The spring is one of the best times to visit many of the country’s magnificent national parks. Aside from warmer temperatures and an increase in wildlife activity, one of the biggest draws during this time of year is the start of wildflower season. From vivid California poppies to spectacular alpine blooms, an endless variety of vibrant wildflowers take over many of the US’s most beloved parks each year.

To help you narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up a list of the top national parks to visit during wildflower season. Once you’ve chosen your ideal destination, pick up an Escape Camper Van at the nearest depot and embark on your most colorful road trip yet!

Where to See Spring Wildflowers on the West Coast

Death Valley National Park (California)

Death Valley’s wildflowers are among the most impressive in all of California, especially during a super bloom. Waves of bright yellow marigolds and desert gold flowers overtake the arid landscape, creating an unexpected burst of color throughout the park. The best time to see wildflowers in Death Valley is typically from March through April, though the season changes a bit each year and is greatly shaped by how much rainfall the park has experienced in recent months. 

If you’re visiting early in the season, stick to lower elevation areas for the best chance of spotting vivid blooms. Jubilee Pass, Badwater Road, and Panamint Mountain are some of the best areas in the park to enjoy the brilliant wildflowers of Death Valley.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park (California)

Each spring, Anza Borrego’s desert laden terrain becomes engulfed in a wave of bright yellow wildflowers. Renowned for its incredible California super bloom, the best time of year to spot the park’s extraordinary burst of color is usually in early to mid-March. However, vibrant fields of primroses and desert dandelions can often be found from late February through April. 

If your wildflower search is part of a larger Southern California road trip, then be sure to make the drive up to Antelope Valley as well. Just over an hour from Los Angeles, head to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in mid-March to witness a captivating palette of golden hues painted over the park’s vast rolling hills.

Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

In the Pacific Northwest, wildflower season tends to peak during the summer. From mid-July through early August, Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park becomes blanketed under a kaleidoscope of vibrant wildflowers. Over one hundred species can be found throughout the park, making it one of the most popular destinations in the US for spotting wildflower blooms. 

For the most impressive display of Mount Rainier’s wildflowers, head straight to the Paradise area of the park. From either Reflection Lakes or Grand Park Meadow, you’ll be able to gaze out at a stunning scene of red, yellow, and purple hues as the park’s iconic snow-capped mountain towers in the distance.

Where to See Spring Wildflowers in the Mountain West

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

As the winter frost dissipates, Colorado’s wildflower season creates a mesmerizing burst of color across the entire state. Over 900 species of wonderous flowers can be found throughout Rocky Mountain National Park, with lower elevation areas often reaching the peak season by late June. Some of the most popular areas to admire the park’s stunning alpine sunflowers and primroses include the East Inlet Trail and Cub Lake.

Crested Butte (Colorado)

To continue feasting your eyes on Colorado’s most breathtaking wildflowers, it’s worth making the nearly five hour drive down to Crested Butte. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this charming resort town is hailed as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” Crested Butte’s wildflower season typically lasts from May to August, creating a picturesque wave of colors across the area’s rugged landscape.

Glacier National Park (Montana)

From March through August, a tapestry of stunning glacier lilies and purple asters are blanketed over Montana’s Glacier National Park. For a truly picturesque view, head to Hidden Lake Lookout Trail, where an expansive variety of wildflowers are set against the backdrop of the park’s looming mountains. 

If you’re lucky, you may also be treated to an impressive display of Beargrass wildflowers. This breathtaking flower only blooms once every five to ten years, and can grow over five feet tall! Even if you miss the scarce display of towering beargrass, it’s well worth making the trek to witness the rest of Glacier National Park’s spectacular wildflowers.

Where to See Spring Wildflowers in the Southwest

Big Bend National Park (Texas)

For southern travelers, Big Bend is the best national park to visit during wildflower season. Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, the area is known for having one of the longest wildflower seasons in Texas. Blooms can often sprout as early as February with some lasting until early Autumn. However, mid-March through April is when most of the park’s wildflowers peak, including the bluebonnet- Texas’ stunning state flower. 

Throughout the spring, Big Bend National Park’s vast meadows are draped under a tapestry of rich blues, reds, and yellows. For an outstanding view of these ethereal blooms, take a scenic hike along the Upper Burro Mesa Trail or Windows Trail.

Where to See Spring Wildflowers in the Southeast

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennesee/North Carolina)

On the East Coast, the Great Smoky Mountains’ wildflowers steal the show. With over 1,500 wildflower species, the aptly nicknamed “Wildflower National Park” features a wider variety of flowers than any other national park in the country. 

A brilliant display of wildflowers begins to peak as early as mid-April, and the season often lasts through the end of May. Nearly any of the park’s verdant trails will be blanketed in jaw-dropping blooms, though some of the most popular hikes for spotting wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains are Porters Creek Trail, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, and Rich Mountain Loop. 

To bond with fellow wildflower-enthusiasts, head to the park’s annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Every April, this four-day event hosts a variety of guided walks, events, and seminars to celebrate the incredible flora and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Explore the Best National Parks to Visit During Wildflower Season with Escape Camper Vans

Now that you’ve discovered the best national parks to visit during wildflower season, you’re ready to embark on the ultimate spring getaway! Book your camper van, grab your camera, and remember to always follow Leave No Trace Principles. Whether you’re admiring rolling hills draped in bluebonnets or a brilliant California super bloom, a wildflower road trip is bound to be an unforgettable (and wildly colorful) adventure!