10 of the Best National Parks to Visit in April in the USA
These are some of the best national parks to visit in April for ideal weather, blossoming plants, and stunning vistas.
From blooming wildflowers to gushing waterfalls to sandy dunes, the spring scenery at these national parks is unbeatable. April is the perfect month to visit many national parks around the U.S. as the snow is melting, temperatures are warming, and crowds haven’t yet reached their summer peak.
If you’re looking for the best national parks in April, we’ve rounded up 10 ideas for where to go this month. Our list takes you from the painted desert to lush forests of towering trees and everything in between. These national parks to visit in April are always a good idea but are extra special for a spring escapade.
The Best National Parks to Visit in April
These national parks to visit in April cover a wide variety of landscapes across the United States.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef is one of the least popular of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, but one of the best national parks to visit in April. The landscape you’ll find here is incredibly unique. Capitol Reef contains the Waterpocket Fold, a “wrinkle” on the surface of the earth that was created millions of years ago and formed a plethora of enormous cliffs, expansive canyons, and rock formations.
Hiking to Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch, driving Highway 24 and the park’s 7.9-mile Scenic Drive, and finding petroglyphs are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at this unique national park. You also don’t want to miss a visit to the historic town of Fruita and the Gifford Homestead, where you can buy freshly made pies, jams, and jellies.
This Grand Circle road trip in Utah and Arizona includes time at Capitol Reef National Park.
Why Visit Capitol Reef in April
Temperatures are usually mild in April and the park receives far fewer visitors than in summer. Daytime highs average in the mid-60s and lows hit the high 30s and 40s.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Sand dunes may not be the first thing that pops to mind when you think of Colorado, but the state is actually home to the tallest ones in North America. Their elevations are constantly changing with the shifting sands, but some of the tallest include Star Dune and Hidden Dune, both recently measuring in at 741 feet.
Because Great Sand Dunes National Park is located near the San Juan Mountains, the landscape you’ll find here is as unique as it gets, with seas of sand dunes backdropped by mighty snow-capped peaks. You can spend just a couple of hours in the park walking over a few of the hills or half a day or more to try sand sledding or hike to the peak of the Star or Hidden dunes (each one takes about 6 hours to summit and return).
This Colorado road trip itinerary will help you plan your trip to Great Sand Dunes.
Why Visit Great Sand Dunes in April
Crowds are low in April and the seasonal Medano Creek begins to form at the base of the dune as the snow melts (peak flow is in late May). You still may encounter snow in April, but daytime temps start warming into the 50s and 60s, perfect for intense dune hikes.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
If otherworldly landscapes are what you’re after, Petrified Forest in Arizona is another gorgeous national park to visit in April.
The park is made up of colorful logs that look almost as though they belong in a scene from a fairytale. The petrified wood consists mostly of quartz with colorful patches of amethyst and citrine that create a landscape of glitzy colors. The logs were swept into and buried in ancient waterways some 200 million years ago, decaying and absorbing minerals that later crystallized.
In a short trip, you can drive the 28-mile Petrified Forest Road and walk the Giant Log loop near the visitor center. With more time, you can hit several of the short trails like Blue Mesa (1 mile), Long Logs and Agate House (2.6 miles), and Painted Desert Rim (1 mile).
Why Visit Petrified Forest National Park in April
Clear skies, mild temperatures, and relatively low visitation make April the perfect month of the year to visit and hike at Petrified Forest.
Redwood National Park, California
Home to 130,000 acres of forest, coastal shoreline, and grasslands, Redwood National Park in California is an incredible destination for April.
The stars of the show at Redwood are, as its name may have clued you in, redwood trees. These trees are the tallest in the world, and getting to hike or drive amid groves of them is an experience you’re guaranteed to never forget.
Some of the best scenic drives here are the 9-mile Coastal Loop with views of the Pacific and the 10-mile Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway through an old-growth forest. Popular hiking destinations in the park include the Foothill Trail Loop along a creek, the path to Trillium Falls, the Simpson Reed Trail through the forest, and the Lady Bird Johnson Grove on the south side of the park.
Why Visit Redwood National Park in April
April is shoulder season, which means fewer crowds out on the trails. Daytime highs in April average just under 60 degrees and lows are usually in the low 40s. April isn’t the rainiest month, but it’s not the dries either, so bring along wet weather gear just in case.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado is made up of a canyon so deep that sunlight only touches some parts of it for a total of 33 minutes every day.
There are three main ways to explore the canyon – the North Rim, South Rim, and Inner Canyon. The most popular zone is the South Rim, where you can access 12 different viewpoints and short trails along South Rim Drive.
The bottom of the canyon is considered a wilderness area, and you can actually spend a night camping down below. This hike is short, but the elevation change is huge and it’s only recommended for experienced and prepared hikers.
Why Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in April
Temperatures start to warm up during April, but the South Rim Road doesn’t open to cars until the middle of the month. Since it can still be pretty cold, crowds are low. If you visit while there’s still snow, the road will only be open to Gunnison Point, but you can try out winter activities like snowshoeing.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park’s soaring pink and red cliffs draw millions of visitors each year and some of the hikes here are so popular that you have to apply to a permit lottery.
You can experience the park in so many different ways. If you’re curious about the region’s history, tour the Zion Human History Museum to learn about the people, plants, animals, and communities that have settled and moved through the canyon over the years.
If heart-pumping adventures are your thing, you could hike the West Rim Trail to Angel’s Landing or walk through the river on The Narrows. These are the two most popular treks in the park. Aside from that, there are tons of other easier trails, all of which will take you to landscapes as gorgeous as the last.
Why Visit Zion National Park in April
One of the best national parks to visit in April, the weather in Zion is perfect within the canyon for hiking and other activities. April high temperatures usually average around 75 degrees while lows average 45.
Use this Zion National Park itinerary to plan your trip.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a place that brims with stunning waterfalls, lush valleys, and striking mountain views. It’s one of the best national parks to visit in April out of the east coast parks.
The magic of Shenandoah National Park lies in its hiking trails, which not only provide a plethora of landscapes but also give visitors the chance to spot plenty of wildlife along the way. Black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, chipmunks, and coyotes are just a few of the animals you may see in the park.
For adventurers, Old Rag Mountain draws big crowds, but you’ll need to secure a reservation to hike in this area. There are tons of other great trails here, including the short paths to Dark Hollow Falls and the Stony Man summit and the longer hikes to the Marys Rock Summit and Chimney Rock.
Why Visit Shenandoah National Park in April
Summer and fall are the peak seasons at Shenandoah, making April the best time to visit for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring weather can vary widely and you may experience freezing overnight temps or days that warm up to the 60s and 70s.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is one of just two national parks in Texas and the most popular of the pair, located in the southwestern part of the state. It shares a border with Mexico, with the Rio Grande flowing between and creating beautiful canyon landscapes.
Some of the best things to do here include driving the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and hiking into the Santa Elena Canyon at the end and heading to the Rio Grand Village zone on the east side of the park for river views and a chance to cross the border into Mexico at the Boquillas Port of Entry. In the central park, visit the Chisos Basin for challenging hikes to Emory Peak and the South Rim or moderate ones like the Lost Mine and Window trails.
Why Visit Big Bend in April
The southwest Texas desert gets really hot in summer, so spring is actually a pretty common time to head to Big Bend. While you may have to deal with some crowds, the weather will be dry and pleasant for hiking in April. The daytime highs during this time average in the low 80s but can feel much warmer in the sun, and nighttime lows are usually in the mid-50s, perfect for camping.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Spring wildflowers, gushing streams and waterfalls, and trees sprouting fresh green leaves paint a beautiful picture in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April. The park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina has ancient mountains and a rich history of southern Appalachian culture.
On a spring vacation in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, plan to drive the 11-mile Cades Cove loop for historic homesteads and wildlife sightings, hike to cascades like Laurel Falls and Rainbow Falls, and admire the views from Newfound Gap on the state border line. Adventurous hikers can take to the higher elevations to walk a portion of the Appalachian Trail, summit Mount Le Conte, or climb the ridges to the Chimney Tops.
Why Visit Great Smoky Mountains in April
April usually has pleasant hiking weather, with high temps at the lower elevations hitting the 70s and 80s and nights still cool enough for camping. The most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountain tends to be busy throughout spring, summer, and fall. But, if you visit during the week in April or later in the month after the spring break families have left, you may get a reprieve from the crowds.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Because of its variety of ecosystems, Olympic National Park on a peninsula in Washington sees a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, but especially in transitional seasons like spring. The park has mountains, rainforests, and a beautiful Pacific coastline, so you can also experience a wide range of activities on an April trip to Olympic National Park.
If you visit in early April, you may still be able to catch some snowy winter activities on Hurricane Ridge, but otherwise, that area will still be closed to hiking, so focus on forest and beach trails this time of year.
Head to the Hoh Rainforest for short loop trails through the trees, the Quinault Valley for alpine lakes and meadows, or the Sol Duc Valley for a hike to the gushing Sol Duc Falls. On the coast, Ruby Beach is a popular destination to see cool rock features and seabirds.
Why Visit Olympic National Park in April
Summer is the high season in Olympic National Park with traffic picking up by late May. Although April weather can be a bit unpredictable at higher elevations, it’s a great time to sneak in a visit before the crowds set it.
Read Next:
12 National Parks to Visit in July
12 National Parks to Visit in June
12 National Parks to Visit in May
10 Best National Parks to Visit in March
12 Best National Parks to Visit in February
