There’s nothing quite like a spring road trip, where blooming wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and crisp mountain air create the perfect backdrop for adventure. Spring is the ideal season for scenic drives and hiking, as trails come alive with fresh greenery, wildlife, and comfortable temperatures. Whether we crave the coastal beauty of California, the rugged landscapes of the Southwest, or the lush forests of the East Coast, there’s a perfect road trip-hiking combofor us!
This guide will take us through some of the best spring road trips in the USA, complete with breathtaking stops for hiking, photography, and unforgettable moments in nature. So, let’s grab our hiking boots, load up the car, and hit the road for an epic spring adventure!
Before embarking on your next Spring Road Trip, check out 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas by National Geographic—an inspiring guide filled with breathtaking destinations and expert travel tips to help you plan the ultimate outdoor adventure! 🚗🌿🏞️
Pacific Coast Highway (California) – Ocean Views & Coastal Trails
🌊 Why Take This Drive?
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most iconic road trips in the world, stretching along California’s rugged coastline with sweeping ocean views, hidden beaches, and stunning cliffs. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the highway, and the weather is perfect for outdoor exploration.
🚗 Must-See Hiking Stops:
📍 Big Sur – McWay Falls Trail (0.6 miles round trip)
• An easy hike with a jaw-dropping ocean waterfall cascading onto the beach.
• Perfect for quick stops and incredible photography.
📍 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Cypress Grove Trail (0.8 miles round trip)
• A short but stunning hike through twisted cypress trees, rugged cliffs, and turquoise waters.
• Keep an eye out for sea otters, seals, and migrating whales!
📍 Malibu – Solstice Canyon Trail (3 miles round trip)
• A shaded canyon hike leading to a hidden waterfall and historic ruins.
• Great for beginner hikers and families!
Bonus Tip: Stop at Bixby Bridge for one of the most famous coastal viewpoints on the PCH!
Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina & Virginia) – Mountain Scenery & Wildflowers
🏞️ Why Take This Drive?
Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through rolling Appalachian Mountains, passing blooming rhododendrons, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Springtime (April-May) is prime for hiking and enjoying mountain views without summer crowds.
🚗 Must-See Hiking Stops:
📍 Humpback Rocks (1.8 miles round trip, steep but rewarding!)
• A challenging uphill climb leading to panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• One of the best sunrise/sunset spots on the parkway!
📍 Linville Falls (1.6 miles round trip)
• One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the region, surrounded by lush spring greenery.
• Multiple viewpoints to capture epic waterfall photos.
📍 Craggy Gardens (1.5 miles round trip)
• Famous for pink-purple rhododendron blooms in late spring.
• Short hike with 360-degree views at the summit!
Bonus Tip: Drive through Asheville, NC, for local breweries, great food, and historic charm!
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 – Red Rocks & Hidden Trails
🏜️ Why Take This Drive?
For an otherworldly road trip filled with towering red rock formations, slot canyons, and endless desert beauty, Scenic Byway 12 in Utah is a must. Spring is perfect for hiking here—before the scorching summer heat arrives.
🚗 Must-See Hiking Stops:
📍 Bryce Canyon National Park – Navajo Loop Trail (1.5 miles round trip)
• Walk through epic red rock hoodoos and dramatic rock formations.
• One of the most iconic hikes in the USA!
📍 Grand Staircase-Escalante – Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail (6 miles round trip)
• A stunning desert hike leading to a hidden 126-foot waterfall.
• Spring brings lush greenery and flowing water, making it one of Utah’s best hikes.
📍 Capitol Reef National Park – Hickman Bridge Trail (1.8 miles round trip)
• Hike to a massive natural rock bridge with breathtaking desert views.
• Perfect for families and beginner hikers!
Bonus Tip: Stop at Scenic Overlooks along Highway 12 for some of the best desert views in the USA!
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana) – Glacier Peaks & Alpine Trails
❄️ Why Take This Drive?
While Glacier National Park is mostly known for summer adventures, spring (May-June) is magical, with melting glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world!
🚗 Must-See Hiking Stops:
📍 Avalanche Lake Trail (4.5 miles round trip)
• A must-do hike leading to a glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks.
• Best in late spring when the waterfalls are at their strongest!
📍 Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles round trip)
• A moderate hike with jaw-dropping views of Hidden Lake and alpine meadows.
• Great for wildlife spotting!
📍 St. Mary Falls Trail (1.7 miles round trip)
• A short and easy hike leading to a stunning turquoise waterfall.
• Best visited in late spring when snowmelt is strong!
Bonus Tip: Some areas of Glacier may still have snow in early spring, so check road conditions before traveling!
Columbia River Gorge (Oregon) – Waterfalls & Wildflowers
🌿 Why Take This Drive?
One of the most scenic spring road trips in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge features dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls. Springtime (April-June) is prime for wildflower blooms and flowing waterfalls!
🚗 Must-See Hiking Stops:
📍 Multnomah Falls Trail (2.6 miles round trip)
• One of the most famous waterfalls in the USA at 620 feet tall!
• Short but steep hike to the top viewing platform.
📍 Dog Mountain Trail (6 miles round trip, challenging!)
• A springtime favorite for wildflower-covered hillsides overlooking the Columbia River.
• Best visited in May-June for peak bloom!
📍 Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls (4.2 miles round trip)
• A beautiful mossy canyon hike leading to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole.
• Best in late spring when the trail is drier.
Bonus Tip: Stop by Hood River for local coffee shops, breweries, and farm-fresh food!
Our Experience with Spring Road Trip
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a Spring Road Trip, where the world feels fresh, the air is crisp, and nature awakens with vibrant colors. One of our most unforgettable spring journeys took us along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where blooming rhododendrons lined the winding roads, and misty mountain views stretched for miles. Every stop along the way felt like stepping into a postcard—whether it was hiking to the breathtaking Humpback Rocks at sunrise or chasing waterfalls in Linville Gorge.
Another standout trip was cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, where wildflowers bloomed on the cliffs, and the ocean shimmered under golden sunlight. Pulling over at Big Sur, we hiked through towering redwoods before enjoying a picnic with stunning coastal views. The freedom of the open road, spontaneous detours, and the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation made it one of the best experiences of the year.
Spring road trips remind us that the journey is just as magical as the destination. From hidden hiking trails to cozy roadside cafés, every mile brings a new discovery. Whether chasing waterfalls, exploring deserts, or soaking in mountain air, spring is the perfect season for adventure!
Our Tips for Spring Road Trips
- Plan for Unpredictable Weather – Spring brings rain showers, sudden temperature changes, and muddy trails, so pack rain gear, extra layers, and waterproof shoes.
- Choose Scenic Routes with Hiking Stops – Opt for coastal highways, mountain byways, and national park drivesthat offer breathtaking views and accessible hiking trails.
- Check Road Conditions Before You Go – Some mountain passes and national park roads may still be closed due to snow or flooding in early spring, so check ahead.
- Pack a Spring-Ready Wardrobe – Bring light layers, a waterproof jacket, hiking boots, sunglasses, and sun protection, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Fuel Up in Advance – Some remote areas and scenic highways have limited gas stations, so top off your tank whenever possible to avoid running low.
- Stay Flexible & Embrace Spontaneity – The best part of a Spring Road Trip is the freedom to take detours, stop at hidden gems, and explore scenic viewpoints along the way.
- Prepare for Seasonal Allergies – If you’re sensitive to pollen and blooming flowers, bring antihistamines and tissues to stay comfortable.
- Capture the Beauty of Spring – Bring a good camera or smartphone to capture wildflowers, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes along the journey.
- Try Local Spring Foods & Farmers’ Markets – Stop at roadside markets, bakeries, and cafés to enjoy seasonal produce and local delicacies.
- Respect Nature & Leave No Trace – Help preserve the beauty of spring trails and natural landscapes by packing out all trash and following responsible travel practices.
With these Spring Road Trip tips, we’re ready to hit the road and explore the best scenic drives and hiking stops across the country!
FAQ – Spring Road Trips
What is the most beautiful road trip in the USA?
One of the most beautiful road trips in the USA is the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) in California. Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this drive offers breathtaking coastal cliffs, ocean views, redwood forests, and charming seaside towns like Big Sur and Monterey. Other iconic scenic routes include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana), and Route 66 for a mix of history and stunning landscapes.
What month is best for road trips?
The best month for a road trip depends on the destination, but April, May, and September are ideal. Spring (April-May) offers blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists, making it perfect for national parks and scenic drives. September is great for fall colors and avoiding peak summer crowds.
Where to drive to in March?
March is a great time to explore warmer destinations like the Southwest, California, or the Gulf Coast. Arizona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway, Texas Hill Country, and Florida’s Overseas Highway offer perfect spring weather. If we love wildflowers and waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge (Oregon) or Great Smoky Mountains are fantastic choices.
Where are the best places to go on spring break?
For adventure lovers, the best spring break destinations include Sedona, Arizona, for red rock hikes, Zion National Park, Utah, for epic canyons, and Asheville, North Carolina, for Blue Ridge hiking. If we prefer beaches, Key West, Florida, or San Diego, California, offer sun-soaked coastal escapes. For a mix of nature and culture, Austin, Texas, or New Orleans, Louisiana, are exciting options!
Let’s Hit the Road!
Spring is the perfect season for an adventure road trip, combining scenic drives with epic hiking stops. Whether we choose the coastal beauty of California, the red rocks of Utah, or the lush waterfalls of Oregon, there’s an unforgettable road trip-hiking combo waiting for us.
Where will we explore this spring? Pack up, hit the road, and let the adventure begin! 🚗🏔️
If you enjoyed this blog post about Spring Road Trips, you might also love our article on Spring Hiking Outfits: Your Guide To Comfortable And Stylish Trails Gear 2024 for more adventure inspiration!
If you liked this blog post about Spring Road Trips, don’t forget to leave us a comment below and share your favorite scenic drives and hiking stops! 🚗🌿
