11 Best National Parks to Visit in April » Local Adventurer
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Looking for the best national parks to visit in April? These are the best parks to go this month!Spring has sprung, so pack your backpacks and camping gear and get outside! April is the perfect time to visit national parks for mild weather and to witness the vibrant wildflower displays. Plus, during mating season, you’ll typically find more active wildlife.Below are some of the best national parks to visit in April to make the most of your spring vacation.PinThis post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.Last Updated: March 3, 2024Before we get into it, we want to remind everyone to explore the parks responsibly using the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Have a plan, stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.About the National Park by Month SeriesTo put together this list, we’ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! That was a lot!It took me a whole week of research, but since I’m a maximizer, it was completely worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that soon!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and all national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.We also chose not to include the hardest-to-access national parks in Alaska and the ones in U.S. territories in this series.National Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | JulIs April a Good Time to Visit National Parks?Although it depends on individual national parks and the region, in general, April is a great time to visit the parks. The weather is mild, wildflowers are blooming, and it’s not peak tourist season.Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money (entrance fees to each park are, on average, $30-35 per vehicle). Plus, you are helping support the Parks that always need funding.11 Best National Parks to Visit in April1. Arches National Park, Utah →38.6165892,-109.6220349, mapAverage Temperatures: 68° F / 39° FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:40 AM / 8:05 PMWhy Visit: The weather is perfect for hiking to the beautiful red rock formations at Arches National Parks. Spring blooms will add an extra pop of color.Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Hiking, Biking, Camping, Canyoneering, PhotographyDon’t Miss:Local Tip: They have a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up quickly. Be sure to sign up early!See More: The Ultimate Guide to Arches National ParkPinPin2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado →10346 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, mapAverage Temperatures: 57°F / 29° FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:45 AM / 7:50 PMWhy Visit: The weather is excellent for hiking the park’s steep trails and taking in the breathtaking views of the canyon’s sheer rock walls. The wildlife starts coming out of hibernation so that you might spot a curious marmot or a soaring eagle.Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Hiking, PhotographyDon’t Miss:To Do – South Rim Road, Warner Point Nature Trail, East Portal RoadWildlife – Coyotes, Elk, Eagles, Mule Deer, BearsHow many days do you need? 1-2Local Tip: You need to plan if you want to explore the park beyond overlooks and a Visitor Center. There are no maintained or marked trails into the canyon. Plus, access to the river is on the other side of the canyon.See More: 9 Amazing Things to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota43.6835523,-102.6622546, mapAverage Temperatures: 57°F / 31°FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:45 AM / 7:50 PMWhy Visit: The weather is comfortable for exploring the badlands. Wildlife come out to play so that you might spot a bison or a pronghorn antelope.Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, HikingDon’t Miss:To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Road, Sheep Mountain Table, Badlands Loop RoadWildlife – Bison, Prairie Dogs, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed FerretHow many days do you need? 1-3Pro Tip: Most of the highlights can be seen from the scenic drives, but hop out for some easy hikes (most are 1.25 miles or less).See More: Recap of Our Endless Caravan4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina →100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, mapAverage Temperatures: 78° F / 51° FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:50 AM / 7:50 PMWhy Visit: April is the perfect time to discover the hidden gem that is Congaree National Park. With the warming weather, you can explore the park’s lush forests and wetlands without getting too hot and sticky. And with the park’s wildlife starting to stir, you might spot a playful otter or a white-tailed deer.Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, CampingDon’t Miss:To Do – Boardwalk Loop Trail, Canoe or Kayak, Bluff TrailWildlife – Bobcats, Deer, Feral Pigs, Coyotes, Armadillos, OttersHow many days do you need? 1-2Local Tip: If you’re not comfortable paddling down a river yourself, you can sign up for ranger-led paddles.See More: 11 Unique Things to Do in Congaree National ParkPinPin5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee2 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, mapAverage Temperatures: 66°F / 40°FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:05 AM / 8:00 PMWhy Visit: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is alive with blooming flowers and the sounds of spring. Stroll through the park’s many trails or pack a picnic to sit quietly and observe the wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may see some bears.Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Scenic Drives, Biking, WildflowersDon’t Miss:To Do – Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Blue Ridge ParkwayWildlife – Elk, Black Bears, Bobcats, Whitetail Deer, Coyote, Pygmy ShrewHow many days do you need? 2-4Local Tip: To avoid crowds, get out of the car and take longer hikes. You’ll still see people, but they will be much fewer than easy to get to spots.See More: 11 Can’t Miss Things to Do in Pigeon Forge TNPin6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona →36.0591278,-112.1114996, mapAverage Temperatures: 67°F / 37°FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 5:40 AM / 7:00 PMWhy Visit: April is the perfect time to explore the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park. The weather is mild and sunny, making it the ideal 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 starts to come out of hiding, and you might spot elk or a soaring peregrine falcon.Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, StargazingDon’t Miss:To Do – Trail Ridge Road, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Road, Alpine Ridge Trail, Emerald Lakes, Alberta FallsWildlife – Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Gray FoxHow many days do you need? 1-3Local Tip: Grand Canyon West is not part of Grand Canyon National Park but on Hualapai Tribal land.See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon National ParkPinPin7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, mapAverage Temperatures: 71°F / 42°FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:05 AM / 7:50 PMWhy Visit: April is the perfect time to saddle up and head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The weather is just suitable for exploring the park’s mountains and canyons. And with the wildflowers starting to bloom, the park is like a patchwork quilt of vibrant colors. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears and roadrunners.Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Horseback RidingDon’t Miss:To Do – Smith Spring Trail, Devil’s Hall Trail, McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak TrailWildlife – Coyote, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Badger, Texas Banded Gecko, Bats, Javelinas, Jackrabbits, RattlesnakeHow many days do you need? 1-3Local Tip: Be prepared to hike; otherwise, you’ll miss out on the best spots in the park.See More: 11 Best Things to Do in El Paso TexasPinPin8. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, mapAverage Temperatures: 65° F / 35° FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:30 AM / 7:00 PMWhy Visit: April is the best to travel back in time and explore the wonders of Petrified Forest National Park. The weather is nice and mild for hiking and marveling at the ancient trees that have turned to stone millions of years ago. Depending on the snow and rain it receives during the “monsoon” season, you may see wildflowers blooming in April and May.Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Hiking, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback RidingDon’t Miss:To Do – Blue Mesa Trail, Red Basin, Rim Trail, Painted Desert Overlooks, Newspaper RockWildlife – Pronghorn, Coyote, Kit Fox, Bobcat Mule Deer, BadgerHow many days do you need? 1-2Local Tip: Explore the park from East to West, and you can see everything without backtracking.PinPinPin9. Pinnacles National Park, California5000 CA-146, Paicines, CA 95043, mapAverage Temperatures: 72°F / 46°FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:40 AM / 7:45 PMWhy Visit: The weather is mild and sunny, making it the perfect time to hike and marvel at the towering spires of volcanic rock. You’ll find peak wildflower blooms between March to May.Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, CampingDon’t Miss:To Do – Talus Cave, Bear Guild, Balconies Cave, Rim Trail Loop, High Peaks LoopWildlife – Canyon Bats, Mountain Lions, Condors, Feral Pig, Bobcat, Gray Fox, RingtailHow many days do you need? 1-3Local Tip: Pinnacles National Park has two separate entrances far from each other. Plan accordingly based on what you want to see!See More: 15 Least Visited National Parks You Need to Explore NextPin10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming →44.4279929,-110.6243323, mapAverage Temperatures: 43°F / 22°FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:30 AM / 8:00 PMWhy Visit: Mid-April to early June is typically the best time to see bears. The crisp and clear weather makes it the perfect time to explore the park’s geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Keep your camera handy, because you never know what wildlife you’ll see around the corner.Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic DrivesDon’t Miss:To Do – Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic SpringWildlife – Bison, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Mule Deer, Elk, Bighorn SheepHow many days do you need? 2-4Local Tip: The park is huge (3472 square miles, larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined)! Plan your days to explore specific areas, so you don’t spend most of your time driving back and forth.See More: Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National ParkPinPinPin11. Zion National Park, Utah →1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, mapAverage Temperatures: 73°F / 42°FAverage Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:40 AM / 7:45 PMWhy Visit: April is the perfect time to visit one of the most beloved national parks in the country. The weather is mild and sunny, making it the ideal time to hike Zion’s trails and marvel at the towering cliffs. Although it depends on how long the snow lasts, the park’s wildflowers typically bloom in late April to early May.Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, StargazingDon’t Miss:To Do – Angels Landing, Canyon Overlook Trail, Emerald Pools, Observation Point, Riverside WalkWildlife – Ringtail, Mountain Lion, American Pika, Desert Cottontail, Coyote, Kit Fox, Bighorn Sheep, ElkHow many days do you need? 1-3Local Tip: The Narrows will be cold to hike, but you can always rent dry suits in town if you still want to check it out.See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Zion National ParkMap of the Best National Parks to Visit in April Want to See More NATIONAL Parks to Visit in April?If you’re a national park lover like us and have done many of the above, here are some more ideas for National Parks to visit in April. While April may not be the top two months of the year to visit these parks, it’s still a decent time.Acadia National Park, MaineBryce Canyon National Park, UtahDeath Valley National Park, CaliforniaEverglades National Park, FloridaGlacier National Park, MontanaJoshua Tree National Park, CaliforniaOlympic National Park, WashingtonRocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoShenandoah National Park, VirginiaYosemite National Park, CaliforniaTips for Visiting the Best National Parks in AprilExplore the parks responsibly using Leave No Trace principles. Stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, etc.Pick up the National Park Annual Pass if you plan on visiting multiple parks within the year. It saves you a lot of money.Want to see spring blooms? Climate change and droughts this year will make timing more unpredictable. We typically go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll through all the recent posts to see what it’s looking like. Remember that people post older content, so I like to look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You can also leave a comment and ask when they went.It’s always a good idea to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are warm during the day and cool at night. Pay attention to the elevation change too! Some parks will be warm on the valley floor and cold at higher elevations.You may need a reservation. See national parks that now require reservations here.Always check the park’s site and Visitors Center for the most up-to-date information on closures.Remember that wildlife is wild. Be familiar with how to interact with animals and how much space you should have between you and them.PinWhat to PackHow you will pack depends on which park you visit and the activities you plan, but here is a general guide on items we always try to pack.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best national park to visit in early April?It depends on your preferences, but many national parks begin to thaw and bloom in early April. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Arches National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park are popular choices for this time of year.Where in USA is warm in April? Where is the warmest place to vacation in April?In April, the southern states generally experience warmer temperatures. Places like Florida (especially Miami and the Keys), Southern California (including Los Angeles and San Diego), and Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson) are known for being warm in April.Which beach is best in April?Southern beaches like those in Miami, Florida, or San Diego, California, are ideal in April due to their warmer temperatures.Which state has the best weather in April?States in the southern part of the country, such as California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas, generally have pleasant weather in April.Is Shenandoah National Park open in April? Is April a good time to visit Shenandoah National Park?Yes, Shenandoah National Park is open in April. It can be an excellent time to visit as spring starts, bringing blooming wildflowers and greenery to the landscape.Is early April a good time to visit Olympic National Park?Early April may still have winter conditions in Olympic National Park, especially at higher elevations. It’s advisable to check current conditions and road closures before planning a visit.Is April too early to visit Yellowstone?Due to lingering winter conditions, April is generally considered too early to visit Yellowstone. Many roads and facilities may remain closed, and wildlife might not be as active as in the warmer months. But as the month goes on, the wildlife comes out of hibernation, and the crowds haven’t hit their peak.Is Yosemite worth it in April?Yosemite in April can be beautiful with waterfalls flowing, but higher elevations may still have snow. Some trails and areas might be inaccessible, so checking the conditions before planning your visit is essential.Can you visit Grand Canyon in April?Yes, you can visit the Grand Canyon in April. The weather is usually pleasant, making it a good time for hiking and enjoying the breathtaking views.When should I go to Death Valley?It’s best to visit Death Valley in the cooler months, typically from late fall to early spring. Avoid the peak summer months when temperatures can be extremely high. We went on our first visit in April, and it was way too hot. None of us wanted to get out of the carWhen is the best month to travel for cheap?January is often considered one of the best months to travel cheaply, as it’s after the holiday season, and many destinations offer lower prices.Can you think of others that belong on this list of best National Parks to visit in April? Which ones are we missing?Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for laterPinPinSEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. ProustPinEsther + JacobEsther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
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