Visiting Utah National Parks in April
There are pros and cons to visiting Utah National Parks in April. As you add places to visit in Utah to your bucket list, visiting the national parks is a must!
The best thing about an April vacation to Utah National Parks is the weather. It’s cool in the morning and evening, and just right during the day when you’re enjoying outdoor activities.
Here’s our guide to enjoying Utah National Parks in April: what to pack, weather, things to do and places to stay for all five parks!
Check out our handy Utah National Park Road trip itinerary to plan your trip visiting all five parks!
Don’t forget to add the list of Utah State Parks to your list of places to visit. There are stunning State Parks near the National Parks that are must-stop locations!
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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!
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 five Utah National Parks in the spring.
When you’re trying to decide the best time to visit Utah National Parks, keep in mind that spring begins the busy season. so the roads, hiking trails and parking lots typically fill to capacity. Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations required in April.
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!
Stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, use sun protection, and use lotion and lip balm if you’re not used to a dry desert climate!
Be sure you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in April:
- 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
April 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.
April is the perfect time to explore the Arches National Park hiking trails. We recommend a good fleece jacket and waterproof hiking boots for this time of year.
Arches has a TIMED ENTRY program April through October, 2022. Visitors can book reservations first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov. The park will release reservations three months in advance in monthly blocks.
Other things you will want to do while visiting are:
- Auto Touring → Arches National Park scenic drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Hiking → Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Arches National Park Photography
- Ranger-Led programs
- Stargazing- Don’t miss checking out the amazing night skies!
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Arches:
- Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Camping
- Hotels near Arches National Park
- RV Parks Near Arches National Park
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Arches.
- Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
- Vacation Rentals – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.
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 in Canyonlands?
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, 30 miles from Moab
- Needles Canyonlands, 75 miles from Moab
Activities to do while visiting either district of Canyonlands:
- Auto tour → Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Climbing
- Hiking → Canyonlands Hikes
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Canyonlands National Park Photography at Island in the Sky
- Ranger-led programs
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands Island in the Sky
There are no lodging facilities in the park, only camping.
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Where to stay near Canyonlands
- Hotels near Canyonlands National Park
- RV Parks Near Canyonlands National Park
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Canyonlands.
- Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
- Townhomes south of town – we really like the townhomes in Spanish Valley with kitchen, washer and dryer in the unit and a swimming pool/hot tub (just a 5 minute drive south of Moab).
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!
One must-do activity is the Bryce Canyon scenic drive to see the mesmerizing Bryce Canyon views!
Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon activities to help you plan your vacation itinerary while visiting:
- Auto tour → Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Climbing
- Hiking → Bryce Canyon Hikes
- Horseback riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Bryce Canyon Sunrise Photography
- Ranger-led programs
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- Bryce Canyon National Park RV Vacation
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the 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.
April is a terrific time to explore the Capitol Reef hikes like Hickman Bridge and Grand Wash.
We always recommend visitors do the Capitol Reef scenic drive to see and photograph the Gifford Farm and landscape.
Here’s a list of fun things to do in Capitol Reef National Park:
- Auto tour → Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Fruit picking in the orchards (seasonal)
- Gifford House treats
- Hiking → Capitol Reef Hikes
- Horseback riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Ranger Led Programs
- Rock climbing
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
- Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park
- RV Parks Near Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef Resort – this is where we stay! Make it a unique experience and stay in a teepee or covered wagon!
- Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel – basic rooms and cabins with a deli and store right on the property which is so convenient!
- Vacation Rentals Near Capitol Reef – we like finding a place with a kitchen so we can prepare our own food.
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 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.
Hikers going to Angels Landing will need a permit. The National Park Service (NPS) will issue permits using online lotteries at Recreation.gov.
Check out all these fun things to do at Zion National Park:
- Auto tour → Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Backpacking
- Bicycling
- Camping
- Hiking → Zion National Park Hikes & Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
- Horseback riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum
- Photography → Zion National Park Photo Spots
- Ranger-led activities
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
- Camping in Zion National Park
- RV Parks near Zion National Park
- Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
- Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
- Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
- Vacation Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants.
Plan a Utah National Parks Vacation
- Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks
- Arches National Park Travel Guide
- Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
- Canyonlands National Park Guide
- Capitol Reef National Park Guide
- Zion National Park Travel Guide
