16Joshua Tree National Park

The park spans an area of almost 600,000 acres of wilderness, straddles two California deserts, and includes 300 miles of hiking trails. Veteran visitors can confirm springtime is the best time to visit this International Dark Sky Park. Unlike summertime, the spring weather is never higher than 72 degrees Fahrenheit and never cooler than 48 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Plus, you avoid the summer tourist crowds. There will be less competition for spots in the daily ranger programs. There are also fewer four-wheel drive vehicles off-roading on the numerous backcountry trails.  

There are fewer rock climbers and birders in the park in springtime too. Newbies may want to use the north entrance found in Twentynine Palms. If you want to see the Milky Way here, consider camping here for a weekend. 

 

17Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the two states of North Carolina and Tennessee deep within the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s reported to be America’s most popular national park. Over 14 million people visited this place back in 2021.

Spring is a great time to visit this park. The weather is cooler, the crowds are comparatively smaller, and the beautiful rhododendron and mountain laurels are starting to bloom. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also perfect for animal lovers because they can see North Carolina’s very last herd of wild Elk here near Cherokee. From the middle of May to early June, the Cataloochee Valley Elk give birth. Spring’s also a great time for birdwatching, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and day-hiking on sections of the Appalachian Trail.

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