Things To Do in Utah in April
Outdoor activities in Utah in April include hiking, biking, rock climbing, scenic drives, stargazing, landscape photography, and more! Plus you’ll find events, festivals, and a variety of things to do in Utah in April.
April weather can be unpredictable in Utah – one day could be sunny and warm, the next could be windy or even snowy. So it’s always good to come prepared with layers of clothing.
We have lived in Utah for over 20 years and travel around the state often. April is a terrific month to visit the Utah National Parks in April when it’s not too cold or not too cold. But the parks will be crowded since they are popular Spring Break destinations!
We’re excited to share our list of things to do in Utah based on our travels throughout the state during the month of April! The biggest tip we have is to be prepared for the weather and temperatures for the location and time you’ll be in Utah.
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in April! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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What to Expect in Utah in April
Utah, the beehive state, is split into two main parts: the northern region and the southern one. As you plan your Utah adventure, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land, specifically where different Utah vacation spots are spread throughout the state.
Journeying from Salt Lake City in the northern part to any of the southern National Parks isn’t a quick trip—it’s a good 4 to 5 hours on the road. The drive between the North and South is populated with small towns and limited services. You’ll find all 5 Utah National Parks in Southern Utah.
Utah April Weather
The temperatures and Utah weather in April can be drastically different due to elevation and location in the state.
March Northern Utah temperatures around Salt Lake City are highs 62 / lows 42 degrees F. In Southern Utah temperatures around St. George are highs 75 / lows 46 degrees F.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Utah?
April is considered one of the best months to visit Utah due to the moderate weather this time of year. In the Southern part of the state, you can do outdoor activities like hiking, off-roading, scenic drives, and stargazing at the National Parks, State Parks, and National Monuments.
You might be able to enjoy a few snow activities like skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and more in Northern Utah and the higher elevation mountains around the state. It all depends on the snow levels that vary each year.
Things To Do Utah in April
Check out this list of amazing things to do when planning a spring break trip to Utah in April: events and festivals, outdoor activities at National and State Parks, and more!
This list is organized by cities in Utah, with fun ideas for things to do in April in each area.
Things to Do Near Salt Lake City in April
Spring Skiing Near Salt Lake City: In April ski resorts should still be open so you can experience The Greatest Snow on Earth!! You’ll find 11 ski resorts along the Wasatch Mountain Range that are only 30 to 45 minutes from Salt Lake City!
Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival: This annual event runs from the first of April through about mid-May. Stroll through the 50-acre Ashton Gardens to see over 750,000 spring flowers: tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, poppies, and more!
Red Butte Garden Bulbs & Blooms: April is the time to see over half a million blooming bulbs! Different bulb varieties peak at different times – peak daffodil bloom is mid-April.
Temple Square: There are historic sites, exhibits, activities, gardens, and musical events at this iconic location in downtown Salt Lake City that covers 5 city blocks! If you love music, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has weekly Thursday night rehearsals you can attend.
Things To Do Near Brigham City in April
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge: The 12 mile self-guided auto tour loop allows visitors to drive at their own leisure to see a variety of waterfowl. This sanctuary offers a home to numerous bird species throughout the year, playing a critical role in the migratory patterns of these feathered inhabitants.
Golden Spike National Historical Park: Located 32 miles west of Brigham City, Utah, via Utah Hwy. 83 you’ll find a gem of American history. It’s the very location where the East met the West, with the driving of the symbolic golden spike that completed the First Transcontinental Railroad.
Crystal Hot Springs: Known for its mineral-rich waters and stunning surroundings, this natural hot spring offers a unique experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. The pool area at Crystal Hot Springs consists of three jetted hot tubs, a soaker pool, lap pool, Olympic-sized pool and two 360-foot water slides. The combination of water from the two springs is used to fill all the pools except the slide pool.
Things To Do Near Moab in April
Moab Easter Jeep Safari: When Easter falls in the month of April, this 9-day event features a vendor show and day long trail rides departing from Moab each day. The Jeep trails range from easy to difficult, with a few requiring seriously modified vehicles. Due to it’s popularity, be sure to get tickets to the event and lodging well in advance!!
Arches National Park in April: Beginning April 1 you’ll need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket to enter the park during the busy daytime hours from 6am to 5pm. In April you can enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, stargazing, landscape photography, and more!
Canyonlands National Park in April: There is no Timed Entry Ticket required, but expect crowds. We recommend you visit the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak visitation times. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography anyway!
Dead Horse Point State Park: The park is located near the Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky entrance. Dead Horse Point is known for its stunning views of the Colorado River, dramatic vertical cliffs, canyons, and vista views. Note: The US National Park pass is not valid here since this is a Utah State Park. We think it’s definitely worth the entry fee to see this iconic view you can’t see from Island in the Sky!
Things To Do Near Hanksville in April
Goblin Valley State Park: You’ll find yourself surrounded by thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations, commonly known as “goblins”, as you explore this otherworldly landscape!
Capitol Reef National Park in April: Known for its stunning desert landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking, off-roading, photography, and camping. Capitol Reef is internationally recognized as one of the best places to stargaze due to its remote location.
Capitol Reef Burr Trail Loop: Enjoy a jaw-dropping off-road experience through the Waterpocket District. The Burr Trail Loop-the-Fold driving tour is 123.7 miles starting and ending at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center.
Scenic Byway 12: This 124-mile stretch of road is a gateway to some of the state’s most iconic natural landmarks, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike: One of the spectacular places to visit in Utah is this spectacular desert waterfall where the water plunges 130 feet over a sandstone cliff into a pool of cool water. Along the trails you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and ancient pictographs, making it more than just a hike; it’s an exploration into nature’s art gallery.
Things To Do Near St. George in April
Zion National Park in April: In April the shuttle runs every day and that’s the only way to access Zion Canyon. Some Zion hikes in the spring could close due to falling rocks, rockslides and fast-moving water. The Narrows trail will close whenever the river is moving too fast. You will need to get an Angel’s Landing hiking permit if you want to hike the chains section.
Snow Canyon State Park: Located near St. George, this park is a geological wonder that features red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs and canyons. There are a variety of trails through sand dunes, petrified dunes, lava tubes, and up to panoramic views of red and white rocks.
Bryce Canyon in April: 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. 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.
Things To Do Near Kanab in April
Kanab Photography: Located in southeastern Utah near the Arizona border, the area is surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs just waiting to be photographed: Old Pariah, Johnson Canyon, The Toadstools, and more!
Peekaboo Slot Canyon Tour: The 1/2 red rock slot canyon near Kanab is one of the easiest to access and walk through in Southern Utah. The red Navajo sandstone walls tower about 80 feet over a narrow slot that’s been cared by flowing water. Due to the 3.5 miles driving in very deep sand to get the the entrance, we recommend you book a tour – we love Dreamland Safari!
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: At this Utah State Park you’ll find over 2000 acres of sand where you can enjoy hiking, sand sledding, ATV riding, and photography! Sunset is the best time to take pictures at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The golden hour light blankets the landscape to produce vibrant color!! One word of warning: if it’s windy, the sand can damage your camera lens!
White Pocket: This must-see gem is located in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument just over the Utah border in Arizona. Known for its striking resemblance to its Utah counterpart, The Wave, visiting White Pocket boasts equally fascinating rock formations! Navigating the road to get there requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and a level of expertise driving in deep sand. We again recommend Dreamland Safari!
Things To Do Near Bluff in April
Natural Bridges National Monument: Enjoy stunning views of majestic natural bridges carved by eroding water over millions of years. You can view the three bridges from the overlook or hike down the canyon to see them from below!
Monument Valley: Located in southern Utah and northern Arizona, you’ll see a stunning landscape with buttes, mesas, and other unique geographical features. Discover the fascinating history behind this iconic landmark as you explore ancient ruins, visit Native American settlements, and marvel at the unique rock formations that make up Monument Valley’s stunning scenery.
Goosenecks State Park: Amazing view of the San Juan River that has carved canyons that look like goose necks. It may not be a destination on its own, but it’s only 30 miles from Monument Valley, making it an easy and worthwhile detour if you’re already in the area.
Hovenweep National Monument: Found on the border of Utah and Colorado, the remaining structures you’ll see here are kivas, towers, pit houses, petroglyphs, oracle circles and more.
What To Wear In Utah In April
If you’re planning a trip to Utah in April, the weather and temperatures will vary depending on the month and location. Utah weather in April transitions from the cold winter months to the warmer spring months. It’s also a relatively dry month, but occasional spring showers do occur.
It’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter so you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear for the places you want to go and things you want to do!
For an April trip to Utah we recommend you pack layers, waterproof hiking shoes plus winter jacket, winter gloves, and winter hat for the cold mornings and evenings.
- Fleece jacket
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves
- Photographer gloves
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Rechargeable hand warmers
Places to Stay in Utah in April
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Arches National Park Lodging
- Bryce Canyon National Park Lodging
- Canyonlands National Park Lodging
- Capitol Reef National Park Lodging
- Zion National Park Lodging
Utah Bucket List
Don’t miss out on exploring the breathtaking landscapes and unique culinary experiences Utah has to offer! Check out even more fun Utah Bucket List ideas for your spring vacation. Be sure to download the free printable that includes ideas for things to see, do and taste all around the state! Click the image below!