The Best National Parks to Visit in May
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Traveling during late spring with your family is a perfect time to reconnect recharge and create those memories that are talked about year after year. It is also a time of year that many other families are traveling which means, prices are higher and rooms may be limited.
To make the most out of your vacation, advance planning is the best advice. So here are the best national parks to visit in May. Taking a road trip is a great way to enjoy all that these national parks have to offer.
Zion National Park Is One Of The Best Things To See
Zion National Park, located in Southwestern Utah, is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, and the best place for a great family vacation destination to have the best time.
Located in the arid Southwest, Zion National Park occupies the beautifully colored canyon and desert landscape that lies just outside of the towns of Cedar City, and Springdale, Utah, the latter of which was listed as one of the prettiest towns in America by Forbes. Following is some information that people planning on visiting Zion might find useful.
Zion National Park at a Glance
The park was officially established in 1919 by U.S. Congress, though President Taft had designated it a national monument a decade earlier. Today, it encompasses nearly 150,000 acres of desert in Southwestern Utah, which includes Zion Canyon, the park’s main feature. Three towns border or are near the park.
Springdale lies south of Zion, Orderville is east, and Cedar City, a larger town, is a little way to the west of the park, one of the most popular western vacation destinations. It is mainly the beautiful land formations (such as the canyon), the balmy desert atmosphere, and the wildlife that draw visitors to Zion.
Flora and Fauna in Zion National Park, Utah, a Top Western Recreation Area
Many different species of desert plants thrive in Zion. Pinyon pine, ponderosa pine, juniper, and oak are among the most abundant trees, though several other types of deciduous trees, such as willow and maple are also found in the park. Desert shrubs and numerous species of cacti are also common in Zion.
Animal life also abounds in this top southwestern national park. Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, ring-tail cats, and rabbits (cottontails and jackrabbits) are some of the notable mammals in Zion.
Birds include Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, several species of owls, California Condors, Gambel’s Quail, many types of woodpeckers, jays, and numerous species of songbirds (including warblers, sparrows, towhees, flycatchers, orioles, and more). Rattlesnakes, several types of lizards, frogs, toads, and the desert tortoise are also found in the park.
Activities In Zion For A Great Time, A Top Western Vacation Destination
People Visiting Zion National Park is sure to be thrilled by its natural beauty and wildlife. Miles of trails and easy hikes are available for hikers to navigate through the park, and they allow for breathtaking views and natural sights.
Birdwatching and wildlife watching are popular among park visitors. Rock climbing is another popular activity in Zion, and visitors may camp at any of the three major campgrounds, or outside of them (by special permit only). Guided horse tours are also available, as are guided nature tours.
Zion National Park is certainly among the top recreation areas in the west to have a good time, and because of its natural beauty, nature lovers are strongly encouraged to travel to southern Utah to experience it firsthand.
Great Sand Dunes National Park And Reserve Is One of The Best National Parks to Visit in May
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve is one of the best US National parks have plenty of things for you to do and see while you are there. You will love exploring the sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America.
With a camera, you will be able to get some awesome photographs, be sure to bring yours along. There is much more for you to explore at this site, too so come prepared with the proper gear and clothing.
Take a Hike
There are lots of fantastic hiking trails for you to enjoy. Binoculars will allow you to do some great bird watching while you are there also. When you are planning your visit you can call the Visitor Center. They will have lots of great information for you so make sure that you contact them so that you can get the very most out of your visit. Ask for maps and brochures and get the best directions from where you are coming from.
Listen to all the suggestions that they will have on making your visit a very positive one. They will also be able to tell you if there are any special events in the area when you will be visiting and you should make every effort to attend them.
Park Fees
When visiting this national historic site you will have to pay a fee of $7. Children under the age of sixteen are able to enter for free. Be sure to ask about the annual passes if you are going to be visiting again and again. You will find that this site is very popular with both visitors and residents of the surrounding areas.
There are a lot of different things to do so preparing well for your trip will allow you to enjoy all that you can. Spend the time in the planning stages of your trip and then when you get there you will be free to do and see as much as you possibly can.
Pack It In and Pack It Out
This site is also the perfect place to have a picnic. Bring all the gear you will need and have a wonderful time relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. Be sure to clean up after your group and leave the area looking as nice as when you arrived.
It will be a special day for you and your entire group. Follow the safety rules and regulations while you are there so no one gets hurt. Make the very most of your visit when you are at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is Great For Outdoor Activities
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national treasure in wildlife, pristine scenery, and historical significance and is the most frequently visited national park in America, with over 9,000,000 visitors in peak season
It Is Large
The park encompasses over 521,000 acres and was declared a National Park instead of a National Forest because in a National Park resources are protected and such activities as logging and mining are not allowed, thus ensuring the preservation and protection of the area for all time.
Portions of the park are located in North Carolina and the other part in Tennessee. The area is world-renowned for its ancient, unspoiled, beautiful mountain peaks, abundant plant life and it’s amazing animal populations.
Check Out The Falls
The most remarkable geographical wonder is the abundance of crystalline waterfalls that decorate the landscape. There are over 2000 miles of streams throughout the park and nearly every stream in the Smokies has its own falls, but only one, “Meigs Falls” can be seen from the road. All other falls require visitors to lace up their boots, strap on their back-packs, and hike in!
The Wildlife
The park is a great place to see bears. It is home to approximately 1500 black bears, this works out to be about two bears per square mile. Be aware, however, that the black bears in the park are wild animals and although they are safe to view from a distance, all precautions should be observed. The best places to catch a glimpse of black bears are Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley.
In 2001 elk were released in the park, and a total of 52 elk were transported and integrated into the wildlife population with more being added each year with monitoring collars to track their migration and general well-being.
The Great Smoky Mountains climate is perfect for reptiles such as frogs and salamanders, in fact, The Smoky Mountains are affectionately known as the “Salamander Capital of the World!” And five species of salamanders live and thrive in the area.
Get Active
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is a nature lovers’ paradise, with horseback riding, bicycling, fishing, hiking, and picnicking just a few of the available attractions that make the park such a popular destination.
The area is rich in Native American history, and Cades Cove was once a part of the Cherokee Nation and used as a summer hunting ground and was formerly known as Tsiyahi, which meant “Place of the River Otter.”
Many historical buildings still remain and can be visited in the park daily. The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is forever preserved in all its majesty for all time for generations of visitors to enjoy and cherish.
Yellowstone National Park Is One Of The Most Visited National Park
Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872 under President Ulysses S. Grant. With thousands of miles of forests, rivers, mountains, and glaciers, populated by wolves, bison, elk, and grizzly bears, the park attracts visitors who can hike, camp, and explore the many geological features year-round
Where To Go In?
Yellowstone Park sprawls over 8,900 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with parts in Montana and Idaho. The North Entrance, near Gardiner, Montana, is the only entrance open year-round.
The Northeast Entrance is near Cooke City, Montana; the East Entrance is near Cody, Wyoming; the South Entrance is near Jackson, Wyoming; and the West Entrance is near West Yellowstone, Montana. Each of these entrances has different opening seasons as detailed on the National Park Service website.
Know Before You go
Though the park is open year-round, many of its roads and areas close as early as October and remains closed until spring. The park charges fees per vehicle or per person, which allows entry to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks for seven days. Annual passes are available. Be sure to check the National Parks site for the latest fees and opening times.
Most of the campsites are available first come, first served, with fees depending on location and facilities. For example, the most expensive Fishing Bridge RV site features flush toilets and showers and allow generators. Tower Fall, one of the cheapest sites, has only vault toilets. A private company, Xanterra, also operates campgrounds as well as cabins, inns, and lodges, which can be reserved in advance.
Eight visitor centers provide information on the park’s activities. You can boat and fish in the many waterways, hike or ride horses and wagons along backcountry trails, or picnic at dozens of sites. In winter, when many visitors have deserted the park, cross-country skiing and snowmobile tours are available.
Old Faithful
The park contains close to 60 percent of the world’s geysers, with the most famous being Old Faithful, located in the North Section of the Upper Geyser Basin. This wonder erupts every 65 to 92 minutes, spewing out up 8,400 gallons of water as high as its highest point of 184 feet for as long as 5 minutes.
The tallest active geyser in the world is the Steamboat Geyser at the Norris Geyser Basin. Though the plumes can rise nearly 300 feet, its 3- to 40-minute eruptions are unpredictable.
–>Camp recipes – kid-approved! – 2 pages
–>Nature scavenger hunt – get outside into nature!
–>Paper games for that possibly rainy day or long car trip – 3 pages. Just click on the image to see it in our Etsy shop!
Final Thoughts on The Best National Parks to Visit in May
May is a great time in these national parks – from entertaining shows of geyser eruptions to majestic wildlife that call these parks home. Whether you choose Yellowstone, the Great Smokey Mountains, or any other national park in the U.S., you are sure to have an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime! So get out there and explore all the beauty nature has to offer this spring!
Other articles you may enjoy
- Car Camping with Cats: Tips and Tricks for a Purrfect Adventure
- Best Camping Chairs for Big Guys: Comfortable and Sturdy Options for Heavyweight Campers
- Best Hiking Gear Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Best Camping Rug for a Cozy Outdoor Experience
- Car Camping Window Covers: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One