Spring starts sooner than you think in national parks
Planning your spring travel? Check out these unique spring experiences in national parks across the West.
Wildflowers paint the landscape
In the Texas Panhandle, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area often offer beautiful wildflower displays as grasses and blooms respond to warmer days. Farther west, many parks may experience superblooms. Some parks known for their exceptional show of spring color include Santa Monica Mountains, Saguaro, Organ Pipe Cactus, Mojave, and Pinnacles. Check with the park you plan to visit to get information about when and where to see wildflowers.
Migrating birds take flight
National parks are some of the best locations for seasonal birdwatching. During the spring migration, birders of all experiences can observe their favorite species or even find a lifer. Plan your trip to Chiricahua National Monument, Padre Island National Seashore, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, or Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Or discover even more parks for birdwatching and find a park near you.
Connect with outdoor authors at the Tucson Festival of Books
Each March, the Tucson Festival of Books gathers readers, writers, and thinkers during one of the most beautiful times to visit southern Arizona. It’s a reminder that spring is also a time for curiosity, conversation, and new ideas. The third-largest book festival in the country, the Tucson Festival of Books features The National Park Experience Pavilion, hosted by Western National Parks, a must-visit each year.
April celebrates dark skies
As days lengthen, nights remain clear and cool—ideal conditions for stargazing. April is widely celebrated as Dark Sky Month, and many Western National Parks' partner parks are known for expansive horizons and minimal light pollution. Spring’s longer evenings and warmer temperatures make it easier to stay out after sunset, and parks may host special nighttime events during this time.
Find your perfect park
Spring reveals itself in stages. It’s felt in early blooms, shared stories, and stars overhead. Western National Parks helps connect travelers to 70+ hidden gem national park sites across the West where these seasonal moments come together—quietly, briefly, and beautifully—year after year. Discover your favorite spring parks at wnp.org.
