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 camping gear and get exterior! April is the proper time to go to nationwide parks for gentle climate and to witness the colourful wildflower shows. Plus, throughout mating season, you’ll usually discover extra lively wildlife.
Beneath are a number of the finest nationwide parks to go to in April to profit from your spring trip.
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Final Up to date: March 3, 2024
Earlier than we get into it, we wish to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, go away what you discover, reduce campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by Month Collection
To place collectively this record, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the yr to search out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! That was lots!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, try our full record of all the national parks and all national park units that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embrace the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and those in U.S. territories on this sequence.
Nationwide Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | Jun | Jul
Is April a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Though it relies on particular person nationwide parks and the area, generally, April is a good time to go to the parks. The climate is gentle, wildflowers are blooming, and it’s not peak vacationer season.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Choose up an America the Beautiful annual pass to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
11 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to 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 Go to: The climate is ideal for mountaineering to the gorgeous crimson rock formations at Arches Nationwide Parks. Spring blooms will add an additional pop of colour.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing, Biking, Tenting, Canyoneering, Images
Don’t Miss:
Native Tip: They’ve a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up shortly. Make sure you sign up early!
See Extra: The Ultimate Guide 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 Go to: The climate is superb for mountaineering the park’s steep trails and taking within 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.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Climbing, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – South Rim Street, Warner Level Nature Path, East Portal Street
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Elk, Eagles, Mule Deer, Bears
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Native Tip: It’s essential plan if you wish to discover the park past overlooks and a Customer Middle. 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 Amazing Things to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
3. Badlands Nationwide 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 Go to: The climate is snug for exploring the badlands. Wildlife come out to play so that you just would possibly spot a bison or a pronghorn antelope.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Street, Sheep Mountain Desk, Badlands Loop Street
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Canines, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: A lot of the highlights will 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 Endless Caravan
4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina →
100 Nationwide Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, map
Common Temperatures: 78° F / 51° F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:50 AM / 7:50 PM
Why Go to: April is the proper time to find the hidden gem that’s Congaree Nationwide 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.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: 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
Native Tip: Should you’re not snug paddling down a river your self, you’ll be able to join ranger-led paddles.
See Extra: 11 Unique Things to Do in Congaree National Park
5. Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide 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 Go to: Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide 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 down quietly and observe the wildlife. Should you’re fortunate, you might even see some bears.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: 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
Native Tip: To keep away from crowds, get out of the automotive and take longer hikes. You’ll nonetheless see folks, however they are going to be a lot fewer than straightforward to get to spots.
See Extra: 11 Can’t Miss Things 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 Go to: April is the proper time to discover the grandeur of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. The climate is gentle and sunny, making it the best time to hike the park’s trails and take within the breathtaking views of the canyon’s rugged cliffs and dizzying depths. The park’s wildlife begins to return out of hiding, and also you would possibly spot elk or a hovering peregrine falcon.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Street, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Street, 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
Native Tip: Grand Canyon West is just not a part of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park however on Hualapai Tribal land.
See Extra: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon National Park
7. Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide 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 Go to: April is the proper time to saddle up and head to Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide 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.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: 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
Native Tip: Be ready to hike; in any other case, you’ll miss out on the very best spots within the park.
See Extra: 11 Best Things to Do in El Paso Texas
8. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, AZ 86028, map
Common Temperatures: 65° F / 35° F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:30 AM / 7:00 PM
Why Go to: April is the very best to journey again in time and discover the wonders of Petrified Forest Nationwide Park. The climate is sweet and gentle for mountaineering and marveling on the historical bushes which have turned to stone thousands and thousands of years in the past. Relying on the snow and rain it receives through the “monsoon” season, you might even see wildflowers blooming in April and Could.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback Using
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Blue Mesa Path, Crimson 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
Native Tip: Discover the park from East to West, and you’ll see every thing with out backtracking.
9. Pinnacles Nationwide 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 Go to: The climate is gentle and sunny, making it the proper time to hike and marvel on the towering spires of volcanic rock. You’ll discover peak wildflower blooms between March to Could.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: 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
Native Tip: Pinnacles Nationwide Park has two separate entrances removed from one another. Plan accordingly primarily based on what you wish to see!
See Extra: 15 Least Visited National Parks You Need to Explore Next
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 Go to: Mid-April to early June is usually the very best time to see bears. The crisp and clear climate makes it the proper time to discover the park’s geysers, scorching springs, and effervescent mud pots. Hold your digital camera helpful, since you by no means know what wildlife you’ll see across the nook.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Sizzling Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Previous Trustworthy, Grand Prismatic Spring
- Wildlife – Bison, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Mule Deer, Elk, Bighorn Sheep
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Native 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 forwards and backwards.
See Extra: Best Things 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 Go to: April is the proper time to go to probably the most beloved nationwide parks within the nation. The climate is gentle and sunny, making it the best time to hike Zion’s trails and marvel on the towering cliffs. Though it relies on how lengthy the snow lasts, the park’s wildflowers usually bloom in late April to early Could.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Tenting, Backpacking, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Angels Touchdown, Canyon Overlook Path, Emerald Swimming pools, Commentary 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
Native Tip: The Narrows might be chilly to hike, however you’ll be able to at all times hire dry fits on the town should you nonetheless wish to test it out.
Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in April
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in April?
Should you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have performed most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in April. Whereas April is probably not the highest two months of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless a good time.
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Death Valley National Park, California
- Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
- Yosemite National Park, California
Ideas for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in April
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Leave No Trace principles. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so forth.
- Choose up the National Park Annual Pass should you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish to see spring blooms? Local weather change and droughts this yr will make timing extra unpredictable. We usually go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by means of all of the current posts to see what it’s wanting like. Keep in mind that folks submit older content material, so I like to have a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You can even go away a remark and ask once they went.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat through the day and funky at night time. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks might be heat on the valley ground and chilly at increased elevations.
- You could want a reservation. See national parks that now require reservations here.
- At all times verify the park’s web site and Guests Middle for probably the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to tips on 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 relies on which park you go to and the actions you intend, however here’s a common information on gadgets we at all times attempt to pack.
Regularly Requested Questions
What’s the finest nationwide park to go to in early April?
It relies on your preferences, however many nationwide parks start to thaw and bloom in early April. Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, Arches National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park are well-liked selections for this time of yr.
The place in USA is heat in April? The place is the warmest place to trip in April?
In April, the southern states usually 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 very best in April as a consequence of their hotter temperatures.
Which state has the very best climate in April?
States within the southern a part of the nation, akin to California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas, usually have nice climate in April.
Is Shenandoah Nationwide Park open in April? Is April time to go to Shenandoah Nationwide Park?
Sure, Shenandoah Nationwide 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 time to go to Olympic Nationwide Park?
Early April should have winter situations in Olympic Nationwide Park, particularly at increased elevations. It’s advisable to verify present situations and highway closures earlier than planning a go to.
Is April too early to go to Yellowstone?
Resulting from lingering winter situations, April is mostly thought-about too early to go to Yellowstone. Many roads and amenities could stay closed, and wildlife won’t be as lively as within 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 value it in April?
Yosemite in April will be stunning with waterfalls flowing, however increased elevations should have snow. Some trails and areas may be inaccessible, so checking the situations 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 time for mountaineering and having fun with the breathtaking views.
When ought to I am going to Demise Valley?
It’s finest to go to Demise Valley within the cooler months, usually from late fall to early spring. Keep away from the height summer time months when temperatures will be extraordinarily excessive. We went on our first go to in April, and it was manner too scorching. None of us wished to get out of the automotive
When is the very best month to journey for reasonable?
January is commonly thought-about among the best 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 record of finest Nationwide Parks to go to in April? Which of them are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of in search of new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey will be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at the moment base themselves in Las Vegas.
Comply with on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
