The 9 Best National Parks to Visit in the Spring—And a 7-Day Itinerary for Each

Spring is a great time to visit U.S. national parks for hiking and wildflower viewing. Photo by Amanda Capritto.

Enjoy wildflower viewing, swimming and paddling, and hiking in these 9 U.S. national parks.

Spring is the sweet spot for national park adventures—the weather is mild, the crowds are thinner (mostly), and nature is showing off with blooming wildflowers, gushing waterfalls, and active wildlife. If you’ve been hibernating all winter, now is the time to shake off the frost and hit the trails.

This guide spotlights the best U.S. national parks to visit in spring, whether you're drawn to desert landscapes or dense forests. Each park includes a suggested seven-day itinerary—easily adaptable based on your entry point, arrival and departure times, and lodging choices.

Related: If you're curious about other seasonal park picks, check out our winter, summer, and fall recommendations.

Best National Parks to Visit in Spring for Hiking

Spring is an ideal time to visit desert parks and parks in the southeast, since temperatures remain a bit milder. 

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

With warm days and cool nights, Joshua Tree in spring is a hiker's paradise. Popular trails include Hidden Valley and Ryan Mountain, offering stunning views of the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Roads are well-maintained, but be mindful of high winds during this season.

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Hike Hidden Valley, explore Barker Dam
• Monday: Climb in Hidden Valley, visit Keys View
• Tuesday: Hike Ryan Mountain, explore Skull Rock
• Wednesday: Drive Geology Tour Road, stargazing at Cottonwood
• Thursday: Visit Cholla Cactus Garden, hike Lost Palms Oasis
• Friday: Explore Joshua Tree town, grab a bite at Crossroads Cafe
• Saturday: Sunrise at Arch Rock, visit Pioneertown

Zion National Park, UT

Spring brings ideal hiking conditions in Zion, with The Narrows and Angel’s Landing among the must-do trails. Crowds will still be present, but it tends to be less busy than in the summer months (and not quite as hot). Roads are accessible throughout the spring. 

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Hike Watchman Trail, scenic drive on Zion Canyon Road
• Monday: Hike to Scout Lookout or Angel’s Landing (permit required; day-before reservations sometimes available)
• Tuesday: Trek The Narrows, visit Riverside Walk
• Wednesday: Drive Kolob Canyons, hike Timber Creek Overlook
• Thursday: Explore Emerald Pools, relax by the Virgin River
• Friday: Visit Grafton Ghost Town, sunset at Canyon Overlook
• Saturday: Hike Kayenta Trail, farewell lunch in Springdale

Shenandoah National Park, VA

Each March, a display of blooming wildflowers and flowing waterfalls explodes at Shenandoah—and there aren’t too many leaves on the trees yet, so mountain views are less obstructed. 

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Drive Skyline Drive, hike Stony Man Trail
• Monday: Trek Old Rag Mountain (bring a map)
• Tuesday: Visit Dark Hollow Falls, picnic at Big Meadows
• Wednesday: Explore Luray Caverns, hike Hawksbill Summit
• Thursday: Wildlife spotting at Rapidan Camp, sunset at Blackrock
• Friday: Visit a local winery, explore historic Sperryville
• Saturday: Grab breakfast at Skyland Lodge, hike Bearfence Trail

Best National Parks to Visit in Spring for Wildflower Viewing

Wildflower spotting is a popular springtime activity, and several U.S. national parks teem with stunning, colorful displays throughout the spring months.

Grand Teton National Park, WY

Spring in Grand Teton offers a breathtaking bloom of wildflowers like balsamroot and lupines, set against snow-capped peaks. Trails such as Jenny Lake Loop and Taggart Lake offer fantastic views. Road access improves as temperatures rise, but snow may linger at higher elevations, so plan accordingly.

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Arrive and explore Jackson Hole
• Monday: Hike Jenny Lake Loop
• Tuesday: Visit Mormon Row for scenic views and history
• Wednesday: Hike Taggart Lake Trail
• Thursday: Drive to Signal Mountain for panoramic vistas
• Friday: Wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley
• Saturday: Relax with a scenic boat ride on Jackson Lake

Sequoia National Park, CA

This park bursts with wildflowers like dogwoods and poppies in spring. The Generals Highway provides access to towering sequoias and meadows in bloom. Popular trails include the Big Trees Trail and Tokopah Falls Trail. Some roads don’t reopen until late April due to snow, so check conditions before you arrive.

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Arrive and visit the Giant Forest Museum
• Monday: Hike the Congress Trail
• Tuesday: Explore Crescent Meadow
• Wednesday: Hike to Tokopah Falls
• Thursday: Visit Crystal Cave
• Friday: Climb Moro Rock for stunning views
• Saturday: Scenic drive along Generals Highway

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Melting snow feeds lush meadows bursting with wildflowers in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wild Basin and Cub Lake Trails are great options for colorful springtime hikes. Some high-altitude roads may still be closed.

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Arrive and visit the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
• Monday: Hike Wild Basin Trail
• Tuesday: Explore Cub Lake Trail
• Wednesday: Drive Trail Ridge Road (if open)
• Thursday: Visit Bear Lake
• Friday: Scenic drive through Estes Park
• Saturday: Wildlife spotting in Kawuneeche Valley

Best National Parks to Visit in Spring for Water Activities

Looking to get a jump on warm-weather activities? If you can’t wait until summer for a swim, these national parks are ideal for a springtime adventure.

Dry Tortugas National Park, FL

This remote island park is perfect for snorkeling and exploring military history at Fort Jefferson. The spring weather offers warm, but not too hot, temperatures and calm waters for kayaking and diving.

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Arrive via ferry or seaplane
• Monday: Explore Fort Jefferson
• Tuesday: Snorkel at Garden Key
• Wednesday: Kayak around Loggerhead Key
• Thursday: Birdwatch at Bush Key
• Friday: Dive at Little Africa Reef
• Saturday: Relax on the beach

Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA

This secluded island paradise features pristine beaches and salt marshes ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Spring brings mild temperatures and fewer bugs.

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Arrive via ferry from St. Marys
• Monday: Hike to Plum Orchard Mansion
• Tuesday: Kayak through the marshes
• Wednesday: Explore Dungeness Ruins
• Thursday: Paddleboard along the shore
• Friday: Take the Lands and Legacies tour
• Saturday: Relax on the beach

Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL

This coastal park offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Spring temperatures make outdoor activities enjoyable before the summer heat.

7-Day Trip Itinerary 

• Sunday: Arrive and explore Fort Pickens
• Monday: Snorkel in the clear waters
• Tuesday: Kayak through the bayous
• Wednesday: Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail
• Thursday: Take a dolphin-watching cruise
• Friday: Fish off the shore
• Saturday: Relax on the white sand beaches

FAQs

What is the #1 visited national park?

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a national parkway, is the most-visited NPS property in the U.S., attracting nearly 16 million visitors annually. Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes in at a close second with more than over 13 million visitors annually. 

How is Zion in April?

April is one of the best months to visit Zion National Park. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 60s and 70s (°F), and the park’s wildflowers start to bloom. Spring runoff can make The Narrows hike more challenging, but other trails, like Angels Landing and Emerald Pools, are in great condition.

Can you visit Yellowstone in April?

Yes, you can visit Yellowstone in April, but expect limited access. Many park roads remain closed due to snow, and services are minimal. However, it’s a great time for wildlife spotting, as bears emerge from hibernation and bison begin calving. If you don’t mind unpredictable weather, you’ll enjoy a quieter experience in the park.

TravlFi Takeaways 

• The best national parks in the US to hike during spring include Joshua Tree, Zion, and Shenandoah.
• Wildflower spotters will love Grand Teton, Sequoia, and Rocky Mountain National Parks for a spring adventure.
• For water activities, go offshore to Dry Tortugas National Park, or Cumberland Island and Gulf Islands National Seashores.

Want more trip recommendations? Try this road trip route for military history enthusiasts.