11 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in April

Searching for the perfect nationwide parks to go to in April? These are the perfect parks to go this month!

Spring has sprung, so pack your backpacks and tenting gear and get exterior! 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.

Under are among the finest nationwide parks to go to in April to benefit from your spring trip.

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Final Up to date: March 3, 2024

Earlier than we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Go away No Hint Ideas. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.

Concerning the Nationwide Park by Month Sequence

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 occurring within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure instances of the yr to seek out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! That was so much!

It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was fully 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 models 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 depends upon particular person nationwide parks and the area, typically, 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 yr? Choose up an America the Lovely annual cross to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that at all times want funding.

1. Arches Nationwide 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 mountain climbing to the gorgeous crimson rock formations at Arches Nationwide Parks. Spring blooms will add an additional pop of coloration.

Greatest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Biking, Tenting, Canyoneering, Images

Don’t Miss:

Native Tip: They’ve a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up rapidly. Be sure you enroll early!

See Extra: The Final Information to Arches Nationwide Park

Delicate Arch at Arches Utah National Park

Photo Guide: Hiking the Devils Garden Trail Arches National Park // localadventurer.com

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 mountain climbing 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 simply may spot a curious marmot or a hovering eagle.

Greatest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Mountaineering, 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

Native Tip: You should plan if you wish 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 Wonderful Issues to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide 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 comfy for exploring the badlands. Wildlife come out to play so that you simply may spot a bison or a pronghorn antelope.

Greatest For / High Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Mountaineering

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 might 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 Limitless Caravan

4. Congaree Nationwide 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 right 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 sizzling and sticky. And with the park’s wildlife beginning to stir, you may spot a playful otter or a white-tailed deer.

Greatest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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: 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 Nationwide Park

7 Unique Things to Do in Congaree National Park in Columbia South Carolina

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 the park’s many trails or pack a picnic to take a seat quietly and observe the wildlife. If you happen to’re fortunate, you might even see some bears.

Greatest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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 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 Nationwide 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 right time to discover the grandeur of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. The climate is delicate 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 may spot elk or a hovering peregrine falcon.

Greatest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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

Native Tip: Grand Canyon West shouldn’t be a part of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park however on Hualapai Tribal land.

See Extra: 17 Breathtaking Issues to Do on the Grand Canyon Nationwide 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 right 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. Maintain your eyes peeled for black bears and roadrunners.

Greatest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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 perfect spots within the park.

See Extra: 11 Greatest Issues to Do in El Paso Texas

el capitan guadalupe mountains national park

things to do in guadalupe mountains national park

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 perfect to journey again in time and discover the wonders of Petrified Forest Nationwide Park. The climate is good and delicate for mountain climbing and marveling on the historical timber which have turned to stone thousands and 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.

Greatest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback Using

Don’t Miss:

To Do – Blue Mesa Path, Pink 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 the whole lot with out backtracking.

things to do in petrified forest national park

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 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.

Greatest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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 need to see!

See Extra: 15 Least Visited Nationwide Parks You Have to Discover Subsequent

10. Yellowstone Nationwide 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 often the perfect time to see bears. The crisp and clear climate makes it the right time to discover the park’s geysers, sizzling springs, and effervescent mud pots. Maintain your digicam useful, since you by no means know what wildlife you’ll see across the nook.

Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives

Don’t Miss:

To Do – Mammoth Scorching Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Outdated 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 large (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: Greatest Issues to Do in Yellowstone Nationwide Park

Mammoth Hot Springs at Yellowstone National Park + Tips for Your Visit // Local Adventurer

Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park - Best Yellowstone Attractions, Day Hikes, and More // Local Adventurer

11. Zion Nationwide 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 right time to go to probably the most beloved nationwide parks within 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 depends upon how lengthy the snow lasts, the park’s wildflowers sometimes bloom in late April to early Could.

Greatest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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 will likely be chilly to hike, however you’ll be able to at all times lease dry fits on the town if you happen to nonetheless need to test it out.

See Extra: 15 Unimaginable Issues to Do in Zion Nationwide Park

Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in April

Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in April?

If you happen to’re a nationwide park lover like us and have carried out lots of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in April. Whereas April will not be the highest two months of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless an honest time.

Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Utah
Demise Valley Nationwide Park, California
Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California
Olympic Nationwide Park, Washington
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado
Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
Yosemite Nationwide Park, California

Suggestions for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in April

Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Go away No Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so forth.
Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Go if you happen to plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
Need to see spring blooms? Local weather change and droughts this yr will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Keep in mind that individuals publish older content material, so I like to have a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. It’s also possible to depart 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 throughout the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will likely be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at increased elevations.
It’s possible you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
All the time verify 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 aware of tips on how to work together with animals and the way a lot house it’s best to have between you and them.

What to Pack

How you’ll pack depends upon which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a normal information on objects we at all times attempt to pack.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

What’s the finest nationwide park to go to in early April?

It depends upon your preferences, however many nationwide parks start to thaw and bloom in early April. Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, Arches Nationwide Park, and Grand Canyon Nationwide Park are in style decisions 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 identified 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 on account of their hotter temperatures.

Which state has the perfect 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 an excellent 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 an excellent time to go to Olympic Nationwide Park?

Early April should have winter circumstances in Olympic Nationwide Park, particularly at increased elevations. It’s advisable to verify present circumstances and highway closures earlier than planning a go to.

Is April too early to go to Yellowstone?

As a result of lingering winter circumstances, April is usually 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 price it in April?

Yosemite in April might be lovely with waterfalls flowing, however increased elevations should have snow. Some trails and areas may 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 often nice, making it an excellent time for mountain 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 within the cooler months, sometimes from late fall to early spring. Keep away from the height summer season months when temperatures might be extraordinarily excessive. We went on our first go to in April, and it was method too sizzling. None of us needed to get out of the automotive

When is the perfect month to journey for reasonable?

January is commonly thought-about probably the greatest months to journey cheaply, because it’s after the vacation season, and lots of locations supply decrease costs.

Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist 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 high 5 journey blogs within the US. They consider that journey might 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.