The Utah Flower Road Trip That Is Perfect for a Spring Adventure

There is nothing quite like the spring in Utah. The warm weather, green buds appearing on the trees, and colorful flowers are always welcome after the long winters. Fortunately, there are places in the state where you can enjoy springtime flowers from hiking trails to professionally landscaped gardens. For the perfect day trip, we’ve put together this short-and-sweet flower road trip through Utah. It’s the ultimate spring adventure.

What to Know Before You Go

This road trip begins in Orem and ends in Salt Lake City. However, feel free to choose a starting and ending location best for you. Our itinerary includes five stops in both Utah and Salt Lake Counties, but you can easily add or subtract destinations as you’d like. Use this interactive map to customize the road trip to best match your needs.

The Best Stops for Spring Blooms in Utah

1. Nielsen’s Grove Park, Orem

Located on Sandhill Road, Nielsen’s Grove is one of the oldest parks in Utah, dating back to the 1880s. While there are remarkable features to admire like a pond, fountain, and historic structures, in the spring, you’ll find a garden area with thousands of flowers.

2. Lambert Park, Alpine

Alpine City’s Lambert Park is the next stop on our spring road trip. This park is a remarkable 255 acres and features trails, a pavilion, and even camping spots. However, in the spring, it is best known for its incredible poppies. There is a short hike to view the Alpine Poppy Field, so come prepared for a family-friendly hike to see the vibrant blooms.

3. Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival, Lehi

Probably the most well-known place to view flowers in Utah is the annual Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Located in Ashton Gardens, this festival is where you can view more than 750,000 spring flowers. Keep in mind that the festival is only a few weeks long, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly.

4. Albion Basin, Little Cottonwood Canyon

Albion Basin is home to some of the most gorgeous wildflowers in the state. Plus, there are multiple trails to fully immerse yourself in their beauty, including our favorites: Albion Meadow Trail and the Cecret Lake Interpretive Trail.

5. Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Salt Lake City

Located in the foothills of SLC, you will find this gorgeous botanical garden. Walk among all types of flora and fauna and enjoy the sea of colors surrounding you. Red Butte Garden hosts multiple events for even more time spent among the flowers. Keep in mind, however, there is an admission fee to the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, unless visiting on a free admission day. You can learn more on the Red Butte Garden official website.

When to Take This Utah Flower Road Trip

April and May are typically the best times to take this spring road trip. However, if you wish to include the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point on your itinerary, you will need to plan your trip in April, during the festival. Remember that the weather can change at a moment's notice in Utah during the spring months, and while sunny in the morning, you can easily encounter snow in the afternoon. Come prepared with proper clothing for time outdoors and always have some snacks and water readily available. Preparation is key to a picture-perfect scenic drive.

Colorful blooms can transform a landscape and are certainly a welcome sight after a dreary Utah winter. This spring road trip in Utah is short and simple—perfect for a day trip—but takes you to beautiful destinations. Don't forget your camera and sense of adventure. This journey may be short, but it's truly beautiful.