Plan a Spring Vacation in the Southwest USA

We’ve put together a great list of ideas to help you plan a spring vacation in the Southwest USA. This list of US Southwest vacation ideas includes destinations and activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, festivals, and more to explore the landscapes and history of the area.

The American Southwest is a region filled with unique landscapes to explore and photograph, as well as cultural attractions to learn about the history of the region. Spring is the perfect time of year to enjoy moderate weather and temperatures!

US Southwest Vacation Ideas Everything You Need to Know

One cannot overlook the breathtaking beauty of the Southwest during springtime. The temperate weather, blooming deserts, and cultural festivities make it an ideal travel destination.

If you’re looking for US travel ideas during the spring, you’ll find no shortage of places to visit in the Southwest. Places like the Grand Canyon offer awe-inspiring views, while the colorful fiestas of Santa Fe bring to life the rich heritage of the region. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins or sampling southwestern cuisine, the experiences are as varied as they are memorable.

If you plan to road trip through the Southwest, it’s important to be prepared for driving through remote areas with few services. Be sure to grab the Road Trip Packing List that includes items for comfort, organization, eating, and first aid to make the family vacation a success. You’ll also receive a Road Trip Itinerary to plan the day-to-day schedule of the trip! Click on the graphic below to get your free copy!

get the free road trip planner
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Plan a Spring Vacation in the Southwest USA

Are you looking for an unforgettable spring vacation? Look no further than the Southwest USA! With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique culture, the Southwest offers plenty of activities to make your vacation truly memorable.

Best Times to Visit the US Southwest

This article is all about visiting the Southwest in the spring. But we always recommend you research is what it’s like visiting specific destination at various times during the year to decide when it’s the best time for YOU to go!

Spring and fall vacations in the Southwest USA are the most popular times for because the temperatures are best for outdoor activities, but they are also the most crowded times as well.

Summer vacations in the Southwest will be HOT – it’s not our favorite time to visit.

We prefer winter Southwest vacations to avoid the crowds and heat. Yes, some locations will be cold with possible rain and snow storms occurring any time, but we pack for the weather and know we need to be flexible!

Spring Clothing for Hiking in the Southwest

Many locations in the US Southwest in early spring will still have cold mornings so layers are key.

  • Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, and wicking clothing
  • Sunhat: Sun protection is a must in the spring
  • Fleece jacketsA jacket is perfect for that morning layer when the temperatures are cool
  • Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters
  • Waterproof hiking shoesSpring rain is common so be sure your hiking shoes are waterproof, sturdy, and have good traction

Spring Hiking Gear for the US Southwest

Here’s the spring hiking gear we recommend and what to bring on a day hike:

spring hiking gear

Spring Activities To Do in the American Southwest

During the spring, the temperatures are pretty much perfect for visiting the Southwest National Parks in the spring so be sure to add them all to your bucket list!

Check out all the activities, tours, and things to photograph in the US Southwest.

Spring Road Trips in the Southwest USA

Spring is the perfect time for a road trip in the Southwest USA. With mild weather and stunningly beautiful landscapes, you can explore vibrant cities and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. A road trip through the Southwest in the spring is a great way to experience all that it has to offer.

Spring Scenic Drives in the American Southwest

The American Southwest is an incredible place to explore, and the best way to do so is on a scenic drive. You’ll find beautiful scenic drives at various National Parks and other locations in the US Southwest. Whether you’re looking for a short day trip or a longer journey, here are some of the best spring scenic drives in the American Southwest that will take your breath away.

We recommend the GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.

Spring Hiking Trails in the US Southwest

The US Southwest is a region of breathtaking beauty and diverse terrain. From the rolling hills of Arizona to the towering peaks of Colorado, there are plenty of opportunities for spring hiking. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a multi-day trek, there are plenty of trails to choose from in the US Southwest.

Photographing the American Southwest

The states in the US Southwest feature landscapes with arches, balanced rocks, hoodoos, and river-carved canyons that provide stunning photographic opportunities.

Ideas To Plan A Spring Vacation in the Southwest USA

For this article, we’re sharing information about visiting these five Southwest US states in the spring: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

Horseshoe Bend Arizona
Horseshoe Bend Arizona

Arizona Spring Vacation Ideas

Spring is an amazing time to explore the hiking trails in Arizona. You’ll see desert spires, river canyons, and mazes of red rock formations in Arizona… without the heat of summer! Here are a list of places to visit and things to do in the spring in Arizona.

Arizona Spring Tours

Ruins at Mesa Verde National Park
Ruins at Mesa Verde National Park

Colorado Spring Vacation Ideas

You’ll enjoy learning about the native history of this region in the southern part of Colorado. Here are a list of places to visit and things to do in the spring in Colorado.

Colorado Tours

valley of fire state park
Valley of Fire State Park Nevada

Nevada Spring Vacation Ideas

The spring months in southern Nevada are amazing to enjoy outdoor activities. There are plenty of things to do in Nevada during the spring months: 

Nevada Tours

  • Nevada Tours: Jeep and ATV Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hoover Dam Tour
hot air balloon with New Mexico symbol
New Mexico hot air balloon

New Mexico Spring Vacation Ideas

You can’t beat New Mexico in the spring when the weather is so amazing! There are plenty of things to do in New Mexico in the spring: 

New Mexico Tours

Faux-Falls-near-Moab-by-Photo-Jeepers
Faux Falls in Moab Utah

Utah Spring Vacation Ideas

Spring is one of the best times to explore and photograph the landscape in Southern Utah: arches, hoodoos, balanced rocks, and red rock canyons! There are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Southern Utah during the spring: 

Utah Tours

Use these travel guides, itineraries, and tour ideas to plan the perfect itinerary to explore the area!

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