit. The many lakes and waterways are the main attraction, so you’ll definitely want to be able to explore these by boat. <\/p>

Bring your own, rent one, or hire a guide or tour service. Whether you’re trying to get to one of the many backcountry campsites or just see wildlife like bald eagles throughout the park, on the water is the place to be. <\/p>

If you’d like to experience one of the campsites but would rather have more creature comforts, you can rent a houseboat! Some sites are specifically designated for these types of watercraft. <\/p>

This park is popular for summer family vacations, so visiting in the spring will leave you mostly surrounded by fishermen and women trying their luck at hooking a big catch. <\/p>

Stop by the Kettle Falls Hotel and Ellsworth Rock Gardens to experience some of the history of the park, or hike one of the short mainland hiking trails to stretch your legs during your visit.<\/p>

Samantha Meabon – PAonPause.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>

8. Yellowstone National Park in Spring<\/h3>

If you are looking for the best national parks to visit in the spring, then Yellowstone National Park should definitely be on your list.<\/p>

Spring in Yellowstone (April-May) brings the emergence of baby bison, beautiful wildflowers, and the beginning of the snowmelt. This season in Yellowstone is truly a season of change.<\/p>

In April, several of Yellowstone’s roads and lodging options are not yet open.  If planning a trip in April, you can enter through the north and northeast entrance and stay at a hotel outside of the park.<\/p>

\"Yellowstone<\/figure>

May brings the opening of all of the roads and lodging options.  In May, you can enter through all entrances and choose accommodations inside the park like Canyon Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Old Faithful Inn.<\/p>

The opening of the accommodations in May means that the restaurants are also open.  Each contains a dining hall with a variety of food choices for visitors to choose from.<\/p>

One of the best reasons to visit Yellowstone in the spring is that there are far fewer people in the park.  This allows you to enjoy the park without all of the traffic and people that visit Yellowstone in the summer.<\/p>

During your time in the park, be on the lookout for the baby animals!  This time of year brings bison calves, elk calves, and bear cubs. <\/p>

Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy cycling, hiking, and enjoying all of the natural wonders of this incredible park.As you can see, spring is one of the best times to visit Yellowstone<\/a>! <\/p>

 Michelle – That Texas Couple<\/em><\/p>

9. Bryce Canyon National Park in Spring<\/h3>

Bryce Canyon National Park<\/a> is a great spring destination.  The canyon is home to thousands of hoodoos – sandstone pillars – that create an alien-like environment that is truly jaw-dropping to see for the first time.   <\/p>

The national park is open all year, but is snowy and ice in winter and gets hot and crowded in summer.  <\/p>

\"Bryce<\/figure>

In spring, however, the weather is cool and perfect for hiking, the crowds have not yet descended on the park, all of the lodgings and restaurants open up, and the free park shuttle starts running again.  <\/p>

The main concentration of hoodoos is in Bryce Amphitheater and there are several famous viewpoints, including Inspiration Point and Sunrise Point. There is also an 18-mile (each way) scenic drive along the rim to Rainbow Point.  <\/p>

Of course, you also can’t miss hiking down into the canyon, where you’ll be surrounded by the hoodoos. The Queen’s Garden – Navajo Loop trail is the most popular trail. <\/p>

There is one lodge and two campgrounds inside the park at Bryce Amphitheater, but most people stay in nearby Bryce Canyon Village.  Ruby’s has a large inn\/ motel there, as well as a campground and RV park.  <\/p>

TIP<\/strong>: The shuttle is not required, but is an easy and free way to get around the main Bryce Amphitheater area and it picks up in Bryce Canyon Village.  <\/p>

James Ian – Parks Collecting <\/em><\/p>

10. Biscayne National Park in Spring<\/h3>

Located just 63 miles south of Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and 32 miles south of Miami Biscayne National Park is one of the best National Parks to visit in spring. <\/p>

If you are planning to escape the cold and enjoy the warm weather, spend the spring break<\/a> by swimming, snorkeling and boating in the little warm water, then Biscayne National Park is the best option for you.<\/p>

You can drive your own car or rent it from the nearby airport or take the Homestead National Park Trolley service from Homestead.<\/p>

It is neither too cold nor too hot in Biscayne National Park in spring. The average minimum temperature is 19°C, whereas the average maximum is 25°C.<\/p>

\"\"<\/figure>

Visit the Boca Chita Key, one of the most visited places in this National Park. There is a beautiful lighthouse on the island. Walk the trail and explore this scenic island. You can also see Sands Key from the trail. <\/p>

You can book a boat tour and enjoy snorkeling in the third-largest barrier reef in the world. There are several kayaking routes that allow you to kayak or paddle through the mangrove swamps.<\/p>

These are the two campgrounds in Boca Chita Key and Elliot Key where you can stay for $25 per night. You won’t find any National Park lodge within Biscayne National Park. Located in the town of Homestead, Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead is an excellent hotel to stay at night.<\/p>

Tip<\/strong>: The park is open all around the year it has no admission fee for the visitors. Don’t forget to bring bug spray.<\/p>

Trijit Mallick – Dog Travel Buff<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>

11. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado<\/strong><\/h3>

Spring is the most diverse time of the year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. You can choose to hike through the budding flower meadows or visit the higher elevations and enjoy the snow. <\/p>

If hiking is your thing, then some great Spring treks include the Upper Beaver Meadow Loop, Beaver Mountain Trail, Horseshoe Park and if you want to see the wildflowers in bloom, then the Trail Ridge Road is a must!If you love the snow, then you have to try Spring skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park. <\/p>

With warmer temperatures, longer days, blue skies, quieter slopes and cheaper prices, the whole experience is much more pleasant compared to winter. <\/p>

If you can’t decide between hiking and skiing, then Spring is also a great time to snowshoe through the National Park and really get a feel for it.<\/p>

I suggest staying somewhere special like one of these amazing treehouses in Colorado<\/strong><\/a>, that will let you connect with nature and make your Rocky Mountain National Park trip that much more memorable.<\/p>

Roshni – TopTreehouses.com<\/em><\/p>

12. Capitol Reef<\/h3>

Spring is an awesome time to visit Torrey, Utah’s Capitol Reef<\/a>, given the cool yet pleasant temperatures (perfect for hiking!) and the blooming desert wildflowers. <\/p>

Plus, given that spring is well before the crowds of summer have descended on the park, you’ll likely get most of the trails all to yourself! <\/p>

\"Capitol<\/figure>

Capitol Reef is known for its stunning rock formations, thanks to its location along a 100-mile waterpocket fold (i.e., a literal wrinkle in the earth’s crust), where, over the course of millenia, erosion has caused the impossibly colored rocks, called “reefs”, to jut out of the earth. <\/p>

Exploring the park on foot is one of the best ways to see it- for example, climb up to and on top of the Cassidy Arch, a natural sandstone arch curving 666-feet over the desert floor below or take an easy hike to Sunset Point, which provides epic vistas of the park’s incredible canyon walls. <\/p>

Stop by and check out the adorable town of Fruita, a historic settlement from the 1800s that now dishes up homemade jelly and some seriously tasty slices of pie. <\/p>

Once you’re done, stroll through Fruita’s charming orchards to take in the trees that are starting to bloom. If you’re looking for an active and unique springtime getaway, Capitol Reef is the perfect national park for you.<\/p>

Jessica Schmit – Uprooted Traveler<\/em><\/p>

13. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/h3>

A visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the highlight of every visit to the Big Island. <\/p>

This UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve is home to not one but two active shield volcanoes: the Mauna Loa, world’s largest volcano, and the Kilauea, which erupted more than once in recent years. <\/p>

While Hawaii may be known for its sunny climate, the 4,000 ft elevation of Hawaii Volcanoes NP results in frequent rain and fog. <\/p>

\"Hawaii<\/figure>

During summers, it can get quite humid and during winter, it gets pretty wet. Both summer and winter are high season in Hawaii, which means that prices are at their highest as visitors flock to the Big Island’s star attraction. <\/p>

The best time to visit this natural landmark is during spring, when it’s relatively tranquil and the climate is nice and cool. <\/p>

Some of the top activities include seeing the flows of molten lava, visiting the sulfur banks or seeing the hot steam vents. <\/p>

Other popular things to do are driving the Chain of Craters road, visiting the lava tubes or trying one of the challenging hikes. <\/p>

The best place to stay near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Volcano Village<\/a> a rustic rainforest village dotted with unique cottages and secluded retreats.<\/p>

Sarah Vanheel – CosmopoliClan<\/em><\/p>

14. Zion National Park<\/h3>

One of the best national parks to visit in the Spring is Zion National Park<\/a>. It is a beautiful park in Southern Utah that is known for its towering rainbow-colored red rocks and twisting canyons. <\/p>

The Virgin River bends throughout the park and is a central part of the landscape and beauty of the area.<\/p>

\"Zion<\/figure>

One of the best things to do in Zion is walking the Zion Narrows Riverside Walk. If you’re up for more of an adventure, you can continue on to hike the Narrows, one of the most famous hikes in the park. <\/p>

The Riverside Walk is 1.9 miles long and is a flat and partially paved trail. It follows the Virgin River and is a great way to see the beautiful rock formations.<\/p>

Another great hike in the park is the Canyon Overlook Trail. At the end of the trail, there are beautiful views of the canyon floor and surrounding rock formations. It is one of the best views in the park. <\/p>

The hike is about 1 mile in length and has an elevation gain of 440 feet. If you want another beautiful view of the park, you can hike Angel’s Landing although this is a very difficult hike with drop-offs.<\/p>

Candice – CS Ginger<\/em><\/p>

15. Grand Canyon National Park<\/h3>

Spring is a terrific time to visit the Grand Canyon, for several reasons. Almost six million people visit each year, making it the second most popular National Park in the country. <\/p>

With only three gate entrances to get into the park, it’s important to know the best time to visit so you can avoid the crowds. <\/p>

By springtime, the weather is warming up enough for visitors to explore all of the park including the North gate. <\/p>

\"Grand<\/figure>

This area is closed during the winter due to snow. Although it can still be chilly in the mornings and evenings, the temperature is much more tolerable than the extreme heat that hits in the summertime. <\/p>

Another advantage of visiting in springtime is that it’s the best time to see the sunrise at the Grand Canyon<\/a>. During the winter, it’s very cold and bad weather can make it hard to see the view. By summertime, the sun rises very early so you’ll have to get up in the middle of the night to get to the viewpoints before the sun rises. <\/p>

Springtime is best not only because you’ll avoid the extreme temperatures, but also because the sun doesn’t rise as early as it does in the summertime. Plan your visit to the Grand Canyon during the spring months and you’ll avoid the crowds while also taking advantage of the best weather.<\/p>

Karee – Our Woven Journey<\/em><\/p>

16. Death Valley<\/h3>

What is one of the most spectacular national parks in the US? Death Valley, of course!<\/p>

And the most exciting time to visit Death Valley is in spring for the incredible Super Bloom! <\/p>

Death Valley Super Bloom is a rare natural phenomenon when thousands of blooming wildflowers cover the desert. The Super Bloom happens in springtime around March, and it is one of the most incredible events in nature to see.  <\/p>

\"\"<\/figure>

But regardless of the Super Bloom, Death Valley NP is a unique place that anyone needs to see in their lifetime. Death Valley NP is the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America.Block faulting of Earth’s crust created the unique landscape of Death Valley millions of years ago. <\/p>

Rain, wind, evaporation, volcanic activity, and alluviation gave the final touch to the landscape thousands of years ago. The most impressive sites of the park are Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course, Artist Palette, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Racetrack Playa, and Ubehebe Crater. <\/p>

On your visit to Death Valley, go to the Death Valley Vistors Centre at Furnace Creek and pick up a map of the park. Start by visiting Badwater Basin (the lowest place in North America). <\/p>

Afterward, head to Devil Golf Course salt pan. Proceed driving along the Artist Drive to enjoy the colors of the Artist Palette. And, don’t forget to put your feet on Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or to find a ‘sailing rock’ on Racetrack Playa.  <\/p>

The closest airport to Death Valley is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The airport is about 130 mi from the park. So, rent a car at the airport and head from Las Vegas to Death Valley<\/a> in spring. <\/p>

Plan to spend a weekend in the park. Book your stay at 5-star The Inn At Death Valley hotel in the heart of the park for lifelong memories of Death Valley. <\/p>

Milijana Gabrić – World Travel Connector <\/em><\/p>

17. Joshua Tree National Park<\/h3>

Spring is an ideal time to visit Joshua Tree National Park<\/a>. The weather is downright balmy, with a high of 72 and a low of 48 degrees. <\/p>

This International Dark Sky Park straddles two deserts in southern California, and with nearly 600,000 acres of wilderness and 300 miles of hiking, it’s perfect for an outdoor adventure. <\/p>

\"Joshua<\/figure>

Daily ranger programs take place so you can learn more about these two unique ecosystems. If you’ve got a 4WD, take it off-roading on the backcountry trails. There are so many things to do in Joshua Tree National Park<\/a><\/strong> besides hiking, such as birdwatching, rock climbing, or stargazing.<\/p>

The north entrance to the park is in Twentynine Palms. There are more than twenty restaurant options offering casual and family dining. Because you can get a wonderful view of the Milky Way in this park, camping is the best way to experience Joshua Tree<\/a>. <\/p>

However, if prefer a roof over your heard, there are several nearby motels and hotels, including both chain accommodations as well as unique lodging.<\/p>

Theresa L. Goodrich – Two Lane Gems<\/em><\/p>

Read next: 10 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

18. Great Smoky Mountains National Park<\/h3>

Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular of all the US National Parks. <\/p>

It attracted more than 14 million visitors in 2021, thanks in part to being located within a half-day’s drive for almost everyone in the eastern United States. <\/p>

\"Great<\/figure>

Of course, that’s not the only reason that Great Smoky Mountains National Park keeps drawing increasingly larger crowds every year. Encompassing some 522,000 acres of pristine wilderness, the park was created in 1934 and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1983. <\/p>

Today, it remains a haven for all sorts of people who love nature, wildlife, and exploring the great outdoors. <\/p>

Accessible from popular Blue Ridge mountain towns<\/a><\/strong> such as Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN, the national park is packed with jaw-droppingly majestic mountain landscapes (16 of which are over 6,000 feet tall), wondrous waterfalls, trout-filled streams, and the largest intact forest ecosystem in the entire southeastern US.<\/p>

So of course there’s an endless array of things to do in the park, including road-tripping to iconic landmarks such as Cade’s Cove, Clingman’s Dome, and Newfound Gap Road. And the Blue Ridge Parkway begins at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, stretching 469 miles to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.<\/p>

 Spring ranks right alongside Autumn among the best times to visit the park. The temperatures are cooler, the crowds are smaller, and beautiful wildflowers such as mountain laurel and rhododendron are beginning to bloom. <\/p>

But the park’s highlight in Spring for serious animal lovers is a chance to see the last herd of wild Elk in North Carolina, which can typically be found in the eastern section of the park (near Cherokee). <\/p>

TheCataloochee Valley Elk typically give birth to babies from mid-May to early June. But please remember that mamas can be very aggressive if they sense any impending threat to their young, so keeping a respectful distance is crucial to ensure safety– both yours and theirs.<\/p>

Popular springtime activities at the park include camping, fishing, day-hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail, birdwatching, and watching for wildlife. <\/p>

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to around 1300 species of native vascular plants and animals including Black Bears, White-tailed Deer, and the world’s greatest diversity of Salamander species.<\/p>

While you’re in the area, you can also hike the Little Cataloochee Trail to see a number of historic buildings of early Appalachian settlers from the 1800s and early 1900s.<\/p>

Bret Love & Mary Gabbett – Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide<\/em><\/p>

19. Arches National Park<\/h3>

Arches National Park is a great spring destination because the weather is beautiful, but mild, and the heat of the summer hasn’t hit yet. Nor have the impressive<\/em> summer crowds!<\/p>

Arches is a great park because you can see most of it in a day or two, and the hikes to many of the arches are short and easy.<\/p>

\"Arches<\/figure>

An exception to this would be the hike to Delicate Arch, the most famous arch and a huge landmark in Utah. This hike is a moderate to rigorous 3 miles round trip, but the payoff at the end is totally worth it! <\/p>

Other great arches to see are Turret Arch, Double Arch, and North Window. All of these arches are impressive feats of nature, with the red sandstone arches triumphantly rising out of the ground and spanning cliffs. <\/p>

If you want to stay in the park, you’ll need to camp. Otherwise, the closest city with hotels is Moab, Utah. If you go that route, I recommend the Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab!<\/p>

And of course, you can always turn a visit to Arches National Park into a Utah National Park roadtrip – hitting Canyonlands National Park (30 minutes away), Capitol Reef National Park (2 hours away) Bryce National Park (4 hours away), or Zion National Park<\/a> (5 hours away). <\/p>

Stephanie – The Unknown Enthusiast<\/em><\/p>

20. Shenandoah National Park<\/h3>

One of the best seasons to visit Shenandoah National Park is definitely the spring after the somewhat harsh winter subsides and the wildflowers<\/a><\/strong> start making their appearance in the Virginia national park.<\/p>

Shenandoah is renowned for having over 500 miles of hiking trails (some with a historical story!) and several of these hikes are waterfall trails.<\/p>

\"Shenandoah<\/figure>

During the spring, the waterfalls roar to life after the snow melts and you can visit some of the most famous waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park<\/a> like South River Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, and Overall Run Falls. <\/p>

Another perk of visiting the park in spring is that the most well-known road in the park, Skyline Drive, is usually always open! During the winter, it is known to close (or at least sections will close). The park is colorful from March until May and it is really the best season to see the wildflowers blooming and the birds chirping.<\/p>

Near Shenandoah is also the Luray Caverns, Virginia’s most-visited show cave. During the summers, Luray Caverns is packed with kids and families but during the spring, it is far less visited and a great stop outside of the park.<\/p>

And after your adventure in the national park, you can try delicious food at one of the best-known restaurants called Skyland’s Pollock Dining Room where you can try regional specialties like Mile-High Blackberry Ice Cream Pie and more.<\/p>

Megan Starr – <\/em>Virginia Travel Tips<\/p>

21. Saguaro National Park<\/h3>

If you’re looking for a great national park to visit this spring, you can’t beat Saguaro National Park in sunny Arizona. March and April are the perfect months to visit this desert wonderland when the daily average temperatures range from 75 F to 83 F.<\/p>

Saguaro National Park is somewhat unusual because it is divided into two distinct sections that are an hour’s drive apart. <\/p>

Both districts have magnificent forests of saguaro cacti – towering tree-like plants found only in the Sonoran Desert. Definitely, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Arizona<\/a>!<\/p>

\"Saguaro<\/figure>

One of the best ways to begin your Saguaro National Park itinerary<\/a> is by taking a scenic drive. Cactus Forest Drive in Saguaro East is a paved 8-mile loop that is popular with both cars and bikes. The loop features plenty of pull-outs from which to see these majestic cacti up-close. Saguaro West has its own 6-mile loop drive called Bajada Loop that is 6 miles long.<\/p>

Another great way to explore Saguaro is on foot. The park features over 160 miles of hiking trails that explore all corners of the park. Some popular trails include the Valley View Overlook Trail and the Mica View Trail.<\/p>

Tucson is located between the park’s two districts and makes the perfect place from which to explore both areas of Saguaro National Park.<\/p>

Katy – A Rambling Unicorn<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for the best National Parks in the US to visit?Late March through June is one of the best times to visit the US National Parks. The snow melts, and everything begins to bloom, the waterfalls are full of water and the animals come out to enjoy the spring.Also, National Park Week takes place in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26961,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"MSN_Categories":"Uncategorized","MSN_Publish_Option":false,"MSN_Is_Local_News":false,"MSN_Is_AIAC_Included":"Empty","MSN_Location":"[]","MSN_Add_Feature_Img_On_Top_Of_Post":false,"MSN_Has_Custom_Author":false,"MSN_Custom_Author":"","MSN_Has_Custom_Canonical_Url":false,"MSN_Custom_Canonical_Url":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[177,1719,977,881],"tags":[],"cat-shorts":[],"class_list":["post-26865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinos","category-joshua-tree","category-north-america","category-united-states"],"yoast_head":"\n\u25b7 21 Best National Parks to visit in Spring in the USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for the Best National Parks to visit in SPRING? 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