Late spring adventures: plan your trips before the summer heat hits
Late spring is a sweet spot for exploring national parks in the warmer states. Warm, sunlit days stretch long without the intense summer heat. Many travelers already find themselves in Arizona this time of year thanks to Cactus League Spring Training in Phoenix, where baseball fans gather to watch their favorite teams. Others are looking to take advantage of the most beautiful weather for these Southwestern states. For those looking to extend their trip beyond the ballparks and convention centers, read on!
Tucson Festival of Books
Just a couple of hours south of Phoenix, Arizona, Tucson blends culture, community, and public lands in a way that feels especially vibrant in spring. A centerpiece spring event is The National Park Experience Pavilion at the Tucson Festival of Books, March 14 and 15. The festival features award-winning authors, Native American crafts, national parks activities, and a full lineup of dynamic panels presenting on The National Parks Stage.
The event also features Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, with rug talks, weaving demonstrations, and a wide range of authentic weavings and fine jewelry available for purchase.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
The spirit of exploration lights up the big screen with the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Fox Tucson Theatre. Adventure films showcasing wild places and human connection feel extra special in a city celebrated for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultural experiences.
Hit the parks
At Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, late spring programs explore desert ecology, cactus blooms, and night skies unique to this UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Farther east in Texas, history comes alive through guided experiences at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park, where ranger talks connect landscapes to centuries of human stories.
Whether you're here for the gorgeous weather, the Spring Training season, or cultural events, don't forget that there’s likely a national park near you that’s best experienced before summer settles in.
