The Top National Parks To Visit This Spring

For stunning landscapes and amazing outdoor experiences

It’s cold, and that leaves you with two choices: stay cozy indoors, with hot cocoa and pajamas, Looking for the perfect time of year to explore our national parks? It’s here! Springtime. Plants and animals return, the days are getting longer, and the weather is just… chef’s kiss. From the majestic to the serene, there are countless national parks to visit this spring for your next outdoor adventure.

But with so many national parks, how do you choose? We’ve got you! These national parks are especially fantastic during the spring season.

• Arches National Park, UT

  Freezing winters? Sweltering summers? We’ll pass!

  With mild weather and longer daylight hours, spring is the perfect season for truly enjoying Arches National Park. You guys will stay cool and comfy while hiking among the park’s jaw-dropping natural arches, spires, and fins.

  Plus, this is the time of year when its desert landscape bursts into bloom with colorful wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the park’s iconic red rock scenery.

• Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

  Nature comes alive, making the Grand Canyon one of our favorite national parks to visit this spring!

  Vibrant blooms dot the canyon’s trails and rim, enhancing the park’s natural beauty.

  Wildlife activity also increases as animals emerge from hibernation. You might spot bighorn sheep, elk, mule, deer, and many of the varied bird species that make the park their home.

  Spring also brings an unexpected feature to the Grand Canyon: waterfalls. Seasonal precipitation creates temporary waterfalls that cascade into the canyon, adding a unique element to the landscape.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN and NC

  Flowers, photos, or fun: whatever your reason, spring is considered to be the best season for visiting the Smokies.

  The Smoky Mountains are renowned for the rich diversity of its plant life, especially its wildflowers. From bright violets to elegant orchids, the park’s forests and meadows are blooming.

  Spring is also an excellent time to enjoy the beauty of the park’s numerous waterfalls at their peak. Seasonal rains rejuvenate its streams and rivers, creating impressive cascades throughout the park.

  Pro Tip: Stay on the trails! Black bears like springtime, too!

• Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

  If you’re looking for “zen” you’ll understand why the Rockies is hands-down one of the top national parks to visit this spring.

  Fewer crowds means you’ll find space for solitude amongst the trails and viewpoints. Add in shorter wait times at the entrance, plenty of parking and camping spots and pleasant weather, and your overall park experience will be tranquil.

  Wildlife spotting is at its prime, with increased animal activity. You might see elk, mule, deer, sheep, moose, and other inhabitants during your visit. Spring is also the time when many animals give birth, so you can ooooh and ahhhhh over the adorable mini versions!

• Yosemite National Park, CA

  It might not be warm enough to hit the beach yet, but you can still get your water views at Yosemite!

  As the weather warms up, the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains (home to excellent spring skiing, btw), the park’s iconic waterfalls begin to roar. Check out Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls for breathtaking cascades that draw visitors from all over.

  Wildlife activity throughout the park increases in the spring, too. You may have the chance to see some of the park’s most famous residents, such as black bears, deer, and coyotes.

• Zion National Park, UT

  Calling all outdoor sports enthusiasts!

  Zion is known for rugged terrain that’s perfect for awesome recreational experiences, including rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and its most extreme sport: canyoneering. And spring is the perfect time for you to try all of them!

  And the enjoyably mild weather allows you to enjoy your outdoor adventures comfortably, with the longer days giving you ample time to explore the park’s trails.

  If you’d rather take it easier, you can still enjoy Zion’s blooming beauty. Spring brings the desert landscape to life, with wildflowers adding stunning dashes of happy colors to the desert.

Blooming beauty or outdoor recreation… or both? Whether you’re a die-hard adventurer or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone in our selection of national parks to visit this spring.

And to make your springtime getaway even more enjoyable, ship your bags to your final destination with LugLess. We’ll take care of your stuff, so you can skip baggage claim and get a head start on your outdoor fun!