Where to See Wildflowers in National Parks
Wildflower season in national parks is unlike any other. From golden poppies and white columbines to mariposa lilies and bluebonnets, check out these parks for the perfect seasonal photo-op, and start planning your national parks adventure.
Parks with Spring Blooms
Sequoia & Kings Canyon, California
Redbud trees and golden poppies fill the bottom of the river canyons in the foothills, and sky pilots burst with color at the top of the highest peaks. Every elevation of Sequoia and Kings Canyon boasts blooming wildflowers from February through August. You’ll be able to spot a rainbow of colors as you hike, from crimson columbine to violet lupine. Pull your car over along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to admire towers of yucca and blasts of blazing star blossoms. No matter where you are in the parks, there will be wildflowers.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Wildflowers do not bloom park-wide all at once. When spring hits lower elevations, popping open buds around Lake McDonald and St. Mary, big Logan Pass alpine meadows cower under snow. As summer progresses, like a mist lifting, higher and higher habitats spread out floral displays.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
One of the state’s venerable springtime activities is viewing wildflowers. Bluebonnets, daisies, and Indian paintbrushes turn pastures and highway medians into colossal canvases of vivid color, a compelling counterpart to northern states’ fall colors. Big Bend National Park comes alive in March-April, with migrating birds and butterflies dotting the landscape as they feed on fresh foliage.
Death Valley National Park, California
Spring is the best time to view wildflowers at Death Valley National Park. Lee Flat is a high-desert valley, and a drive through the graded roads will skew your idea of what a desert should look like. Mounded green hills keep you snaking along at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet, and wildflowers pop out at every turn.
Zion National Park, Utah
Spring and fall are the choice seasons for pleasant temperatures and the best chances of seeing wildlife and wildflowers. From about mid-October through early November, cottonwoods and other trees and plants blaze with color. Coalpits Wash trailhead is the lowest spot in Zion. This low elevation makes it an ideal winter hike, and it’s also the best place to look for early spring wildflowers, including mariposa lilies, purple sagebrush, and pale evening primrose.
Spark your sense of wonder and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape of Utah’s five national parks.
Parks with Summer Blooms
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Andrews Bald (3.5 miles round trip) is a trail that starts at Clingmans Dome, a few miles off Newfound Gap Road, and leads to a high mountain meadow filled with wildflowers and shrubs that bloom throughout summer, making it one of the most rewarding hikes you’ll find.
- Flexible itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas ranging from one day in the park to a week-long trip
- The best hikes in the Great Smokies: Detailed hike descriptions with mileage, duration, elevation gains, and difficulty ratings, plus some individual trail maps and options for backpackers
- Experience the outdoors: Cruise along Newfound Gap Road for epic views from scenic overlooks and watch “smoky” mists rise up through the valleys. Spot local wildlife like 700-pound elk, black bears, and vast herds of white-tailed deer. Savor the refreshing solitude of a night camping under the stars or enjoy a twinkling light show from Elkmont’s synchronous fireflies. Trek a segment of the Appalachian Trail, wander through remnants of the region’s historic settlements, or try your hand at fly-fishing
- Take a break: Unwind after a day of adventure at one of the trendy craft breweries that earned Asheville the title of “Beer City USA.” Head to Dollywood for square-dancing, catch a show, or glide down the lazy river at Splash Country. Soak in the sweet sounds of Tennessee’s music scene, sample some fiery moonshine, or shop for Appalachian folk art
- How to get there: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, and tours
- Where to stay: Campgrounds, resorts, and more, both inside and outside the park
- Planning tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
- Expertise and know-how: Explore the park with nature lover and Smoky Mountains expert Jason Frye
Exploring more of the area? Check out Moon North Carolina and Moon Tennessee. Road-tripping? Try Moon Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail or Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Hike Grand View Point in Grand Teton for pink sticky geraniums or backpack Alaska Basin for prolific wildflower displays in August, including white columbine.
- Flexible itineraries: Adventure-packed ideas ranging from one day in each national park to a week-long road trip covering both
- The best hikes in Yellowstone & Grand Teton: Detailed descriptions, mileage and elevation gains, and backpacking options
- Experience the outdoors: Marvel at the steam-spewing Old Faithful geyser or take a horseback ride to panoramic lakeside views. Hike through alpine forests to rushing waterfalls and catch a glimpse of wild bison, elk, wolves, or bears. Bask in the colorful radiance of Grand Prismatic Spring or stroll the boardwalks along Mammoth Hot Springs. Climb to Inspiration Point for breathtaking views of Jackson Hole and Jenny Lake, explore the quirky nearby towns, or discover the best spots to hit the slopes during the winter season
- How to get there: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, park fees, and tours
- Where to stay: Campgrounds, resorts, and more both inside and outside the park
- Planning tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
- Expertise and know-how: Explore both national parks with outdoors expert and former park guide Becky Lomax
- Helpful background on the indigenous cultures, landscape, plants and animals, and history of the region
Visiting more of North America’s national parks? Try Moon Glacier National Park or Moon USA National Parks.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Denali National Park, Alaska
In early summer stop to look at wildflowers at Primrose Ridge and scan for sheep or take a hike in Eielson Alpine Trail where tiny wildflowers such as pink moss campion thrive tucked in the rocks.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Late July and August is prime time for viewing the peak framed by fields of wildflowers. At Paradise, the Skyline loops through sub-alpine wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and vistas of Nisqually Glacier tumbling from the ice cap of Rainier.
Pick a park, find your trail, and embark on an unforgettable journey in America’s top national parks with outdoors expert Jason Frye.
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