On the lookout 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 outdoors! April is the right time to go to nationwide parks for gentle 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.
![best national parks to visit in april](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/best-national-parks-to-visit-in-april.jpg)
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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, go away what you discover, decrease campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by Month Sequence
To place collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and ideas 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 within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the 12 months to seek out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! That was quite a bit!
It took me a complete 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 listing 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 will depend on particular person nationwide parks and the area, basically, 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 12 months? Choose up an America the Stunning annual move to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
11 Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in April
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 mountaineering to the gorgeous pink rock formations at Arches Nationwide Parks. Spring blooms will add an additional pop of colour.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Biking, Tenting, Canyoneering, Pictures
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](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/arches-utah-national-park.jpg)
![Photo Guide: Hiking the Devils Garden Trail Arches National Park // localadventurer.com](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hiking-arches-national-park-moab.jpg)
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 great 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.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Mountaineering, Pictures
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 worthwhile to plan if you wish to discover the park past overlooks and a Customer Heart. There are not 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 just would possibly spot a bison or a pronghorn antelope.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Mountaineering
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 may be seen from the scenic drives, however hop out for some simple hikes (most are 1.25 miles or much less).
See Extra: Recap of Our Infinite 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 may 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.
Finest 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: In case you’re not comfy paddling down a river your self, you may join ranger-led paddles.
See Extra: 11 Distinctive Issues to Do in Congaree Nationwide Park
![Looking for the best things to do in Columbia SC? Congaree National Park needs to be on your list! Click through and save this pin to find the ultimate guide to this national park. Find out what you can't miss, which ranger program you need to sign up for, when to visit to see the synchronous fireflies, and more. // Local Adventurer #localadventurer #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #realcolumbiasc](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/congaree-national-park-boardwalk-trails.jpg)
![7 Unique Things to Do in Congaree National Park in Columbia South Carolina](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/A1_congaree-national-park-kayak.jpg)
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 via the park’s many trails or pack a picnic to take a seat quietly and observe the wildlife. In case you’re fortunate, you may even see some bears.
Finest 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 automobile and take longer hikes. You’ll nonetheless see folks, however they are going to be a lot fewer than simple to get to spots.
See Extra: 11 Can’t Miss Issues to Do in Pigeon Forge TN
![smoky mountains wildflowers](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/smoky-mountains-wildflowers.jpg)
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 gentle and sunny, making it the perfect 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.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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 will not 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
![grandview grand canyon](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/grandview-grand-canyon.jpg)
![grand canyon grandview point](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/grand-canyon-grandview-point.jpg)
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.
Finest 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 Finest Issues to Do in El Paso Texas
![el capitan guadalupe mountains national park](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/el-capitan-guadalupe-mountains-national-park.jpg)
![things to do in guadalupe mountains national park](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/things-to-do-in-guadalupe-mountains-national-park.jpg)
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 gentle for mountaineering and marveling on the historical timber which have turned to stone tens of millions of years in the past. Relying on the snow and rain it receives through the “monsoon” season, you may even see wildflowers blooming in April and Could.
Finest 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 may see every part with out backtracking.
![petrified forest rocks](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/petrified-forest-rocks-683x1024.jpg)
![things to do in petrified forest national park](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/things-to-do-in-petrified-forest-national-park-683x1024.jpg)
![petrified forest painted desert](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/petrified-forest-painted-desert.jpg)
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 right time to hike and marvel on the towering spires of volcanic rock. You’ll discover peak wildflower blooms between March to Could.
Finest 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 based mostly on what you need to see!
See Extra: 15 Least Visited Nationwide Parks You Must Discover Subsequent
![Pinnacles National Park Trails](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/pinnacles-national-park-trails.jpg)
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, scorching springs, and effervescent mud pots. Maintain your digital camera useful, since you by no means know what wildlife you’ll see across the nook.
Finest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Scorching Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Previous Devoted, 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 backwards and forwards.
See Extra: Finest Issues to Do in Yellowstone Nationwide Park
![Mammoth Hot Springs at Yellowstone National Park + Tips for Your Visit // Local Adventurer](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mammoth-hot-springs-yellowstone-national-park.jpg)
![Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park - Best Yellowstone Attractions, Day Hikes, and More // Local Adventurer](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/lower-falls-yellowstone.jpg)
![Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin + Your Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone National Park - Best Day Hikes and Can't-Miss Sights (photo: James St John) // Local Adventurer](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/A2-yellowstone-grand-prismatic-spring.jpg)
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 one of the vital beloved nationwide parks within the nation. The climate is gentle and sunny, making it the perfect time to hike Zion’s trails and marvel on the towering cliffs. Though it will depend on how lengthy the snow lasts, the park’s wildflowers sometimes bloom in late April to early Could.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Tenting, Backpacking, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Angels Touchdown, Canyon Overlook Path, Emerald Swimming pools, Statement 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 can be chilly to hike, however you may at all times hire dry fits on the town if you happen to nonetheless need to test it out.
See Extra: 15 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Zion Nationwide Park
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in April
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in April?
In case you’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 might not be the highest two months of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless a good time.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
- Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Utah
- Dying 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 Finest Nationwide 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 Nationwide Park Annual Go if you happen to plan on visiting a number of parks inside the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish 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 via all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Keep in mind that folks put up older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may as well go away a remark and ask after 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 can be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at greater elevations.
- It’s possible you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- All the time examine the park’s website and Guests Heart for essentially the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be conversant in the best way to work together with animals and the way a lot area it’s best to have between you and them.
![Turret Arch Arches National Park](https://localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/turret-arch-arches-national-park-ut.jpg)
What to Pack
How you’ll pack will depend on which park you go to and the actions you intend, 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 will depend on 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 well-liked decisions 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 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 seaside is finest in April?
Southern seashores like these in Miami, Florida, or San Diego, California, are preferrred in April as a consequence of their hotter temperatures.
Which state has the perfect climate in April?
States within the southern a part of the nation, reminiscent of California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas, usually have nice climate in April.
Is Shenandoah Nationwide Park open in April? Is April a great time to go to Shenandoah Nationwide Park?
Sure, Shenandoah Nationwide Park is open in April. It may be a superb 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 Nationwide Park?
Early April should still have winter circumstances in Olympic Nationwide Park, particularly at greater elevations. It’s advisable to examine present circumstances and street closures earlier than planning a go to.
Is April too early to go to Yellowstone?
Because of lingering winter circumstances, April is usually thought-about too early to go to Yellowstone. Many roads and services 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 may be stunning with waterfalls flowing, however greater elevations should still 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 may go to the Grand Canyon in April. The climate is often nice, making it a great time for mountaineering and having fun with the breathtaking views.
When ought to I’m going to Dying Valley?
It’s finest to go to Dying Valley within 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 approach too scorching. None of us wished to get out of the automobile
When is the perfect month to journey for reasonable?
January is usually thought-about probably the greatest months to journey cheaply, because it’s after the vacation season, and lots of locations provide decrease costs.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of finest Nationwide Parks to go to in April? Which of them are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of searching for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
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Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many high 5 journey blogs within 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.