Top 10 National Parks Worth Exploring in May
Revamped Guide:
Savor the charm of national parks in May! Here's a lowdown on ten fantastic parks to visit this month.
Ten National Parks to Make Your May Memorable
Why May, you ask?
May showcases wildlife in full swing, waterfalls abundant, and fewer tourists until summer hits.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
- Wildlife Party: Spot bears, wolves, and bison, and gaze at geysers.
- Weather: It's cool, ranging from 40s to 60s°F, with some chilly nights and the possibility of rain or snow.
2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Springtime Beauty: Enjoy hikes, wildlife spotting, and scenic photography.
- Weather: Expect temperatures from 30s to 60s°F, and potential snowfall at the higher elevations.
3. Zion National Park, Utah
- Nature's Extravaganza: Hike iconic trails, engage in canyoneering, and drive around the stunning landscapes.
- Weather: Temperatures reach 50s to 80s°F, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Spring Sprung: Marvel at lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife.
- Weather: Temperatures range from 50s to 70s°F, offering a pleasant hiking experience.
5. Olympic National Park, Washington
- Rainforest Retreat: Discover the park's unique rainforests, coastal walks, and wildlife.
- Weather: Get ready for cooler temperatures of 40s to 60s°F, and occasional rain.
6. Glacier National Park, Montana
- Snow-Cap about Town: Bask in the beauty of snow-capped peaks, flowers in full bloom, and active wildlife.
- Weather: Temperatures vary from 40s to 60s°F, and some rain is possible.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
- Seaside Serenity: Delight in wildlife sightings, hikes, and bike rides along the coast.
- Weather: Enjoy mild temperatures between 50s to 60s°F and the possibility of rain showers.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
- Blossom Bonanza: Witness blooming wildflowers, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives.
- Weather: Temperatures usually hover around 40s to 60s°F, with chilly mornings.
9. Yosemite National Park, California
- Less Crowded: Experience Yosemite with fewer tourists, vibrant wildflowers, and active wildlife.
- Weather: Temperatures fluctuate between 30s to 60s°F, with some trails possibly still covered in snow.
10. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Hoodoo Hanging Out: embark on picturesque hikes, scenic drives, and explore the park's unique hoodoos.
- Weather: Warm temperatures, typically ranging from 60s to 70s°F, providing an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Bonus Insights:
Take a peek at other amazing national parks to explore in the following months:
- 8 Best National Parks to Visit in February
- 8 Best National Parks to Visit in January
- For an exciting hiking adventure, consider exploring the trails in Grand Teton National Park during May, where you can enjoy springtime beauty and captivating wildlife sightings.
- Marvel at the dynamic geysers and abundant wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and bison, in Yellowstone National Park, a fascinating destination for exploration in May.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant wildflowers and active wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a pleasant hiking experience with lush greenery in May.
- You'll find yourself in a rainforest retreat at Olympic National Park, with unique coastal walks and wildlife to discover during the breezy, cool temperatures of May.
- To witness snow-capped peaks and blooming flowers in full swing, visit Glacier National Park, a must-see destination for May travelers.
- Bask in the serenity of Acadia National Park, where you can embark on bike rides along the coast, spot wildlife, and enjoy mild temperatures during May.
- In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, witness blooming wildflowers, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives during the cool, chilly mornings of May.
- To explore Yosemite National Park with fewer tourists, visit in May to enjoy the vibrant wildflowers and active wildlife under slightly cooler temperatures.
- For a breathtaking view of unique hoodoos, hiking opportunities, and scenic drives, plan a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in May, when temperatures are warm and pleasant.
- To accentuate your lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetics with captivating mountain, sky, forest, and canyon views, consider adding photos taken during your travels to these national parks in May.
For future travel planning, research the 8 Best National Parks to Visit in February and January for even more inspiration.
