Easter in the Wild: Best National Parks to Visit for a Spring Escape

From every corner of the globe, spectacular national parks await. The US might have the most iconic of the lot, but other countries sure have the power to give them a run for their money. From the depths of Patagonia in Chile’s Torres del Paine to the mysterious underground caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam, there’s so much out there.

Here’s your ultimate guide to spending Easter outdoors in the world’s best national parks this spring.

Must-See National Parks in the US This Easter

Explore One of the World’s Hottest Places, Death Valley National Park, California

Regardless of whether you like the outdoors or not, you’ve likely heard of Death Valley National Park . Recognized as one of the world’s hottest places and covering an area of 3.4 million acres, spring is perfect for a visit since the heat isn’t overly intense.

I’ve never been to Mars (at least not yet), but Death Valley gives off that vibe with its sandy landscape, multi-colored mountains, and ice-white salt flats. Much of the park itself is located in California, but parts of it stretch into Nevada, often the starting place for many. From Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas , it’s just under a two-hour drive away. While part of Death Valley’s beauty is how remote it feels, this also means there’s no transport to or from the park, so hiring a car is required. Rentals start from roughly $68 (€62.46) per day, but it may be higher around Easter.

Eureka Dunes are amazing for sunset; they’re the biggest in California, but bring plenty of water up there; they’ll take it out of you. Another fantastic lookout is at Zabriskie Point: it’s a quirky erosional feature of amber-colored slopes. Whatever you do, give special attention to Natural Bridge behind the Death Valley Canyon; it’s all in the name, a curved rock structure resembling a bridge that gets a lot of attention.

Death Valley’s surreal dunes, salt flats, and colorful mountains make for an unforgettable adventure © Getty Images

A handful of food options are available in Death Valley National Park , like Toll Road Restaurant, which serves a yummy soup of the day with a ciabatta roll for $7.50 (€6.89). However, I suggest taking your own food to save money. Another way to cut back on costs is staying in the parts of the park that are in Nevada, particularly Beatty. Rooms here go for around $82 (€75.32) a night. Alternatively, pitch a tent at a campsite in the park, like Furnace Creek Campground, for around $30 (€27.56) a night. You must book in advance, though. Luckily, the entrance tickets ($15 (€13.78)) grant full access for one week.

Admire the Red Cliffs of Zion National Park, Utah

Amid the wild beauty of southwest Utah, Zion National Park’s red rocky ledges and deep canyons with winding rivers lure in millions of visitors every year. Far removed from the urban environment of Salt Lake City, the hype around Zion is justified. Even in the off-season, it can get crowded at popular stops like Observation Point. Expect some lines around Easter, but starting early should help you avoid the rush.

Although St. George Regional Airport is only about 72.4 km from Zion National Park , there aren’t many flight connections. The most straightforward option is to fly into Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport and do the 2 hours and 20-minute drive from there with a rental car ($68 (€62.46)). A little town called Virgin sits just outside the park and is a convenient place to stay, with room prices starting from $90 (€82.67) a night. Springdale is another town, but accommodation here can be even more expensive. Considering camping? Lava Poing Campground and Watchman Campground are the best options.

For just $20 (€18.37), you’ll get to tackle Zion’s vast collection of trails. Have a splash in the Virgin River on the 25.7 km Narrows hike, or see how brave you really are on the hair-raising 6.9 km Angels Landing trek. For something slightly less strenuous, the 5.6 km Pa’rus trail is a well-paved walkway that will give you a taste of the outdoors without putting too much stress on the body. As hunger strikes, grab a table at the Zion Canyon Brew Pub for a low-cost bite to eat. The chicken wings are insanely good, and at just $14 (€12.86), they’re a steal compared to other places.

Hike stunning canyons, wade through rivers, and take in breathtaking views in Utah’s most iconic national park © Getty Images

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known National Parks for Spring Visits

Get Lost in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s Underground Cave Network, Vietnam

Most have probably never heard of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province. Far more than just a place for hiking, it’s a protected area with a vast network of 104 km deep underground caves and rivers, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. Even though it earned its place on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2003, it’s still relatively undiscovered compared to other areas in Vietnam.

Dong Hoi Airport is an hour’s drive away from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and has daily flights from the country’s major cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The B4 bus runs every hour from the airport to the park between 5:30 am and 5:30 pm daily, but the schedule may vary. Tickets are VND 50,000 (€1.80) for the 1-hour journey. If you happen to miss the bus, you can always take a cab, which should cost you at least VND 500,000 (€18.03). Over the past few years, there has been a huge boom in the number of hotels and guesthouses in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. A night’s stay in a private room should only set you back VND 194,077.31 (€7); yes, it’s that cheap. At least you’ll have extra money to pay to enter some of the caves (prices start from VND 150,000 (€5.41)) and taste a portion of Phong Nha fried rice at Bamboo Chopsticks restaurant (VND 90,000 (€3.25)).

Explore vast caves, underground rivers, and stunning landscapes in the untouched beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang © Getty Images

Of course, the caves are the main highlight of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park . Many come with plans to visit the biggest of them all, Son Doong, but it’s a costly expedition priced at a huge sum of $3000 (€2755.72). Don’t panic just yet; Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave are beautiful alternatives. Got a few extra hours to spare? Bong Lai Valley is where you’ll want to chill and enjoy the serene Vietnamese countryside.

Discover the Hidden Corners of Toubkal National Park, Morocco

Ready to take on the high Atlas Mountains in Toubkal National Park ? Less than a 2-hour drive from the lively streets of Marrakech, Toubkal attracts many avid walkers at the beginning of April as it officially marks the start of the hiking season.

A good chunk of the trekkers who come have their sights on Mount Toubkal. Four thousand one hundred sixty-seven meters high and earning the title of North Africa’s highest mountain, she’s no easy climb. It’s a two to four-day expedition, and you need to give yourself some time to acclimatize because of the high altitude. Hiring a guide is mandatory for this daring challenge; prices start at MAD 502.28 (€47.62) per day.

Take on the challenge of Mount Toubkal and experience breathtaking views in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains © Getty Images

It makes the most sense to start your trip to Toubkal National Park from Marrakech due to its proximity. After landing at Marrakech International Airport , hop on Bus 19 into the city center (MAD 30 (€2.84)). Then make your way to Bab er Robb, where you can take a shared taxi to Imlil, the gateway to Toubkal National Park (seats between MAD 50 (€4.74) and 75 MAD (€7.11) per person). Imlil is a great base because it’s super affordable to stay and eat. You can find rooms for as little as MAD 158.22 (€15), and a pizza at La Table de Tigmi Ait Mizane costs just MAD 30 (€2.84).

Best Hiking Trails to Explore This Spring

Mirador Base Las Torres, Torres Del Paine National Park , Chile

Arguably the most famous hike in all of Patagonia, Mirador Base Las Torres is a tough 20.1 km out-and-back trek in Chile near the city of Puerto Natales. The 1014m elevation gain might have you feeling like hell the entire way up, but the view of the three granite towers with the turquoise lake at the bottom makes it all worth it.

I took on this one recently and will say it’s long and challenging on the legs. Most complete it within between 7.5 and 9 hours. All visitors must pay an admission charge of CLP 32,400 (€31.75), and it covers you for three days in the park.

Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook National Park , New Zealand

A highlight for every outdoor enthusiast coming to New Zealand’s south island, the Hooker Valley Trail lives up to its reputation. A free 10 km route where you can see the country’s highest mountain, Mount Cook, it’s generally an easy path, although it can get busy due to its accessibility.

Experience New Zealand’s South Island beauty on the Hooker Valley Trail, with stunning sights of Mount Cook © Getty Images

Give yourself around 3 to 4 hours to finish it, and keep an eye on the forecast, as sometimes there’s low cloud cover. Sadly, I experienced this firsthand; I didn’t even make it to the start of the trailhead; it was that bad, and the heavy rain didn’t help either.

High and Star Dune Loop, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, US

To some, a 12.9 km trail may sound easy as pie, but the High and Star Dune Loop in Great Sand Dunes National Park ($15 (€13.78) is a whole other animal. For a grueling 4 hours, you’ll push yourself up over humongous dunes as the wind smacks you in the face, hence why wearing sunglasses is necessary for this one.

I advise you to get here before sunrise because the wind gets stronger as the day progresses. Another word of advice: choose runners over hiking boots; they’re far more comfortable when dealing with the sand.

Tips for Visiting National Parks During Easter

Figure Out When the Local Schools Get Their Holidays

Schools are out, and you know what that means. Families are thinking the same as you and hitting the national parks. One clever way of avoiding this is by researching when the local schools are finishing up for the holidays. That way, you can arrive before things start getting hectic.

Wake Up Early

Waking up early during your vacation isn’t ideal; it’s supposed to be a break, after all. However, if you don’t want to share the paths with others, it’s better to gruel and bear the exhaustion rather than lining up to access the trailhead.

An early start means fewer crowds and more serenity on the trail—worth the wake-up call! © Getty Images

Take Advantage of the Shuttles to Save Time

Leave your ego behind just for one weekend and utilize the shuttles while they’re available. Some of the larger national parks often have buses to transport visitors to popular points within the grounds. And with things moving slower than usual because it’s Easter, they can save you a lot of time.

Plan Accommodation Arrangements in Advance

You might be okay with the less popular parks. But when visiting some of the heavy hitters in the US, like Zion National Park , get a foot in front of the competition and book your accommodation before it’s too late. Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and hostels get snapped up fast.

If you delay it until Easter, expect to sleep way out of reach or somewhere rather dreary with questionable hygiene standards (I say that from experience).

Step Outside Into One of These Great National Parks This Spring

An escape from city life is well-needed every once in a while, and this spring is an excellent opportunity to do it for the Easter break. Whether it’s the US national parks or one of the few we’ve mentioned in Asia or Africa, each holds its own unique adventure.