Are you looking for some beautiful spring destinations in the Southwest USA that offer mild temperatures and beautiful flower meadows? Then you are in the right spot.
Spring is a magical time in the Southwest – even though most people expect dry and desert landscapes. The snow starts melting, the air feels fresh, and the landscapes burst with colour. It’s the perfect season to explore the region.
In this post, we’re sharing 20 amazing spring destinations across Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. We’ll tell you where to see flowers, take in stunning views, and take unforgettable pics for your Instagram profile.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
1. Santa Fe (NM)
Santa Fe in spring is full of charm – especially if you arrive during cherry blossom season.
The city totally comes alive with bright blooms, especially at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden.
The weather is just right for wandering outdoor markets, admiring adobe buildings, or hitting nearby trails. It can be a bit windy sometimes in New Mexico in Spring, but at least it’s not scorching hot!
2. White Sands National Park (NM)
It’s no secret that the White Sands National Park in New Mexico is my favourite place in the Southwest. Spring is the perfect time to visit, because the temperatures are lovely.
If you are lucky, you’ll see some stunning spring desert blooms, including evening primrose.
The nearby town of Alamogordo get’s lots of cherry and apple blossoms, so it is a great place to check out!
Keep on reading: 10 Best Things To Do at White Sands
3. Las Cruces, NM
Las Cruces is a bigger city in Southern New Mexico, and it is especially famous for its stunning Golden Mexican Poppies that you can see every year in spring.
The best place to see the stunning fields of yellow flowers is at the Aguirre Springs Recreation Area near the Organ Mountains.
Also check out: Pine Tree Loop Trail, Las Cruces
4. Ruidoso, NM
Ruidoso is a cute little mountain town in Southern New Mexico. It is famous for impressive mountain peaks, beautiful crystal clear blue lakes and a charming village.
Grindstone Lake and Mescalero Lake especially are great in spring. You can find some beautiful apple blossoms here, and some stunning pink cherry blossoms in Downtown Ruidoso.
Keep on reading: 12 Awesome Things To Do in Ruidoso, NM
5. Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad Caverns is a stunning underground system of 119 caves formed by sulfuric acid dissolving limestone over millions of years.
It is a pretty cool place to visit year-round, but especially in spring visitors can also enjoy the nightly bat flight program (starting in late spring).
In spring, the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert also comes alive with blooming cacti and wildflowers – an added bonus.
6. Phoenix, AZ
In spring, Picacho Peak State Park near Phoenix is covered in bright wildflowers and it is the perfect time to visit.
Golden poppies blanket the hills, creating a stunning sea of yellow and orange. There is no better background for your Insta-pics.
You’ll also see lupines, brittle bush, and desert marigolds adding splashes of purple and yellow.
Keep on reading: Most Instagrammable Spots in Arizona (By Region + Map)
7. Tucson, AZ
Tucson in spring is absolutely beautiful, and it is one of the best destinations in the Southwest.
Saguaro National Park comes alive with wildflowers like poppies, lupines, and desert marigolds. By late spring, the iconic saguaro cacti start blooming with their white flowers.
The weather is mild, and perfect for exploring the stunning Tucson Botanical Gardens or hiking trails in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Keep on reading: Lovely 3 Days in Tucson AZ Itinerary – Slow Paced
8. Sedona, AZ
Sedona in spring is breathtaking – and I am obsessed!
The red rock landscapes are dotted with colorful wildflowers like lupines, Indian paintbrush, and golden poppies. My favourites are the bright pink cactus flowers, they are perfect for pictures.
Check out West Fork Trail at Oak Creek, it is a pretty trail along a lush river valley.
Keep on reading: 5 Days in Sedona Itinerary: Instagrammable and Fun
9. Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon in spring is simply stunning, and should definitely be on your bucket list.
The weather is milder, which is great for checking out scenic viewpoints. Spring wildflowers like Indian paintbrush and penstemon add pops of colour along the rim.
The crowds are smaller compared to summer, so it feels more peaceful as well.
Keep on reading: Awesome 1 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary (North Rim)
10. Flagstaff, AZ
Another one of my favorite spring destinations in the Southwest USA is Flagstaff.
Flagstaff in spring is a mix of mountain charm and blooming beauty. As the snow melts, the forests and meadows start to wake up and you can see wildflowers everywhere!
Spring is also a great time to explore nearby spots like Walnut Canyon or the San Francisco Peaks, so add that to your list!
11. Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Spring is ideal for exploring Capitol Reef National Park.
Not only can you see dramatic cliffs and desert landscapes, but it is also home to a lot of wildflowers like claret cup cacti and evening primrose.
But the true highlight are the orchards. The historic Fruita area starts to bloom with orchards coming to life – and it is soo pretty.
Keep on reading: Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary (4 – 8 Weeks)
12. Antelope Island, UT
Antelope Island in the Grand Salt Lake is a great hidden gem in the American Southwest in spring.
The island is home to fields of sego lilies, Utah’s state flower, and other wild blooms. They will create a lovely scenery in the spring months.
The mild weather makes it perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and taking some pictures of the shimmering lake. Bison and antelope are often spotted too during that time.
13. Zion National Park, UT
Zion National Park is lovely year round, but it really comes alive in spring with fresh greenery and colorful wildflowers.
My two favorite trails, the Emerald Pools and Watchman Trail are especially scenic. You’ll have some incredible views of the cliffs and blooming flowers.
The Virgin River flows strongly in spring, adding a soothing soundtrack and cool backdrop to your trip.
Keep on reading: 7 Days in Kanab Itinerary: Discovering Southern Utah and Northern Arizona
14. Arches National Park, UT
While Arches National Park is not my favorite place in Moab, it is pretty nice in spring.
Spring in Arches is a perfect mix of cool weather and stunning flowers. Desert marigolds, primroses, and other wildflowers can be found on the trails. It looks so beautiful with the red rock formations.
Make sure to check the Pine Tree Arch and the Delicate Arch – my favorites!
Keep on reading: Amazing 5 Days in Moab Itinerary: Instagrammable and Fun
15. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Bryce Canyon is without a doubt my favourite National Park in Utah – and it is extra awesome in spring!
Spring in Bryce means fewer crowds and colourful blooms along the rim trails. Blue flax, lupines, and Indian paintbrush add vibrant colours to the already spectacular hoodoo formations.
Make sure to check out the scenic road leading into the park, it is awesome for pics as well!
Keep on reading: Awesome One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
16. Durango, CO
Durango comes alive in spring and its a perfect place for a refreshing getaway.
You can find the first signs of wildflowers in the Animas river valley and in the surrounding hills.
Spring is a great time to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where you can enjoy scenic views of the blooming valley. The fresh mountain air and beautiful landscapes make it unforgettable – I promise!
Keep on reading: Awesome Durango Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days
17. Crested Butte, CO
Crested Butte is known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” so it can be no surprise that it ended up on my list of best spring destinations in the Southwest!
Crested Butte is a haven for spring blooms. While the full wildflower season peaks in summer, early bloomers like pasqueflowers and glacier lilies appear in spring.
The surrounding meadows and trails make it a stunning spot for hikes and photography.
18. Telluride, CO
Telluride is absolutely beautiful, and especially in spring. The surrounding San Juan Mountains begin to shed their snow after a long winter.
You’ll see lush greenery and early wildflowers like pasqueflowers and bluebells. Waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls, get a lot of fresh snowmelt, adding to the scenic beauty.
The town itself feels peaceful in spring, and it has a quieter charm before the busy summer season.
Keep on reading: Telluride in Fall – How To Plan a Cozy Weekend Getaway
19. Great Sand Dunes, CO
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a totally unique spot in Colorado, and it is majestic in spring.
Spring at the dunes is unique, you’ll see sand verbena and evening primrose blooming in patches around the sandy landscape.
The cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking and even sliding down the dunes. The wetlands nearby even attract migrating birds which is super cute!
20. Valley of Fire, NV
The best spring destination in Nevada is Valley of Fire State Park.
This park is famous for its red sandstone formations that glow under the spring sunlight. It looks like it is not from this planet, perfect for some Instagram pics!
During spring, wildflowers like desert marigolds and sand verbena can be found in the rugged landscape. It’s perfect for hiking, photography, and enjoying the beautiful Nevada spring days.
Keep on reading: Visiting Nevada: Everything You Need to Know
Is Spring a Good Time To Travel the Southwest?
Spring is one of the best times to travel the Southwest! While I am also a big fan of winter travel, Spring does have its beautiful features!
The weather is mild and comfortable, which counts for a lot in the otherwise hot Southwest!
You can happily go on outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and exploring the stunning National Parks.
The landscapes come alive with vibrant wildflowers (even if this is the last place you’d expect it), fresh greenery, and flowing waterfalls. It is a fun contrast to the cacti and palm trees that otherwise inhabit the desert!
It’s also a quieter season compared to the busy summer months, so you can enjoy popular destinations with fewer crowds.
Conclusion
Spring in the Southwest is truly something special – and my 20 favorite destinations in this post are extra special!
Each destination has its own charm and you’ll get to see colorful wildflowers, breathtaking landscapes and enjoy perfect weather.
Whether you’re exploring desert trails, relaxing in peaceful mountain towns, or chasing waterfalls, spring offers endless opportunities for flowers and beauty.
Spring is an awesome time to explore the Southwest USA: less crowds, lower temperatures and pretty flowers.
Keep on reading:
15 Beautiful Places For a Winter Holiday in the Southwest USA
About The Author
Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.
Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.
