8 stunning national parks to visit in spring

Deserts bursting with lupine, yarrow, and paintbrush; rivers flowing with snowmelt; vibrant high meadows filled with columbine and alpine sunflowers; elk, moose, bears, and deer emerging from their winter retreats, often with their young. These are just a few reasons to embark on a spring pilgrimage to one—or several—of America’s national parks.

We spotlight eight national parks that shine in the spring.

Joshua Tree National Park

Few national parks display their beauty as vibrantly as Joshua Tree in spring, when the park's iconic trees burst into enormous blossoms that reach for the sky, filling the desert air with their intoxicating fragrance. But that's not all—visitors flock to witness the desert floor blanketed in colors so vivid, you’ll struggle to put your camera down and fully enjoy the scenery.

Yet you must explore, for Joshua Tree's surreal rock formations are sights to behold; it's no wonder Hollywood has chosen these striking landscapes for everything from Westerns to sci-fi films.

You can access this California park from two routes: the greater Palm Springs area to the south or the neighboring towns of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree to the north.

You'll discover excellent accommodations for every budget, from the welcoming and reasonably priced SureStay Plus by Best Western (starting at $129 per night) and other budget-friendly options in Twentynine Palms to luxurious resorts in the nearby desert town of Palm Springs, such as the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (from $232 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) in Palm Desert and the midcentury-style Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa (starting at $172 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) in the heart of Coachella Valley.

Yellowstone National Park

As the second-most-visited national park, Yellowstone is well-known, yet its springtime splendor is often overlooked.

To experience the park's highlights, plan your visit for mid-April when the main entrances and roads begin to reopen; only the north entrance remains accessible year-round. For early birds, Mammoth Hot Springs and its historic hotel and cabins along with the Old Faithful Snow Lodge are open during winter.

March marks the time when grizzlies emerge from hibernation, with mothers and their adorable cubs making an appearance from April through May. Migratory birds enliven the woods and meadows with their melodies. If you love baby animals, May and June are calving months for bison, moose, elk, and pronghorn.

Travelers loyal to hotel rewards programs will discover several budget-friendly options in West Yellowstone, Montana, just half an hour northwest of the park, alongside luxury stays like the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole (starting at $700 per night), a little over an hour from the south entrance in Wyoming.

Glamping enthusiasts can enjoy luxurious safari-style tents at either of the two Under Canvas outposts (starting at $299 per night) located in North and West Yellowstone.

Given the abundance of attractions along the 142-mile Yellowstone Loop, and the need to witness an eruption of Old Faithful and the sunset over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, staying within the park is much more practical.

The good news is that park concessionaire Xanterra provides a diverse range of lodging options inside the park, from the stately Lake Yellowstone Hotel with its elegant columns to the rustic Canyon Lodge & Cabins, favored for its central location and woodsy charm.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado boasts a unique array of national parks, from the Sahara-like terrain of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to the rugged grandeur of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. However, many consider Rocky Mountain National Park to be the state's true gem. Situated in northern Colorado, this 265,807-acre park is a must-see for nature lovers.

If you're keen on wildlife observation, Rocky Mountain won't disappoint. The park is home to 67 varied mammal species, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, and bighorn sheep, which begin lambing in the spring. Additionally, you're likely to see herds of elk grazing (and perhaps playing) in Beaver Meadows and moose feasting along the streams of Moraine Park.

Estes Park, known as the Gateway to the Rockies, features several hotels that participate in loyalty programs, including a Best Western and a Quality Inn. Here, you'll also find the historic (and possibly haunted) Stanley Hotel (rates starting at $279 per night), a Colorado landmark since 1909 and the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining." The hotel retains its early 20th-century charm while offering various surprisingly affordable room options.

For those who prefer tranquility, the rustic town of Grand Lake, just outside the park's western entrance, provides excellent elk viewing opportunities in Coyote Valley, one of the best spots in the area.

Arches National Park

Spring is the prime time for photographers to explore Arches National Park, when the ochre and vermilion sandstone formations are enhanced by the lush surrounding foliage. The pleasant temperatures are another reason to visit now, as the summer heat in southern Utah can soar above 100 degrees starting in mid-May.

Covering just 76,000 acres, Arches is one of the most accessible of the southwestern red-rock parks. Its most famous features, like Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and the Windows Section, can be reached via the park's main road. Springtime temperatures make longer hikes, such as the 2-mile out-and-back to the rock towers of Park Avenue and the 7.2-mile Devils Garden Primitive Loop, quite enjoyable.

The extreme-sport hotspot of Moab is famous for its charming cabins and vibrant dining scene, but it also boasts a range of budget-friendly points hotels, including Hyatt Place Moab (rates starting at $191 or 23,000 World of Hyatt points per night) and Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn (from $166 per night). For those craving more of the red-rock landscape, Canyonlands National Park, Arches' larger but less-frequented counterpart, is only 40 minutes south of Moab.

Shenandoah National Park

In Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, the springtime awakening transforms not just the slopes and meadows, but also the forests into a vivid tapestry, with azaleas, trilliums, and wild geraniums carpeting the woodland floor. Wildflower enthusiasts flock to the park for its annual Wildflower Weekend, scheduled this year for May 11-12.

The first blooms typically appear in the lower-elevation valleys of the Rose, South, and Hughes rivers, as well as along Mill Prong. May marks the peak for pink azaleas, while mountain laurel begins to flourish in June. To truly embrace nature’s rhododendron display, venture south to Linville Falls or hike the Linville Gorge Trail.

The spring bird migration attracts enthusiasts seeking scarlet tanagers, cerulean warblers, and other vibrant visitors along Pocosin Trail. The Passamaquoddy Trail and Lewis Mountain are also favored spots for observing flowers, birds, and wildlife.

Along the 105 miles of the Skyline Drive Scenic Byway, you'll find no fewer than 75 scenic overlooks, providing countless perspectives to appreciate this breathtaking spectacle.

Covering 6,000 acres in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Resort (two-bedroom villas starting at $279 per night) is situated in McGaheysville, Virginia. This year-round destination offers an active getaway with 30 miles of mountain biking trails, hiking paths, a thrilling zip line, and inner tubing opportunities.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America's most visited national park not only attracts the largest number of annual visitors but also boasts the highest diversity of flowering plants, with over 1,500 species. Be sure to bring your wildflower guide when exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park — from March to June, vibrant displays travel from the valleys to the peaks. Notable among these are the dogwoods, with their large white and yellow flowers blanketing the ground and filling the air with fragrance. Equally striking, the redbuds burst forth in brilliant pink and lavender hues across the park's lush valleys.

Some of the finest wildflower trails include Porters Creek, Little River, Schoolhouse Gap, and Kanata Fork, as well as the Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail. Spring also highlights the park’s greenery, as nearly all of its 100+ tree species are deciduous, creating a stunning sight as they unfurl their fresh lime and emerald leaves.

Similar to Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains National Park celebrates its wildflowers with a dedicated event, the five-day Wildflower Pilgrimage, taking place from May 1-4.

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a glamping experience, The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee, offers luxury tents and tiny-home cabins (starting at $199 per night) for rent, as well as RV sites. These custom canvas glamping tents include full bedrooms, kitchens, private bathrooms, a charcoal grill, and a deck perfect for stargazing at night.

Zion National Park

Spring marks waterfall season in Zion, when the Virgin River surges through the canyon and seasonal tributaries cascade down the walls. The renowned Emerald Pools are stunning year-round, but in spring, the misty 110-foot waterfall expands into a shimmering curtain of water that catches the light, creating a halo of rainbows.

Waterfalls cascade down the 1,000-foot walls of Parunuweap Canyon. This season is perfect for hiking, with temperatures in the 70s and the ochre and crimson cliffs providing a stunning backdrop against the vibrant green of freshly sprouted cottonwoods.

Zion's gateway town, Springdale, Utah, offers numerous lodging choices, including SpringHill Suites (starting at $294 or 63,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). Nearby, the larger town of St. George, conveniently located near all area parks, boasts a range of name-brand hotels as well as the stylish and luxurious Advenire (from $264 or 48,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), part of the Autograph Collection.

Just north of St. George, don't overlook the lava flows and Snow Canyon State Park, where the desert comes alive with wildflowers such as desert chickweed, buttercups, and sand verbena.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

While Yellowstone may be famous for its baby bison, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is a true haven for these majestic creatures, dedicated to conserving one of America's most cherished — and heavily hunted — species from extinction.

Beyond its bison and wildlife, the park showcases the beauty of prairie life, highlighted by the prairie crocus that blooms abundantly across these high plains following snowmelt. Don't miss the lively prairie dogs, known for their sociable nature; these critters have an extensive "town" that sprawls across the park, where they peek from their burrows and communicate with playful barks. Late May and early June mark the arrival of playful prairie dog pups in the warm spring sun.

History enthusiasts will find the Rough Riders Hotel (starting at $99 per night) to be the perfect stay. Named after Theodore Roosevelt's volunteer cavalry, the hotel features an extensive library dedicated to the 26th president, with some rooms designed to mimic historic accommodations from the 1880s.