What is the best National Park to visit in April? That depends on your preferences, but April is generally a great time to visit many national parks in the United States. The weather is typically mild and you’ll find fewer people than during the peak summer months.
Here are a few national parks that are great to visit in April:
- Zion National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Olympic National Park
Traveling with friends to a National Park this April? Use Troupe to plan your national park trip all-in-one place. Vote on your favorite park, share flight info, and more.
The Best National Parks to visit in April
1. Zion National Park
April is a great time to visit Zion National Park in southern Utah, as the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom.
You can enjoy hiking the many trails, including the famous Angels Landing and the Narrows, without the crowds that come during the busy summer months. However, you should still make reservations in advance for camping or lodging.
The Narrows hike goes through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls. The Narrows can be hiked as a shorter day hike or as a multi-day backpacking trip.
The Angels Landing trail is challenging, with steep switchbacks and a final section where hikers use chains to climb to the top, but it is well worth the effort for the incredible views. On a clear night, the stars from Angels Landing are quite the sight.
April temperature in Zion National Park:
In April, the average temperature at Zion National Park is mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s and nighttime temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-50s. However, temperatures can vary widely depending on the elevation and time of day, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers accordingly.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
April is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon, as temperatures are mild and the crowds are not as large as in the summer months at this ultra-popular destination. You can enjoy hiking the many trails and taking in the views of the canyon without the summer desert heat.
The park offers visitors many different activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, rafting, and scenic drives. Want to check out the most popular hiking trail? Bright Angel Trail offers hikers spectacular views of the canyon and access to the Colorado River. There are also many other trails, ranging from easy walks along the rim to strenuous backcountry hikes.
April temperature in Grand Canyon National Park:
In April, the average temperature at Grand Canyon National Park ranges from the mid-50s to the mid-70s during the day and nighttime temperatures range from the mid-20s to the mid-40s.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Don’t sleep on the Great Smoky Mountains. While this National Park may not have the trendy appeal of Zion or Joshua Tree, it might just be the best National Park to visit in April. And it happens to be one of the most popular parks in the country, with over 11 million annual visitors.
April is a lovely time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina when the trees and wildflowers are in bloom. The park offers many hiking trails and scenic drives that will take you through the beautiful mountains.
With over 800 miles of trails to choose from, you’ll find plenty of hikes to suit your style. The park is also home to historical sites like old homesteads, grist mills, and churches, which provide a glimpse into the area’s fascinating history.
April temperature in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
The weather in April is just starting to warm up in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The average temperature in April ranges from a high of around 65-70 degrees during the day to a low of around 40-50 degrees at night.
4. Joshua Tree National Park
April is a great time to visit Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, as the desert temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. The park offers unique rock formations, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities.
If you and your friends are into climbing, Joshua Tree is probably the best National Park to visit in April as it has over 8,000 established climbing routes that range in difficulty from beginner to expert.
For a less active vacation, Joshua Tree is still a great option. Stargazing enthusiasts come here due to its desert location with low light pollution. The park offers ranger-led stargazing programs throughout the year, as well as special events during meteor showers and other astronomical events.
April temperature at Joshua Tree National Park:
The average temperature in April in Joshua Tree National Park is around 75-85 degrees during the day and around 45-55 degrees at night. These pleasant desert temperatures make Joshua Tree the best National Park to visit in April for nice weather.
5. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington may be the best national park to visit in April, as the rainforest is at its most appealing yet the weather is mild. You can enjoy hiking the many trails, visiting the beaches, and taking in the stunning views of the mountains and glaciers.
The Hoh rainforest located in the park is worth a visit for greenery lovers. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved temperate rainforests in the world known for its lush landscape, moss-covered trees, and abundant wildlife. A popular walking trail is the Hall of Mosses Trail which is a little less than a mile-long loop that takes visitors through an enchanting forest of moss and ferns.
April temperature at Olympic National Park:
It’s still a bit cool (and wet) in Olympic National Park in April. The average high temperature in the Hoh Rainforest area of the park is around 50-55 degrees with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit.
If you’re not sure that the best National Park to visit in April is the right trip for you, check out some more travel inspiration for springtime: