May is an exceptional time to explore America’s national parks, offering a perfect blend of mild weather, stunning natural beauty, and fewer crowds. As spring unfolds across the country, these protected landscapes come alive with vibrant wildflowers, gushing waterfalls, and active wildlife. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top national parks to visit in May, along with essential tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Why Visit National Parks in May
May presents an ideal window for national park adventures, striking a balance between the lingering chill of winter and the sweltering heat of summer. This month offers several advantages for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers:
- Perfect Weather: Many parks experience comfortable temperatures in May, ideal for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. The mild climate allows for longer exploration without the risk of heat exhaustion or extreme cold.
- Spectacular Waterfalls: Spring snowmelt leads to impressive waterfall displays in many parks. Yosemite’s famous falls, for instance, reach their peak flow in May, creating breathtaking scenes for visitor.
- Wildflower Blooms: May marks the height of spring wildflower season in many parks. From the desert blooms in Joshua Tree to the lush meadows of the Great Smoky Mountains, colorful flora carpets the landscapes.
- Active Wildlife: As animals emerge from winter hibernation or return from migration, May offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. In Yellowstone, for example, visitors can witness baby bison and elk in their natural habitat.
- Lower Crowds: While visitation begins to increase in May, it’s still considerably less crowded than the peak summer months. In 2025, Yellowstone National Park saw 566,363 recreation visits in May, an 8% increase from the previous year but still manageable compared to summer crowds.
- Increased Accessibility: Many parks reopen roads and facilities in May that were closed during winter. This expanded access allows visitors to explore more areas and attractions within the parks.
Top National Parks to Visit in May
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park shines in May, offering visitors a magical combination of natural wonders and optimal conditions. The park’s famous waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, reach their peak flow, creating spectacular displays of rushing water against the backdrop of granite cliffs.
May also marks the reopening of Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, granting access to higher elevation areas of the park. This expanded accessibility allows visitors to explore diverse landscapes, from the lush Yosemite Valley to the rugged high country.
Hiking trails throughout the park showcase spring’s beauty, with wildflowers dotting meadows and forests coming alive with new growth. Popular trails like the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall offer refreshing mist and rainbow views, while the less crowded trails in Hetch Hetchy provide serene wilderness experiences.
For those interested in the park’s iconic sequoias, the Mariposa Grove usually becomes accessible in May, allowing visitors to walk among these ancient giants without the summer crowds.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
May is a prime time to visit Yellowstone National Park, as the landscape awakens from its winter slumber. The park saw a significant increase in visitation during May 2025, with 566,363 recreation visits, highlighting its growing popularity for spring travel.
One of the main attractions in May is the abundant wildlife activity. Visitors have the chance to observe newborn bison calves and elk fawns in their natural habitat. The park’s famous geothermal features, including Old Faithful geyser and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, are less crowded than in summer months, allowing for more intimate viewing experiences.
May also offers ideal conditions for hiking and exploring Yellowstone’s diverse landscapes. Trails like the Fairy Falls Trail or the Lone Star Geyser Trail provide opportunities to witness the park’s geothermal wonders up close, while the Lamar Valley offers some of the best wildlife viewing in North America.
As roads reopen after winter closures, visitors can access more of the park’s attractions. However, it’s essential to check current conditions, as some high-elevation areas may still have snow in early May.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
As the most visited national park in the United States, with 12.2 million annual visitors, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a spectacular May experience. The park’s diverse ecosystems come alive with spring’s arrival, creating a lush, green landscape dotted with colorful wildflowers.
May is an excellent time for hiking in the Smokies, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer season. Popular trails like the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte or the Chimney Tops Trail offer breathtaking views of the misty mountains and blooming rhododendrons.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in May, with black bears emerging from hibernation and numerous bird species returning for the breeding season. The synchronous fireflies, a unique phenomenon where fireflies flash in unison, typically begin their display in late May, creating a magical nighttime experience for lucky visitors.
Cades Cove, a popular area of the park, is particularly beautiful in May. The lush valley, surrounded by mountains, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring historic structures from early Appalachian settlers.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, one of America’s most popular parks with about 4.9 million annual visitors, is a fantastic May destination. The weather is typically warm and dry, perfect for exploring the park’s iconic red rock formations and deep canyons.
May offers ideal conditions for tackling Zion’s famous hikes. The Narrows, a unique hike through the Virgin River, becomes more accessible as water levels drop and temperatures rise. Angel’s Landing, known for its thrilling climb and panoramic views, is more comfortable to ascend in the milder May weather.
The park’s diverse plant life flourishes in May, with desert wildflowers adding splashes of color to the red rock landscape. Cottonwood trees along the Virgin River turn a vibrant green, creating beautiful contrasts against the sandstone cliffs.
Scenic drives, like the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, offer breathtaking views of the park’s dramatic landscapes. For a less crowded experience, consider exploring the Kolob Canyons section of the park, which offers stunning vistas and peaceful hiking trails.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park, another of America’s most visited parks with about 4.9 million annual visitors, is particularly appealing in May. The weather is pleasantly warm at the rim and comfortable for hiking into the canyon, without the extreme heat of summer months.
May marks the reopening of the North Rim, typically in mid-month, offering a less crowded alternative to the popular South Rim. The North Rim provides unique perspectives of the canyon and opportunities for solitude among the pine and aspen forests.
Hiking in May is ideal, with trails like the Bright Angel and South Kaibab offering incredible views and challenging adventures into the canyon depths. For those seeking a bird’s-eye view, helicopter tours provide a thrilling way to appreciate the canyon’s vast scale and intricate geology.
The Grand Canyon’s plant life is at its peak in May, with desert wildflowers blooming and deciduous trees leafing out. This creates a beautiful contrast against the multicolored rock layers of the canyon walls.
Planning Your National Park Trip in May
Weather Considerations
May weather in national parks can vary significantly depending on location and elevation. While many parks enjoy mild temperatures, some may still experience cool nights or even snow at higher elevations. It’s crucial to check the specific weather forecasts for each park and pack accordingly.
For example, in Yellowstone, May temperatures can range from freezing at night to comfortable daytime highs in the 60s Fahrenheit. In contrast, parks like Joshua Tree or Zion may already be experiencing warm days with temperatures in the 80s or 90s.
Crowd Levels
While May generally sees fewer visitors than the peak summer months, popular parks can still be busy, especially on weekends and holidays. The National Park Service reported a record 331.9 million recreation visits in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year, indicating growing interest in national parks.
To avoid crowds, consider visiting less popular parks or exploring less-visited areas within popular parks. Arriving early in the day or planning activities for late afternoon can also help you avoid the busiest times.
Booking Accommodations
Many national parks see increased visitation in May, with 55% of parks experiencing above-average visitation from February to June. This means that accommodations both within and near popular parks can fill up quickly.
It’s advisable to book lodging, campsites, and any necessary permits well in advance. For popular parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone, reservations may need to be made months ahead, especially for in-park accommodations.
Activities and Attractions in May
National parks offer a wide range of activities and attractions in May, catering to various interests and fitness levels:
- Hiking: Many parks have trails that are at their best in May, with comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers. From easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks, there’s something for every hiker.
- Wildlife Viewing: May is an excellent time for wildlife observation in many parks. In Yellowstone, visitors can see newborn bison and elk, while parks like Great Smoky Mountains offer opportunities to spot black bears and a variety of bird species.
- Photography: The combination of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and spring flora makes May an ideal time for nature photography. Golden hour light in the early morning or late afternoon can create stunning images of iconic park features.
- Scenic Drives: Many park roads that are closed in winter reopen in May, allowing visitors to explore more of the park by car. Scenic drives offer a way to cover more ground and see diverse landscapes, especially beneficial for those with limited mobility.
- Ranger-led Programs: Many parks increase their educational offerings in May as they prepare for the summer season. These programs can provide valuable insights into the park’s natural and cultural history.
- Rock Climbing: Parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite are world-renowned for rock climbing, and May offers excellent conditions with cooler temperatures than summer.
- Stargazing: Parks in desert regions, like Joshua Tree or Canyonlands, offer exceptional stargazing opportunities in May, with clear skies and comfortable nighttime temperatures.
Tips for Visiting National Parks in May
- Make Reservations Early: As mentioned earlier, book accommodations and obtain necessary permits well in advance, especially for popular parks.
- Check Park Conditions: Before your trip, check the official park websites for current conditions, road closures, and any special notices or requirements.
- Pack Layers: May weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountain parks. Bring clothing that can be layered to adapt to changing conditions.
- Protect Against Sun and Insects: Even in mild weather, sun protection is crucial. Also, as insects become more active in spring, bring appropriate repellent.
- Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Help preserve these natural wonders by practicing responsible tourism. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife.
- Stay Hydrated: Even in cooler weather, it’s important to drink plenty of water, especially when hiking or at high altitudes.
- Use Park Shuttles: Many parks offer shuttle services to reduce traffic and parking issues. Utilize these when available to minimize your environmental impact and avoid parking hassles.
- Explore Lesser-Known Areas: While iconic attractions are popular for a reason, don’t overlook less famous parts of the parks. These areas often offer equally stunning experiences with fewer crowds.
Lesser-Known National Parks to Visit in May
While the most popular national parks draw millions of visitors each year, there are several lesser-known gems that offer equally spectacular May experiences with fewer crowds:
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah is a hidden treasure that comes alive in May. The park’s diverse landscape of colorful cliffs, massive domes, and twisting canyons is enhanced by spring vegetation and wildflowers. May offers perfect weather for exploring the park’s many hiking trails, from easy walks like the Capitol Gorge Trail to more challenging routes like Chimney Rock Loop.
One unique feature of Capitol Reef is its historic Fruita orchards. In May, many of the fruit trees are in bloom, creating a beautiful contrast against the red rock backdrop. Visitors can also explore the park’s fascinating geology, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
May is an excellent time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas. This park, home to the four highest peaks in Texas, offers a diverse range of ecosystems, from desert lowlands to high-elevation forests. The mild May weather is perfect for tackling challenging hikes like the trail to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas.
Spring brings a variety of wildflowers to the park, including the vibrant red Indian paintbrush and delicate desert marigolds. The park is also known for its excellent bird-watching opportunities, with May being a prime time to spot migrating species.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona offers a unique landscape that’s particularly appealing in May. The park is famous for its large deposits of petrified wood, ancient trees that have turned to stone over millions of years. The cooler May temperatures make it comfortable to explore the park’s various trails and viewpoints.
In addition to the petrified forests, the park features colorful badlands of the Painted Desert, ancient petroglyphs, and historic structures. May visitors might catch the blooming of desert wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the otherworldly landscape.
These lesser-known parks offer the chance to experience the beauty and diversity of America’s natural landscapes without the crowds often found in more famous parks. They provide opportunities for solitude, adventure, and connection with nature that embody the true spirit of the national park system.
Conclusion
May truly is a magical time to explore America’s national parks. From the thundering waterfalls of Yosemite to the otherworldly landscapes of Yellowstone, and from the lush forests of the Great Smoky Mountains to the red rock canyons of Zion, each park offers unique and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or simply a connection with nature, these parks provide the perfect backdrop for your May travels. By planning ahead, respecting the environment, and embracing the spirit of exploration, you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the natural wonders waiting for you in America’s best national parks this May. The adventure of a lifetime awaits!
FAQs
Q: What should I pack for a national park visit in May?
A: Pack clothing that can be layered, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Essential items include comfortable hiking shoes, a rain jacket, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget a camera to capture the beautiful scenery!
Q: Are reservations required for national parks in May?
A: While not all parks require reservations, many popular parks have implemented reservation systems for entry or specific attractions, especially during peak seasons. It’s best to check the official website of the park you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information on reservation requirements.
Q: What wildlife can I expect to see in national parks during May?
A: Wildlife sightings vary by park, but May is generally an excellent time for wildlife viewing. In Yellowstone, you might see bison calves and elk fawns. Bears are active in many parks, including Yosemite and Great Smoky Mountains. Bird watching is excellent in most parks during May, as many species are migrating or nesting. Always remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed or approach animals.