On the lookout for the very best nationwide parks to go to in April? These are the very best parks to go this month!
Spring has sprung, so pack your backpacks and tenting gear and get outdoors! April is the right time to go to nationwide parks for delicate climate and to witness the colourful wildflower shows. Plus, throughout mating season, you’ll sometimes discover extra lively wildlife.
Beneath are a few of the finest nationwide parks to go to in April to take advantage of your spring trip.
This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks, the place we obtain a small fee on gross sales of the merchandise which might be linked at no further value to you. All opinions are all the time our personal. Learn our full disclosure for more information. Thanks for supporting the manufacturers that make Local Adventurer doable.
Final Up to date: March 3, 2024
Earlier than we get into it, we would like to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Go away No Hint Rules. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, go away what you discover, reduce campfire influence, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
In regards to the National Park by Month Collection
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place in the world. We additionally thought of any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the 12 months to discover essentially the most optimum months to go to every National Park. Phew! That was loads!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, take a look at our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected not to embrace the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and those in U.S. territories in this collection.
National Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | Jun | Jul
Is April a Good Time to Visit National Parks?
Though it is determined by particular person nationwide parks and the area, in basic, April is a superb time to go to the parks. The climate is delicate, wildflowers are blooming, and it’s not peak vacationer season.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Lovely annual cross to lower your expenses (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you might be serving to help the Parks that all the time want funding.
11 Best National Parks to Visit in April
1. Arches National Park, Utah →
38.6165892,-109.6220349, map
Common Temperatures: 68° F / 39° F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:40 AM / 8:05 PM
Why Visit: The climate is ideal for climbing to the gorgeous pink rock formations at Arches National Parks. Spring blooms will add an additional pop of coloration.
Best For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountain climbing, Biking, Tenting, Canyoneering, Images
Don’t Miss:
Local Tip: They’ve a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up rapidly. Be certain to join early!
See Extra: The Final Information to Arches National Park
2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado →
10346 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, map
Common Temperatures: 57°F / 29° F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:45 AM / 7:50 PM
Why Visit: The climate is superb for climbing the park’s steep trails and taking in the breathtaking views of the canyon’s sheer rock partitions. The wildlife begins popping out of hibernation so that you just would possibly spot a curious marmot or a hovering eagle.
Best For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Mountain climbing, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – South Rim Highway, Warner Level Nature Path, East Portal Highway
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Elk, Eagles, Mule Deer, Bears
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Local Tip: You want to plan if you would like to discover the park past overlooks and a Customer Heart. There aren’t any maintained or marked trails into the canyon. Plus, entry to the river is on the opposite aspect of the canyon.
See Extra: 9 Superb Issues to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
43.6835523,-102.6622546, map
Common Temperatures: 57°F / 31°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:45 AM / 7:50 PM
Why Visit: The climate is comfy for exploring the badlands. Wildlife come out to play so that you just would possibly spot a bison or a pronghorn antelope.
Best For / High Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Mountain climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Highway, Sheep Mountain Desk, Badlands Loop Highway
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Canines, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Many of the highlights may be seen from the scenic drives, however hop out for some straightforward hikes (most are 1.25 miles or much less).
See Extra: Recap of Our Countless Caravan
4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina →
100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, map
Common Temperatures: 78° F / 51° F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:50 AM / 7:50 PM
Why Visit: April is the right time to uncover the hidden gem that’s Congaree National Park. With the warming climate, you’ll be able to discover the park’s lush forests and wetlands with out getting too scorching and sticky. And with the park’s wildlife beginning to stir, you would possibly spot a playful otter or a white-tailed deer.
Best For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Tenting
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boardwalk Loop Path, Canoe or Kayak, Bluff Path
- Wildlife – Bobcats, Deer, Feral Pigs, Coyotes, Armadillos, Otters
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Local Tip: If you happen to’re not comfy paddling down a river your self, you’ll be able to join ranger-led paddles.
See Extra: 11 Distinctive Issues to Do in Congaree National Park
5. Nice Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee
2 Everett St, Bryson Metropolis, NC 28713, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 40°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:05 AM / 8:00 PM
Why Visit: Nice Smoky Mountains National Park is alive with blooming flowers and the sounds of spring. Stroll by means of the park’s many trails or pack a picnic to sit quietly and observe the wildlife. If you happen to’re fortunate, you might even see some bears.
Best For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Biking, Wildflowers
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path, Blue Ridge Parkway
- Wildlife – Elk, Black Bears, Bobcats, Whitetail Deer, Coyote, Pygmy Shrew
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Local Tip: To keep away from crowds, get out of the automotive and take longer hikes. You’ll nonetheless see individuals, however they are going to be a lot fewer than straightforward to get to spots.
See Extra: 11 Can’t Miss Issues to Do in Pigeon Forge TN
6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona →
36.0591278,-112.1114996, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 37°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 5:40 AM / 7:00 PM
Why Visit: April is the right time to discover the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park. The climate is delicate and sunny, making it the best time to hike the park’s trails and take in the breathtaking views of the canyon’s rugged cliffs and dizzying depths. The park’s wildlife begins to come out of hiding, and also you would possibly spot elk or a hovering peregrine falcon.
Best For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Highway, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Highway, Alpine Ridge Path, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Grey Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: Grand Canyon West is just not a part of Grand Canyon National Park however on Hualapai Tribal land.
See Extra: 17 Breathtaking Issues to Do on the Grand Canyon National Park
7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, map
Common Temperatures: 71°F / 42°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:05 AM / 7:50 PM
Why Visit: April is the right time to saddle up and head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The climate is simply appropriate for exploring the park’s mountains and canyons. And with the wildflowers beginning to bloom, the park is sort of a patchwork quilt of vibrant colours. Hold your eyes peeled for black bears and roadrunners.
Best For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Horseback Using
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Smith Spring Path, Satan’s Corridor Path, McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak Path
- Wildlife – Coyote, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Badger, Texas Banded Gecko, Bats, Javelinas, Jackrabbits, Rattlesnake
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: Be ready to hike; in any other case, you’ll miss out on the very best spots in the park.
See Extra: 11 Best Issues to Do in El Paso Texas
8. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, map
Common Temperatures: 65° F / 35° F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:30 AM / 7:00 PM
Why Visit: April is the very best to journey again in time and discover the wonders of Petrified Forest National Park. The climate is good and delicate for climbing and marveling on the historic bushes which have turned to stone hundreds of thousands of years in the past. Relying on the snow and rain it receives throughout the “monsoon” season, you might even see wildflowers blooming in April and Could.
Best For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback Using
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Blue Mesa Path, Purple Basin, Rim Path, Painted Desert Overlooks, Newspaper Rock
- Wildlife – Pronghorn, Coyote, Equipment Fox, Bobcat Mule Deer, Badger
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Local Tip: Discover the park from East to West, and you’ll see all the things with out backtracking.
9. Pinnacles National Park, California
5000 CA-146, Paicines, CA 95043, map
Common Temperatures: 72°F / 46°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:40 AM / 7:45 PM
Why Visit: The climate is delicate and sunny, making it the right time to hike and marvel on the towering spires of volcanic rock. You’ll discover peak wildflower blooms between March to Could.
Best For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Tenting
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Talus Cave, Bear Guild, Balconies Cave, Rim Path Loop, Excessive Peaks Loop
- Wildlife – Canyon Bats, Mountain Lions, Condors, Feral Pig, Bobcat, Grey Fox, Ringtail
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: Pinnacles National Park has two separate entrances removed from one another. Plan accordingly based mostly on what you need to see!
See Extra: 15 Least Visited National Parks You Want to Discover Subsequent
10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming →
44.4279929,-110.6243323, map
Common Temperatures: 43°F / 22°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:30 AM / 8:00 PM
Why Visit: Mid-April to early June is often the very best time to see bears. The crisp and clear climate makes it the right time to discover the park’s geysers, scorching springs, and effervescent mud pots. Hold your digital camera useful, since you by no means know what wildlife you’ll see across the nook.
Best For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Scorching Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Outdated Devoted, Grand Prismatic Spring
- Wildlife – Bison, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Mule Deer, Elk, Bighorn Sheep
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Local Tip: The park is big (3472 sq. miles, bigger than Delaware and Rhode Island mixed)! Plan your days to discover particular areas, so that you don’t spend most of your time driving backwards and forwards.
See Extra: Best Issues to Do in Yellowstone National Park
11. Zion National Park, Utah →
1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, map
Common Temperatures: 73°F / 42°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:40 AM / 7:45 PM
Why Visit: April is the right time to go to one of the vital beloved nationwide parks in the nation. The climate is delicate and sunny, making it the best time to hike Zion’s trails and marvel on the towering cliffs. Though it is determined by how lengthy the snow lasts, the park’s wildflowers sometimes bloom in late April to early Could.
Best For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Tenting, Backpacking, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Angels Touchdown, Canyon Overlook Path, Emerald Swimming pools, Remark Level, Riverside Stroll
- Wildlife – Ringtail, Mountain Lion, American Pika, Desert Cottontail, Coyote, Equipment Fox, Bighorn Sheep, Elk
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: The Narrows shall be chilly to hike, however you’ll be able to all the time lease dry fits in city when you nonetheless need to test it out.
See Extra: 15 Unimaginable Issues to Do in Zion National Park
Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in April
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Visit in April?
If you happen to’re a nationwide park lover like us and have performed most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for National Parks to go to in April. Whereas April might not be the highest two months of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless an honest time.
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Demise Valley National Park, California
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Yosemite National Park, California
Suggestions for Visiting the Best National Parks in April
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Go away No Hint rules. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Choose up the National Park Annual Cross when you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Need to see spring blooms? Local weather change and droughts this 12 months will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by means of all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Keep in mind that individuals put up older content material, so I like to have a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may as well go away a remark and ask once they went.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat throughout the day and funky at night time. Concentrate to the elevation change too! Some parks shall be heat on the valley ground and chilly at increased elevations.
- You might want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- All the time examine the park’s web site and Guests Heart for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to how to work together with animals and the way a lot house you must have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack is determined by which park you go to and the actions you intend, however here’s a basic information on gadgets we all the time attempt to pack.
Regularly Requested Questions
What’s the finest nationwide park to go to in early April?
It is determined by your preferences, however many nationwide parks start to thaw and bloom in early April. Nice Smoky Mountains National Park, Arches National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park are in style selections for this time of 12 months.
The place in USA is heat in April? The place is the warmest place to trip in April?
In April, the southern states typically expertise hotter temperatures. Locations like Florida (particularly Miami and the Keys), Southern California (together with Los Angeles and San Diego), and Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson) are recognized for being heat in April.
Which seashore is finest in April?
Southern seashores like these in Miami, Florida, or San Diego, California, are excellent in April due to their hotter temperatures.
Which state has the very best climate in April?
States in the southern a part of the nation, corresponding to California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas, typically have nice climate in April.
Is Shenandoah National Park open in April? Is April a great time to go to Shenandoah National Park?
Sure, Shenandoah National Park is open in April. It may be a wonderful time to go to as spring begins, bringing blooming wildflowers and greenery to the panorama.
Is early April a great time to go to Olympic National Park?
Early April should still have winter circumstances in Olympic National Park, particularly at increased elevations. It’s advisable to examine present circumstances and highway closures earlier than planning a go to.
Is April too early to go to Yellowstone?
Due to lingering winter circumstances, April is mostly thought of too early to go to Yellowstone. Many roads and amenities could stay closed, and wildlife may not be as lively as in the hotter months. However because the month goes on, the wildlife comes out of hibernation, and the crowds haven’t hit their peak.
Is Yosemite price it in April?
Yosemite in April may be stunning with waterfalls flowing, however increased elevations should still have snow. Some trails and areas could be inaccessible, so checking the circumstances earlier than planning your go to is crucial.
Are you able to go to Grand Canyon in April?
Sure, you’ll be able to go to the Grand Canyon in April. The climate is normally nice, making it a great time for climbing and having fun with the breathtaking views.
When ought to I am going to Demise Valley?
It’s finest to go to Demise Valley in the cooler months, sometimes from late fall to early spring. Keep away from the height summer season months when temperatures may be extraordinarily excessive. We went on our first go to in April, and it was manner too scorching. None of us needed to get out of the automotive
When is the very best month to journey for affordable?
January is usually thought of the most effective months to journey cheaply, because it’s after the vacation season, and plenty of locations supply decrease costs.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of finest National Parks to go to in April? Which of them are we lacking?
Did you take pleasure in this put up? Pin it for later
SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES
⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡
“Discovery consists not of looking for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs in the US. They imagine that journey may be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover regionally. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and presently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Observe on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.