Six US national parks worth visiting in spring

After traveling solo to all 63 major US national parks, I think some are best experienced in the spring. Longer days, blooming flowers, and increasing temperatures make spring an ideal time to visit. I recommend a handful of parks between March and June for fewer crowds, better weather, or a natural feature that shines in spring.

Grand Canyon National Park offers dramatic, deep-canyon landscapes and is easier to enjoy in spring, when highs typically range from 50 to 70 degrees and crowds are smaller. In Utah, Capitol Reef never disappoints: majestic rock formations, scenic drives, and hiking trails, and the Fruita Orchards flower before the summer harvest.

Yosemite is especially beautiful in spring; most snowmelt occurs in May and June, producing rushing waterfalls that are often visible from the valley, where average highs run from 57 to 71 degrees. Death Valley is known for extreme summer heat, so spring is a better time to visit and can bring a superbloom of wildflowers.

United States, Utah

national parks, grand canyon, capitol reef, yosemite, death valley, spring travel, superbloom, waterfalls, fruita orchards, solo travel