The USA is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. From mammoth mountain ranges and wondrous waterfalls to picture-perfect peaks and abundant natural splendour, US national parks are exquisite.
During the spring, national parks are full to the brim with blooming flowers and offer the chance to see some sensational wildlife. With that in mind, here are the top 5 national parks to explore in spring, ensuring you won’t miss a thing!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park truly comes to life in spring. It is a time of rebirth, where the flowers bloom, the leaves grow back, and much of the wildlife comes out of hiding. The spring air is crisp, making way for the budding flowers to take centre stage.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, each one fighting for their chance to bask in the sunshine. Spring is the best time to see the incredible flowers of the Smoky Mountains up close, with miles of verdant meadows and towering forests.
As America’s most visited National Park, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park truly offers something for everyone. Lying between Tennessee and North Carolina, the verdant natural landscape is popular amongst hikers, with over 150 trails to choose from. Whether you want something relaxed or a challenge, the park invites you to explore all it has to offer.
If hiking isn’t your thing, there are loads of lookouts to savour everything this stunning national park has to offer from the best vantage points. Birdwatchers are also in luck, with over 200 bird species calling the Smoky Mountains home.
American Holidays’ Tennessee Discovery Road Trip provides the best opportunity to experience the natural splendour and historic culture of the Deep South. Starting in Nashville, dive into country music history at Opryland, home to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Continue onto Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Then it’s off to Chattanooga, where exquisite mountain views await, before venturing to Huntsville to celebrate Nasa’s history. Lastly, make your way to Memphis to walk in the footsteps of a king at Elvis’ Graceland.
Yellowstone National Park
Spring in Yellowstone National Park transports you to an absolute natural wonder within the Rocky Mountains. Located mostly in Wyoming, the snow during the winter is extensive, but come spring, the ice melts, bringing out the animals, flora, explosive waterfalls, and natural springs.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its over 10,000 thermal features. Since it sits on top of a volcanic hot spot, you can find over half the earth’s geysers within Yellowstone. One of the most popular attractions is the Old Faithful Geyser, erupting up to 17 times a day. Heading to hiking trails along the Lower Geyser Basin and Upper Geyser Basin will give you a prime spot for witnessing the upwards of 180ft eruption. While the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park may look inviting for those with sore feet, be warned, the water here can run hotter than 200°F.
Yellowstone National Park spans over 3,500 square miles, some of which make up the park’s very own Grand Canyon. The trails are sensational, leading to some magnificent views, an absolute must when visiting the park. When heading to the canyon, you can also reach the Lower Falls, towering at 308ft, nearly double the height of Niagara Falls. It’s truly something to be seen to be believed.
Visiting Yellowstone National Park in spring is magical. Hiking along the trails gives you access to some incredible flora. You might even be lucky enough to spot some local wildlife on your travels, including elk and black bears.
America is full of incredible national parks, making it a tough call on which ones to visit. Luckily, American Holidays’ Icons & National Parks of America’s West RV Adventure allows you to experience the best of what the Great American West national parks have to offer. Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, you can explore the Dakota Badlands, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, the pristine beauty of Glacier National Park, and more in one epic RV road trip adventure.
Yosemite National Park
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park in spring offers breathtaking scenery that will make your holiday to California something to truly remember. Once the snow begins to melt, the iconic waterfalls roar to life, bringing with them the blossoming wildflowers and crisp spring air.
Most begin their journey to Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley. Here, you can explore the sensational Yosemite Falls, dropping down an incredible 2,425ft! Yosemite Valley is also home to Half Dome and El Captain, two mammoth summits in the park. Glacier Point is another must-see, offering incredible views over the expansive natural landscapes.
For adventurous travellers, hiking and rock climbing in Yosemite National Park during the spring offer the ultimate way to explore, putting you face-to-face with the sheer natural beauty of the region. While the higher trails may still have snow, the lower trails are absolutely pristine, with the crisp spring air, breathing life into the whole experience.
American Holidays’ Western Discovery Escorted Tour invites you to explore the iconic West Coast of America over two leisurely weeks. Starting in Los Angeles, journey through Palm Springs, Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon. Next, it’s onto Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, and Mammoth Lakes for stunning landscapes. Take a break in Las Vegas before heading to the laid-back vibe of San Francisco, for a historic exploration. Then it’s time to explore Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in America.
Zion National Park
Spring in Zion National Park is a fantastic time of year. The lush greenery, rising temperatures, and fewer crowds mean you can explore at your own pace, truly soaking in all this amazing national park has in store.
The red rock canyons and incredible arches are what make Zion National Park one of the most popular parks in the US. The most visited by far among avid hikers is Angels Landing, an iconic rock formation that gets its name from the tough climb to get to it. But it is so worth it once you reach the top, offering the most sensational views over the 1,000ft of valley floor in Zion National Park.
If you’re not up for anything too strenuous, The Canyon Overlook is another option, also providing incredible views over the park. If you’re visiting Zion Canyon in the spring, note that you’ll need to take the shuttle, hike, or bike to get to this part of the park. While private cars are not allowed, this does mean you can relax on an escorted tour, taking in the beautiful natural landscapes comfortably.
For the ultimate national park experience, America’s Magnificent National Parks Escorted Tour with American Holidays offers a 15-day escorted tour through some of the most majestic sights of the Great American West and Southwest. From the infamous Grand Canyon and beautiful Lake Powell to the beauty of Zion National Park and the Geysers of Yellowstone, these are just a few of the stops on this epic escorted tour.
Glacier National Park
Spring in Glacier National Park generally starts a bit later in the year, with the snow melting and flora blooming at the start of April, due to the park’s higher elevation. One of the main draws to Glacier National Park in the spring is the rising temperatures, with many of the 25 active glaciers melting directly into the many falls and lakes.
Visiting Glacier National Park in the spring is one of the best times if you want to explore the many waterfalls, including St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls. You’re also in time to see the wildlife that call the park home come out of hiding. From goats and elk to sheep and bears, the lower elevations of the park offer the optimal animal spotting locations.
While the higher elevation points may still be covered in snow, the lower elevation regions are ideal if you want to go hiking in Montana. There are hundreds of hiking trails in the park, with varying difficulty levels, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re an expert or just getting started, you can hike in Glacier National Park with ease.
If you’re not into hiking, no problem, there are sensational scenic driving routes and fantastic boating trips that can take you to some of the most beautiful parts of the park. One must-try driving route is along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This 50-mile drive offers some of the most incredible views over Montana’s natural landscapes, particularly from Logan Pass, the highest point in the park.
One of the best options for seeing and doing more is American Holidays’ Seattle & Montana Fly Drive. This fantastic 14-day RV road trip will take you to some of the most popular and picturesque destinations in the US. From stunning Seattle through Colombia Valley to charming Whitefish and onto Mammoth Montana, you’re in for the RV road trip of a lifetime.
Discover the National Parks with American Holidays
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