Blooming flowers, seasons colliding, and beating the summer rush brought me back to these parks and seashores over the years during March, April, and May.
Big Bend National Park
The sole purpose for my spring visits to Big Bend National Park were to experience Santa Elena Canyon. It took several trips over nearly a decade to finally make my way down to the stunning water’s edge on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande River. All the previous closed roads and weather detours preventing me from taking in this view were worth the effort to finally smile in awe and wonder beneath these canyon walls.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
A desire to see lighthouses, quiet pre-spring break beaches, remnants of storm battered piers, and shore birds brought me to Cape Hatteras National Seashore during March and early April. The weather was mostly overcast and chilly, with some intermittent rain making the brief sunshine breaks that much more enjoyable.
Grand Canyon National Park
To be honest, I would visit the Grand Canyon any season, month, day of the year. That said, May is a personal favorite. The days begin the lengthen, as do the shifting colors on the canyon walls. The snow is generally gone from the trails, and the landscape appears to go on forever beneath cloud swept, blue skies.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Nearly all my visits to Great Sand Dunes National Park occurred during the month of May. And each one was rewarded with freshly snowcapped mountain peaks, juxtaposed against the ever-changing dunes. This more than made up for the lack of running water through Medano Creek, while crossing between the parking area and dunes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another favorite any season of the year. I found myself available for a late March and early April road trip while living on the East Coast and decided to head southwest to see what the park had to offer outside my usual fall visits. I was delighted to find wildflowers, lazy bears in trees, and mostly quiet trails.
Joshua Tree National Park
March in Joshua Tree National Park comes with beautiful wildflower blooms. Especially along the Bajada Trail, in the southern area of the park. The weather is generally calmer and cooler than summer and fall months, too. There’s a bit more foot traffic and campers than the winter months, but still worth the visit. Especially if the area is experiencing a dense wildflower bloom.
National Mall & Memorial Parks
The spring cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, and nearby monuments, is always the driving force for a spring stroll through the National Mall and Memorial Parks of Washington, D.C. You can enjoy the pretty pink blossoms from directly under the trees or the water. Both options are beautiful!
Saguaro National Park
Before living in Arizona, I had no idea saguaro cactus bloomed with large white flowers each spring. The flowers, extending from the end of the cactus arms, are stunning. They tend to arrive in late April and last into June, with May being the main month for enjoying their beauty. Keep in mind most cactus flowers tend to open overnight and then start to close, or even drop to the ground, as the day progresses. Both units of Saguaro National Park have ample trail options for getting close to saguaros.
Links have been included above. I always recommend exploring local websites before visiting, to learn about any closures, alerts, and helpful visitor information.
Thanks for taking the time to be here.
I enjoyed browsing through each of the links you provided for each park! Such a beautiful country we have!