Visiting Utah National Parks in April

April is one of the best months to visit Utah National Parks. It’s cool in the morning and evening, and just right during the day when you’re enjoying outdoor activities.

But Utah National Parks in April are popular spring break destinations so they will be crowded. This guide will detail the services available, weather, what to pack, where to stay and things to do in April at all 5 parks!

The best thing about Utah National Parks in the spring is the amazing weather and all the things you can see, do, and photograph! The combination of pleasant weather plus stunning natural beauty makes April an ideal month for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore Utah’s majestic national parks.

As we said, the National Parks are popular destinations for spring break in Utah so they will be crowded. We live hours away from all the parks, and have visited them during all four seasons. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the parks in April.

It’s always important to be prepared for the temperatures and weather for each specific park for the time you’ll be visiting. Use our packing list for Utah National Parks to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for 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!

What to Wear at Utah National Parks in April

The National Parks in Utah are located in the southern part of the state in a high desert climate. It’s important to stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, and use sun protection all year. If you’re not used to a dry environment, you may also need to use lotion and lip balm!

In April we recommend layers since the mornings and evenings will still be cool, and it could rain any time during the month!

• Wicking clothing
• Fleece jacket
• Rain jacket
• Darn Tough hiking socks
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Refillable water bottles
• Lotion
• Lip balm

Utah National Parks in April

If you’re planning to visit US National Parks in April, check out what it’s like to visit the Mighty 5 in Utah!

When you’re trying to decide the best time to visit Utah National Parks, keep in mind that spring begins the busy season. In April the roads, hiking trails and parking lots typically fill to capacity.

All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day. We recommend you avoid the holidays around Easter and spring break because those times are especially busy!

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

It’s important you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in April. Also check the weather forecast for the dates you’ll visit each park so you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear!

• Arches National Park weather
• Bryce Canyon National Park weather
• Canyonlands National Park weather
• Capitol Reef National Park weather
• Zion National Park weather

Arches in April

The weather at Arches National Park in April can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through with rain. But the temperatures are fabulous with highs near 70 and lows around 40 degrees.

Driving the Arches National Park scenic drive you can see “most” of the points of interest in the park. It’s a paved road that’s a total 43 miles, including the two short spur roads. Plan about 2 to 3 hours for the full drive, but add more time if you’ll be taking photos or hiking at any of the stops.

Arches National Park April Activities

• Arches National Park Spring Activities
• Arches National Park Spring Hikes
• Arches National Park Photography 
• Arches National Park Tours

Places to Stay at Arches National Park in April

• Arches National Park Lodging
• Arches National Park Camping
• Hotels Near Arches National Park
• Cabins Near Arches National Park
• Glamping Near Arches National Park

Canyonlands in April

Canyonlands National Park in April is spectacular! The temperatures are just right for outdoor fun with highs near 70 and lows around 40 degrees. Be prepared for spring rain storms that can roll through the area.

Did you know there are two main districts: Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles. Visiting Island in the Sky and The Needles must be done separately. There are no roads that provide access to each other directly. From US 191 north of Moab, UT 313 leads to Island in the Sky and from US 191 south of Moab, UT 211 leads to The Needles. 

Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky is a popular destination for great hikes, spectacular viewpoints and photography. It’s the most popular district to visit because it’s so close to Arches National Park and Moab, about a 30 minute drive.

Needles Canyonlands, on the other hand, takes about an hour and a half to get to from Moab. It has plenty of hiking, backpacking and off-roading trails, making it perfect for adventure seekers.

Canyonlands Activities in April

• Canyonlands National Park Spring Activities
• Canyonlands National Park Spring Hikes
• Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
• Canyonlands National Park Photos
• Canyonlands National Park Tours

Places to Stay Near Canyonlands in April

• Canyonlands National Park Lodging
• Hotels near Canyonlands National Park
• Glamping near Canyonlands National Park
• Cabins near Canyonlands National Park

Bryce Canyon in April

The weather at Bryce Canyon in April is still unpredictable due to the elevation. Spring rain, and even snow, can close roads and create muddy conditions on the hiking trails. The highs are in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Pack your winter weather clothing for those cold mornings and evenings!

There are 10 must-see Bryce Canyon viewpoints along the scenic drive. Every overlook displays a different perspective of nature and geology! We recommend you drive all the way to Rainbow Point then make your way back to the Visitor Center. This way all overlooks are on your right and you avoid making left turns on the busy road!

Bryce Canyon Activities in April

• Bryce Canyon Spring Activities
• Bryce Canyon Spring Hikes
• Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
• Bryce Canyon Sunrise Photography
• Bryce Canyon National Park Tours

Places to Stay Near Bryce Canyon in April

• Bryce Canyon National Park Lodging
• Bryce Canyon National Park Camping 
• Bryce Canyon Hotels
• Boondocking Near Bryce Canyon
• Glamping Near Bryce Canyon National Park
• Cabins Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Capitol Reef in April

The weather at Capitol Reef National Park in April is still cool during the day and cold at night, and you may experience rain. The highs are in the 60s and lows in the mid 30s.

A favorite treat is stopping by the Gifford Homestead for the homemade pies and ice cream! Get there early because they will sell out by the end of the day.

The Capitol Reef scenic drive is a must-do activity to see and photograph the cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges! If weather allows, and you have the right vehicle, check out these more remote drives:

• Capitol Reef Cathedral Valley Loop
• Capitol Reef Burr Trail Loop

Capitol Reef National Park April Activities

• Capitol Reef National Park Spring Activities
• Capitol Reef National Park Spring Hikes
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
• Capitol Reef National Park Photos
• Capitol Reef National Park Tours

Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef in April

• Capitol Reef National Park Lodging
• Capitol Reef National Park Camping
• Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park
• Glamping Near Capitol Reef National Park
• Cabins Near Capitol Reef National Park

Zion in April

The weather at Zion National Park in April is just right for outdoor activities. The highs are in the 70s and lows in the 40s degrees Fahrenheit. The mornings and evenings will be cool so pack a jacket.

In April the Zion National Park shuttle runs every day and that’s the only way to access Zion Canyon. There are three other Zion National Park scenic drives you can explore without a shuttle!

The Zion National Park hikes are world famous, but many of them will require using the shuttle. But here’s a handy list of Zion hikes without the shuttle.

Zion National Park April Activities

• Zion National Park Spring Activities
• Zion National Park Spring Hikes
• Zion National Park Scenic Drives
• Zion National Park Photo Spots
• Zion National Park Tours

Places to Stay in Zion in April

• Zion National Park Lodging
• Camping in Zion National Park
• Hotels Near Zion National Park
• Glamping Near Zion National Park
• Cabins Near Zion National Park

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Plan a Utah National Parks Vacation

• Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
• Utah National Parks With Kids
• Scenic Drives in Utah National Parks
• Utah National Parks Activities
• Utah National Parks Tours
• Hiking in Utah National Parks
• Best Photography Spots at Utah National Parks