Destination Guides

10 best national Parks to visit in April

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to dust off those hiking boots and unpack your sense of adventure. Some of the most breathtaking corners of the United States bloom to life in April, plus you’ll beat those full-on summer crowds. 

From the surreal beauty of Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscapes to the jaw-dropping vistas of Zion National Park, these are the 10 best national parks to visit in April. Whether you’re seeking waterfall wonderlands, desert blooms, or epic hiking trails, there’s a US National Park calling your name this spring. 

Why April is a perfect time to visit US National Parks

April brings colorful wildflowers, roaring waterfalls, and active wildlife with milder weather and thinner crowds. What’s not to like! It’s a season of renewal when temperatures are ideal for hiking, road trips, and sightseeing without the sweltering heat. Plus, April aligns perfectly with spring break, perfect for families.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua trees silhouetted against a sunset skey

Joshua Tree National Park is easily one of the best national parks to visit in April. This California reserve is a desert dreamscape with mild temperatures and clear skies making April the best time to explore its otherworldly landscapes, from dramatic rock formations to the quirky Joshua trees themselves. Spring also brings bursts of wildflowers, adding pops of color to the arid terrain, and you’ll avoid the scorching heat of summer. 

Best things to do: Joshua Tree offers a mix of adventure and tranquility. Go bouldering, hike hidden trails, stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country. 

READ NEXT: Jaw-dropping reasons to visit Joshua Tree National Park 

Zion National Park, Utah

Known for its breathtaking views and stunning red rock formations, Zion National Park in Utah is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Utah’s Zion National Park comes alive in spring with mild weather and lush greenery framing its famous red cliffs. April is the perfect time to explore its well-known trails, like Angels Landing or The Narrows, without the oppressive heat or peak summer crowds. The park’s stunning scenery and cascading waterfalls make every corner Instagram-worthy, but its tranquility in spring is what truly sets it apart.

Best things to do: Hike Angels Landing, wade through The Narrows, and drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Route for unbeatable views.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Visitors on top of Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination in April, when this legendary landscape is ripe for exploring (and made even better with a geologist guide). The cooler spring weather lets you explore without melting under the desert sun (after all, how many big shady trees have you seen in pictures of the canyon rim?). Plus, the crowds are far more manageable compared to summer. Imagine standing on the South Rim, watching the morning light reveal the canyon’s stunning layers—April offers moments like these at their best. 

Best things to do: Hike Bright Angel and South Kaibab for jaw-dropping views every step of the way. Enjoy a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, and watch the sunrise at Mather Point.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Lesser-known Great Smoky Mountains National Park is easily one of the best national parks to visit in the month of April. Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, this Appalachian gem bursts to life in spring with blooming wildflowers carpeting the forest floor and trees budding in every shade of green. The park’s famously misty mornings give way to crisp, sunny days perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife spotting.

Best things to do: Hike the Alum Cave Trail, drive the scenic Cades Cove Loop, and enjoy wildflower spotting on Porter’s Creek Trail.

READ NEXT: Escape the crowds in these 5 peaceful US national parks 

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Aerial view of the grand prismatic spring in Yellowstone National Park, showing vibrant blue water surrounded by orange microbial mats.

Experience a quieter, more intimate version of the iconic Yellowstone National Park when you visit in April. Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone in spring is alive with early-season wildlife. Think bison calves, bears emerging from hibernation, and migrating birds! April’s cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make it the perfect time to explore geysers like Old Faithful or marvel at the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring without the summer hustle. You can expect a mix of snow-dusted landscapes and steaming geothermal features.

Best things to do: Watch geyser eruptions, spot wildlife in Lamar Valley, and visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

READ NEXT: Yellowstone vs Yosemite: which US national park is your pick?

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

In April, Capitol Reef’s historic orchards, which the park is famous for, are in full bloom. Explore the red rock landscapes, dramatic cliffs, narrow canyons, and unique geological formations against the pops of color of spring wildflowers and lush greenery. April gives visitors a rare chance to see fruit trees in full flower amid the desert backdrop. Plus, with fewer visitors than its more famous Utah counterparts, Capitol Reef offers a peaceful, uncrowded experience in one of the most beautiful corners of the American West – and you can sleep just outside the park on the Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks tour.

Best things to do: Hike to Hickman Bridge, explore the Scenic Drive, and discover the park’s historic orchards in bloom.

Yosemite National Park, California

View of bridal veil falls in Yosemite national park

Melting snow from the higher elevations feeds Yosemite National Park’s fantastic waterfalls, transforming them into roaring spectacles, especially at places like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. The spring temperatures are mild enough for hiking, and the crowds are much lighter compared to the summer months. April also brings vibrant wildflowers and lush meadows, creating a perfect contrast against the towering granite cliffs and ancient sequoias.

Best things to do: Hike to Yosemite Falls, explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and take in the breathtaking views from Glacier Point.

READ NEXT: 11 of the best US National Parks for families 

Arches National Park, Utah

America's National Parks arches-National-park-www.istockphoto.comgbphotodouble-arch-arches-national-park-moab-utah-gm183359414-15105975-TheCrimsonMonkey

Arches National Park is a must-see in April when the temperatures are perfect for hiking, and the desert landscape is alive with contrasting colors. There are more than 2,000 natural stone arches and the park’s otherworldly scenery to explore. Everything is best seen on foot during the mild spring months, avoiding the extreme summer heat. April also brings wildflowers that dot the desert, creating a stunning contrast against the red rock formations.

Best things to do: Hike to Delicate Arch, explore the Windows Section, and enjoy a scenic drive through the park.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

mesa verde national park indigenous experiences Southwest USA

Explore ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloans in Mesa Verde National Park. In April the weather is mild enough for hiking. Plus you can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings without the summer crowds. Spring also brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery to the park.

Best things to do: Tour Cliff Palace, hike the Petroglyph Point Trail, and visit the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Utah's Red Rock Country

Canyonlands National Park is ideal for April, with mild weather that makes exploring its vast, rugged terrain much more enjoyable. The park’s dramatic canyons, mesas, and rock formations are perfect for hiking, biking, and photography during the spring months. The cooler temperatures make it possible to venture into the park’s more remote areas. Explore the Island in the Sky and Needles districts before the summer heat sets in!

Best things to do: Hike to Mesa Arch, explore the Needles District, and drive the scenic White Rim Road.

READ NEXT: These are the 10 best national parks for wildlife spotting in North America 

Which of the best US National Parks do you plan to visit in April? Leave us a comment!

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