Best Spring Activities in Utah National Parks
Utah’s national parks are some of the most beautiful places to explore during the spring season. There are a variety of spring activities in Utah National Parks like hiking, biking, horseback riding, scenic drives, and photography.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-filled adventure, you’ll find something special at one of Utah’s National Parks this spring.
Check out our Utah National Park road trip itinerary that includes travel guides, packing checklists, and tips to help you plan your dream vacation to visit all of these amazing parks!
So come out and enjoy all the spring activities you can do to explore Utah’s beautiful national parks this time of year!
Be sure to reference our packing list for Utah National Parks so you know what to pack for your spring vacation. Get the free printable by clicking the graphic below!
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Utah National Parks Spring Weather
Deciding the best time to visit Utah National Parks depends on the activities you want to do.
Be sure you know the expected Utah National Parks spring weather for the parks you’ll visit in March, April, and May:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
Spring Activities in Utah National Parks
The National Parks are popular destinations for spring break in Utah so be prepared for crowds!
Hiking in Utah National Parks is one of the best ways to see the natural beauty of the landscape in these areas. We’ll detail those trails below.
You’ll definitely want to pack your photography gear for hiking to capture things you see as you hike the trails.
We get asked often about the best photography spots at Utah National Parks. This list of activities will include those photo spots at every park!
Have you heard about the Utah National Parks GyPSy Guide App? It’s a great way to have your own private guide to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
Spring Activities at Arches National Park
From April through October you’ll need an Arches National Park Time Entry Ticket. Timed entry tickets will be required from 7 am to 4 pm.
You CAN visit Arches without a ticket as long as you enter the park before or after those times, which are the best times of day for Arches National Park photography anyway!
Check out all the Arches National Park spring activities you can do to explore the natural stone arches, stone pinnacles, rock fins, and large balanced rocks!
- Arches National Park Spring Hikes
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Sunrise at Arches National Park
- Sunset at Arches National Park
- Things to Do Near Arches National Park
Spring Activities at Bryce Canyon National Park
Because Bryce Canyon has a high-elevation climate, weather conditions can be extremely variable throughout the spring months of March, April, and May. There can be temporary road closures due to snow or other significant, inclement weather in early spring.
Hiking is one of the most unique Bryce Canyon spring activities where you walk right along hoodoos, windows, arches, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and more!
Here’s a list of even more fun activities to do at this stunning park:
- Bryce Canyon Spring Hikes
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Sunrise Photography
- Bryce Canyon to Zion
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
Spring Activities at Canyonlands National Park
There is no gas, food, or lodging (only campgrounds) at Canyonlands National Park so pack water, food, and proper clothing so you can be self-reliant.
There are a variety of things to do at Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles Canyonlands, plus the surrounding areas!
Here’s a list of Canyonlands National Park spring activities – one of the best times of year to visit this park!
- Canyonlands National Park Spring Hikes
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Canyonlands sunrise photo spots at Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands sunset photo spots at Island in the Sky
- Scenic Drive to Needles Overlook
- Scenic Drive to Anticline Overlook
Spring Activities at Capitol Reef National Park
Located in south-central Utah, you’ll see a landscape filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges. In the spring, Capitol Reef has unique things to do like picking fresh fruit in the orchards and enjoying homemade treats at the Gifford House.
If you love the outdoors, you’ll find a variety of Capitol Reef National Park spring activities to explore this diverse park!
- Capitol Reef National Park Spring Hikes
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
Spring Activities at Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the most visited Utah National Park so be prepared for crowds in the spring! Keep in mind that Zion Canyon is only accessible by using the Zion National Park shuttle during the spring months.
There are a variety of Zion National Park spring activities to explore this stunning location in Utah:
- Zion National Park Spring Hikes
- Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Things to Do in Zion NP Besides Hiking
- Zion National Park Photography
- Things to Do Near Zion National Park
Travel Guides for Utah National Parks
Check out our Utah National Park travel guides that detail the best things to see, do and photograph at all 5 parks!