With over 862 wildflower species, Shenandoah National Park blooms into a colorful display from early spring to late fall. From delicate trilliums and vibrant violets as the weather gets warmer to wild sunflowers in the summer heat, visitors can spot Shenandoah’s botanical spectacle along lower elevation streams and Big Meadows and Skyline Drive. Remember, a picture is worth more than a plucked petal. Help preserve Shenandoah’s wildflowers by leaving them be.

Big Bend National Park features a diverse array of wildflowers, offering a picturesque view from spring to early summer. With blooming cacti, desert marigolds, and bluebonnets, the park transforms into a floral lover's paradise. Springtime is optimal for witnessing the desert landscape come alive with colors—explore the Chisos Basin and Santa Elena Canyon for the best flower viewing experience. Remember to take only photos, leave only footprints, and let the flowers flourish.

Columbines & lupines & alpine sunflowers, oh my! Rocky Mountain National Park's varied ecosystems are home to hundreds of wildflower species that blossom from late spring to early fall. Visitors can enjoy the colorful mountain meadows and alpine wildflowers by following the designated trails and marked paths. Just remember, you can look but don’t pluck! Keep the park’s beauty intact for all to enjoy.

Each year, Mount Rainier’s wildflowers come alive painting the meadows with color. By mid-July, visitors can marvel over pink penstemon and bright white avalanche lilies surrounding the Paradise Area, reaching peak splendor by August, even as late frosts occur. While it’s tempting to wander off trail, remember: every step risks damaging the very flowers you’ve come to admire. Stick to designated trails for the perfect mountain and wildflower photo.

Against the backdrop of a picturesque West Virginia landscape, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a collection of wildflowers any nature admirer would love. The gorge’s diverse terrain and ecosystem provide an optimal habitat for wildflowers such as the Virginia bluebells and the exotic Jack-in-the-Pulpit, which can be found cascading across grassy hillsides throughout the park. As always, be sure to keep your distance from wild plants and tread carefully as you explore.

Known for its rugged desert landscapes and iconic Joshua trees, Joshua Tree National Park is also renowned for its stunning wildflowers, which blanket the desert floor during springtime. As temperatures rise and winter rain dissipates, a breathtaking display unfolds. From orange poppies to purple lupines, this annual phenomenon offers a glimpse into the park’s natural beauty and ecological diversity.

In the wilderness of Washington state, wildflowers can be found everywhere in the North Cascades. Here, visitors can find flowers like Indian plum, red-flowering currant, and even a few species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide a dynamic climate for floral displays throughout the spring and summer months. Whether you’re hiking the trails or pausing to admire the scenery, North Cascades has something to offer any floral enjoyer.

Nestled in Washington, DC, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a hidden gem for wildflower enthusiasts. Amidst the tranquil waters of the Anacostia River, vibrant lotus and water lilies bloom in summer. The park’s diverse habitats also support a variety of native wildflowers, including cardinal flowers and bluebells, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of both aquatic and terrestrial blooms all while in an urban oasis.

Nicknamed the “Wildflower National Park,” Great Smoky Mountains has more than 1,500 different types of flowers that bloom over the course of the long and vibrant spring season. Early February blooms include iris and violets, while rhododendrons and coneflowers peak in the late summer. Visitors can also enjoy guided wildflower tours and educational programs during the park’s annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.

The wildflowers of Grand Teton National Park are put on display from May through September, thriving despite the short growing season. With skyrocket gilia in the rising temperatures of the valley, rare calypso orchids in the moist forest, and resilient flowers like the forget-me-not in the alpine zone, you can find wildflowers anywhere in the park. Remember that observing and photographing wildflowers is achieved by bringing your eye to the wildflower and not the wildflower to your eye!