Visiting Bryce Canyon in April
Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to some of the most stunning views and landscapes in the country.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your vacation to Bryce Canyon in April. This Bryce Canyon travel guide includes things to do, what to pack, where to stay, weather conditions and more!
Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the spring is amazing, but it’s important to know what to expect during the month of April.
Use this guide to help you decide if an April vacation to Bryce Canyon is the right time for you to enjoy outdoor spring adventures at this park.
Check out these done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries to help plan your April vacation:
- Bryce Canyon National Park One Day Itinerary
- Two days in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Three Days in Bryce Canyon National Park
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A Photo Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park
Take a visual tour through Bryce Canyon National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in April
Bryce Canyon National Park is open all year long. It is open every day of the year.
April is considered the shoulder season at Bryce Canyon so the visitor numbers are much lower than summer or fall. But ALL five Utah National Parks are busy during spring break!
One drawback for a trip to Bryce Canyon in April is weather. Some days will be warm and sunny making it perfect to enjoy outdoor Bryce Canyon spring activities. Or a spring rain or snow storm can close roads and trails.
Does the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Run in April?
Beginning the first part of April the Bryce Canyon shuttle begins running every day. The free shuttle buses bring visitors to the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park. Riding the shuttle is not mandatory.
Weather at Bryce Canyon in April
The Bryce Canyon National Park weather in April can be unpredictable! Be prepared with rain and/or snow gear in case a storm rolls through so you can still enjoy the outdoor activities at the park. Always check the weather forecast so you have the right clothing for the conditions.
Due to the high elevation, the temperatures at Bryce in April are still on the cool side. The highs are usually in the mid 50s and the lows are close to 30. The mornings and evening will be cool so you’ll want a jacket. Layers are best for all-day activities.
Does it Snow at Bryce Canyon?
Due to the high elevation of the park, there’s a good chance you’ll experience snow at Bryce Canyon in April.
When it does snow, the park does a great job of plowing the roads as well as the parking lots near the viewpoints.
Getting to Bryce Canyon in April
Driving to Bryce Canyon in April MAY take some advanced planning compared to driving there in the summer due to it’s remote and mountainous location.
Our biggest tip is to watch the weather forecast and consider other options and routes if snow is expected. The narrow and steep backcountry roads to get to Bryce Canyon may not be plowed right after a storm, and can be very scary in the snow!
Once you get to Bryce Canyon, the main road and major parking lots are usually plowed quickly. Check the Bryce Canyon Conditions Page for road status.
Can you Drive Through Bryce Canyon in April?
In April the shuttles are running, but you can drive your car to the various points on the Bryce Canyon scenic drive.
You can also drive and park at the various amphitheater lots. In April you shouldn’t have any problem finding a spot to park, unless it’s spring break in Utah!
Things to Do at Bryce Canyon in April
There are a ton of things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park any time of year.
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center in April
We recommend you stop at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center to find out the latest road conditions, hiking trail conditions and talk to the ranger to see if they have any tips for things to do while visiting.
It’s also good to ask about the weather forecast and what ranger-led programs at Bryce Canyon are happening during your stay. If you are traveling with kids you will want to grab Junior Ranger booklets as well.
The services at the Visitor Center include:
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Backcountry permits
- First Aid
- Ranger Help Desk
- Book Store
- Twenty Minute Introduction Movie
- Exhibits
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive in April
The Bryce Canyon scenic drive offers stunning views of the unique geological formations like hoodoos, arches and windows at the various viewpoints and overlooks.
We always recommend you start by driving to the end of the road at Rainbow Point then working your way back to the amphitheater. This way all the overlooks are on the right so it’s easy to pull in and out of each parking lot.
We recommend the Bryce Canyon GyPSy Guide App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
Bryce Canyon Hiking in April
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore this National Park that encompasses over 35,000 acres of picturesque expansive views!
There are easy, moderate and strenuous Bryce Canyon spring hikes to accommodate all levels of hikers.
If a storm rolls through, you may find closed trails due to unsafe conditions. The trails in April may be muddy, snowy or icy so check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions before setting out on any hike in April.
The Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop will be closed in April, but the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop remains open. The Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail is great for a down-and-back hiking experience.
When hiking in the spring at Bryce Canyon keep in mind:
- Wear waterproof hiking shoes
- Carry lots of water – hydration backpacks or refillable water bottles
- Dress in layers – fleece jacket and base layer clothing
- You MAY need crampons and winter hiking poles for extra grip and support
Bryce Canyon Biking in April
From Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point, this 5 mile section of road is available for biking at Bryce Canyon. The elevation gain is 746 going north to south. You can also take the park shuttle to Inspiration Point then ride back going downhill.
All viewpoints, the Lodge, Visitor Center and Shuttle Station have bike racks so you can stop at various places in the park to explore the area.
There’s also an 18-mile Shared-Use Path connecting Red Canyon with Inspiration Point. Pedestrians, leashed pets, cyclists, skaters, longboards, non-motorized scooters and wheelchairs can use this path.
You can rent bikes in Bryce Canyon City.
Bryce Canyon Photography in April
The best time to photograph the park is sunrise. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the multi-colored hoodoos that cannot be missed.
People come from around the world to see the amazing Bryce Canyon views. And of course you’ll want tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint, so we’ve created this handy Bryce Canyon Photography Guide!
Our favorite Bryce Canyon sunrise photography spots are Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.
Be sure to download our camera gear checklist before arriving at the park to make sure you have everything you need. And since April mornings will still be cold, we like to use photographer gloves and keep rechargeable hand warmers in our jacket pockets!
Bryce Canyon Stargazing in April
You cannot visit Bryce Canyon National Park in April without stargazing at least one evening. As you view the night sky, you will be blown away that you can see up to 7500 stars on a moonless night!
Take advantage of seeing the night sky at one of Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks. The Milky Way is visible in April from 1:00 am to 4:45 am.
Bryce Canyon Horseback Riding in April
Viewing Bryce Canyon on horseback is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Keep in mind that all guided trail rides at Bryce Canyon require good weather. April is an “iffy” time of year to count on this activity. But if your April visit allows it, we recommend checkout out these tour options: 1.5 to 2-hour ride or a 3-hour complete tour of the canyon.
Bryce Canyon Camping in April
There are two campgrounds near the Visitor Center and Amphitheater for Bryce Canyon National Park camping.
Due to the high elevation at Bryce Canyon (8,900 feet above sea level), be sure to pack for the weather conditions. The temperatures drop at night, so it’s important to be prepared.
The demands for Bryce Canyon National Park RV campsites within and near the park are high during the spring months.
If you can’t get a spot for camping in the park, there are nearby options for boondocking near Bryce Canyon or even glamping near Bryce Canyon National Park!
Things To Do Near Bryce Canyon in April
- Bryce Canyon to Zion
- Zion National Park Travel Guide
- Visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
- Capitol Reef National Park Guide
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hiking Guide
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Bryce Canyon Packing List
The climate and altitude of Bryce Canyon can be harsh if you’re not prepared with the right clothing, hydration, food, personal items and hiking gear.
To help you know what to pack for spring, check out our Bryce Canyon Packing List! Click the graphic below to get your free checklist download!
We also recommend using a camera gear checklist to be sure you have all the necessary equipment to capture the stunning Bryce Canyon landscape!
