Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in April
We’ve put together a guide of what it’s like to visit Utah in April. The weather is “just right” in April making it one of the best months to visit Utah for outdoor activities to explore the state and its extraordinary national parks.
April weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The higher elevations may still have snow and will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
There are a lot of Utah spring break ideas and activities for visiting in April. You’ll find a number of things to do all around the state: scenic drives, hiking, biking, river rafting, tours, photography, and more!
We have lived in and traveled around Utah for over 20 years. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting various Utah locations, especially in the month of April. This guide details places to visit, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay for a Utah vacation in April.
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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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Northern and Southern Utah in April
Northern Utah in April:
Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo are the three main cities in Northern Utah. You’ll find main streets with shopping, restaurants, nightlife, festivals, historic buildings and performing arts.
In April, the higher elevations in the mountains will still have snow so you might be able to snowshoe, snow ski, or snowmobile. The lower elevations might get a snow storm here or there, and the hiking trails may still be wet and muddy.
Southern Utah in April:
It’s important to note that the drive from Northern to Southern Utah means passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.
Check to see where the Utah vacation spots are located around the state because a drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.
All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah. They are popular destinations for spring break in Utah so be prepared for crowds!
You may still need winter clothing at the higher elevations, and at Bryce Canyon. At the least, be prepared with waterproof layers and waterproof hiking shoes for the rain and snow in April
Utah Weather in April
Here’s a summary of the average Utah weather in April around the state:
Average April temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 62 / lows 42 degrees F. The average April precipitation in the Northern part of Utah:
- Salt Lake City – 10 days / 2.2 inches
- Logan – 10 days / 2.3 inches
- Provo – 10 days / 1.9 inches
- Alta – 12 days / 4.8 inches of snow
- Park City – 10 days / 2.3 inches of snow
Average April temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 75 / lows 46 degrees F. The average April precipitation in the Southern part of Utah:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 5 days / 0.7 inches
- Bryce Canyon – 6 days / 0.8 inches
- Capitol Reef – 5 days / 0.5 inches
- Cedar City – 6 days / 1.2 inches
- Zion – 6 days / 1.2 inches
- St. George – 3 days / 0.7 inch
It’s good to be prepared for the expected weather forecast and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in April so we’ve written detailed guides for each National Park in Utah:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
In the spring it’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection for any outdoor activities:
- WATER: Drink plenty of water – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
- FOOD: Pack and eat healthy snacks.
- SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, and hydrating lotion, especially if you’re not used to dry heat.
- LAYERS: Pack an insulated jacket, fleece jacket, winter hat, and gloves for the cold mornings and evenings.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Utah?
Trying to decide the best times to visit Utah? It really depends on the things you want to do!
Northern Utah: In April you can still enjoy winter activities like snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the mountains. You can enjoy the lower elevation hiking trails, but they might still be wet and muddy.
Southern Utah: The National Parks are popular destinations for Spring Break in Utah. Be prepared for crowds. The weather will be just right for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Utah in April
Here’s a fun list of things to do and places to visit in Utah in April! Explore the breathtaking beauty of Utah’s national parks, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await.
There are a number of spring activities to do in Utah from hiking and biking trails to water sports and landscape photography.
Utah National Parks in April
All of the Utah National Parks in April are open 24/7 year-round. Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated information for the Visitor Center hours and services available at each park in April.
NOTE: Arches and Zion are two of the nine US National Parks requiring reservations.
Arches Timed Entry: You must have a timed entry reservation to enter the park from April 1 to October 31. You can enter Arches National Park before 7am and after 4pm without an advance reservation.
Zion Hiking Permits: There are three year-round permits required for hiking these trails:
- Angels Landing hiking permit for the chains section – you can hike to Scouts Landing and back without a permit.
- Left Fork North Creek Subway
- Full 16-mile Narrows hike
Enjoy spring activities in Utah National Parks like hiking, biking, scenic drives, off-roading, landscape photography, and more!
We’ve written specific guides about visiting Utah National Parks in April:
- Arches National Park in April
- Bryce Canyon in April
- Canyonlands National Park in April
- Capitol Reef National Park in April
- Zion National Park in April
Utah State Parks in April
In April you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, stargazing, and camping at a variety of Utah State Parks. Here are a few of the parks we recommend visiting in April.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
Hiking in Utah in April
In April, the trails in the mountains of Northern Utah may still be snow-covered so you’ll still need snowshoes or traction devices.
In Southern Utah the trails should be free of snow, but may be wet since April is a rainy month.
There are plenty of trails for spring hiking in Utah National Parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas. You’ll find a trail for any level of hiker from gentle, scenic routes perfect for beginners to steep, rugged trails that will test even the most experienced hiker’s stamina, the variety is endless.
Check out these fun spring hiking ideas around Utah at all five Utah National Parks:
- Arches National Park Spring Hikes
- Bryce Canyon Spring Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Spring Hikes
- Capitol Reef National Park Spring Hikes
- Zion National Park Spring Hikes
- Moab Spring Hikes
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike
Utah Scenic Drives in April
Utah has more than 400,000 miles of roads to explore. In April, the state transitions from the snowy blanket of winter into a picturesque canvas of vivid colors and breathtaking landscapes, making it the perfect time to explore Utah Scenic Drives.
Here’s a list of scenic drives in Utah we recommend exploring during the month of May:
- Anticline Overlook
- Needles Overlook
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway
- Scenic Byway 12
- Valley of the Gods
The scenic drives in Utah National Parks offer some of the best views and landscapes in America. All five parks have a road to explore the various points of interest with things to see, do and photograph at each stop.
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
Have you heard about the Utah National Parks GuideAlong App? It’s a great way to have your own private guide to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
Utah Photography in April
The best times to photograph the Utah National Parks is during the sunrise and sunset hours. The sun on the red rocks is vibrant and a spectacular sight.
There are so many photo spots around Utah to capture images of the diverse and unique landscape around the state!
- Guide to Moab Photography
- Guide to Kanab Photography
- Arches National Park Pictures
- Bryce Canyon Pictures
- Canyonlands National Park Photos
- Capitol Reef National Park photos
- Dead Horse Point State Park Photos
- Zion National Park Photos
Utah Stargazing in April
Stargazing is a must-do activity in Utah. The state has the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world. We definitely recommend you take time to view the Utah night skies during your vacation.
In April from 1 am until sunrise you can see and photograph the milky way!
Northern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Dinosaur National Monument
- East Canyon State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
- North Fork Park
Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
Utah Tours in April
You’ll find a variety of tours around Utah in April: hiking, rock climbing, photography, off-roading, and more! At the Utah National Parks there are guided tour to explore the red rock landscape!
- Arches National Park Tours
- Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
- Canyonlands National Park Tours
- Capitol Reef National Park Tours
- Zion National Park Tours
- Moab Tours
Utah Camping in April
Utah is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, with its vast array of national parks and monuments offering a wealth of camping opportunities. In Northern Utah, April will still be too early for camping in the mountains.
In Southern Utah, you’ll find options for camping at all five Utah National Parks as well as RV Parks and BLM campgrounds near each park. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in nature or a bustling campground with plenty of amenities, there is something for everyone when it comes to camping in Utah’s national parks.
Places to Stay in Utah in April
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- RV parks near Utah National Parks
- Lodging in Utah National Parks
- Hotels Near Utah National Parks
Utah Bucket List of Things To Do
To find even MORE fun things to do in April, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free printable by clicking the graphic below!
