Visiting Zion National Park in April
Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Zion National Park in April?
Many people have a trip to Zion National Park on their bucket list, but it’s important to know what to expect during the month of April.
There are so many things to see, do and photograph at Zion in the spring.
Use this guide to help you decide if an April vacation to Zion is the right time for you to enjoy outdoor spring adventures at this park.
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WHAT TO PACK FOR A NATIONAL PARK TRIP IN THE SPRING
Packing for a trip in the spring means being prepared for any type of weather!
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE National Parks Packing Checklist!
1. US National Parks Pass
- You can order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas.
- → BUY THE PASS AT REI and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
2. Hiking Gear
- Spring hiking at some national parks may mean wet trails, and even some patches of snow! You’ll want waterproof hiking boots or shoes: → Check out our favorite Merrell Moab hiking shoes!
- Hiking socks that breath… and if they prevent blisters, that’s even better: → Check out the BEST SOCKS by Darn Tough!
- Walking stick or trekking poles
3. Clothing – Layers
- Wicking and quick-drying base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket: → Columbia fleece jackets are our favorite!
- Waterproof rain jacket
4. Daypack
- WATER: → Use refillable water bottles or a hydration backpack
- FOOD: → Check out our list of healthy snacks
- Flashlight or headlamp
- National Park maps
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection with sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hand lotion
- Toilet paper (carry out in a bag – do not bury)
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Bags to pack out trash
5. Other
- Cell phone
- Portable charger
- Medications
- Binoculars
- Guide books
- Camera Gear – DOWNLOAD the free camera gear checklist!
- Photography gear for hiking
TOP REASON TO VISIT ZION IN APRIL
Weather!! The weather at Zion in April is amazing for outdoor hiking and exploring. But that also means lots of other people in the park so it’s very busy.
And due to melting snowpack in the area, the rivers and waterfalls in Zion in April are full. If you enjoy photographing waterfalls and rivers, then you’ll love visiting Zion in the spring.
BIGGEST DRAWBACK
The crowds, especially during spring break, is a big drawback for an April trip to Zion.
Due to the moderate spring temperatures, most of the hiking trails at Zion National Park will be busy. We suggest you try some of the Zion hikes without the shuttle to try to escape the busy Zion Canyon.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING
Does the Shuttle Run in April?
Zion is the most-visited national park in Utah and it gets crowded during the peak seasons of late spring, summer and fall.
In April the shuttle runs every day and that’s the only way to access Zion Canyon.
**Be sure to check the shuttle schedule for exact dates for the month of April.
Weather at Zion in April
April weather at Zion National Park is picture-perfect. Be prepared with rain 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.
The days and nights are just right this time of year at Zion. In April the highs are usually in the mid 70s and the lows are in the mid 40s. The mornings and evening will be cool so you’ll want a jacket. Layers are best for all-day activities.
Does Zion National Park Close in April?
Zion National Park is open all year long. It is open every day of the year.
Can you drive through Zion National Park in April?
In April you won’t be able to drive your car through Zion Canyon. The shuttles run a full schedule every day.
You can always access the other Zion scenic drives: Highway 9, Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyon.
SCENIC DRIVES IN APRIL
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel is a must-drive! The tunnel is 1.1 miles long and the elevation gain is 800 feet. Driving along Highway 9 from Zion Canyon to the east entrance is breathtaking! Take advantage of the pullouts to stop and take photos, or even take a hike, and look for big horn sheep!
We enjoy driving the Kolob Terrace road that’s accessed west of Springdale in the town of Virgin. You’ll see a different side of Zion there, AND you can escape the crowds!
About 40 miles north of Zion Canyon, you can drive the Kolob Canyons section of the park. Again, check road conditions because this road closes frequently in the winter.
Read all about the four scenic drives in Zion you can take to enjoy the park in April
HIKING IN APRIL
Hiking at Zion in April is one of the best times when it’s good weather and the sun is out. It’s quite different from summer when you’re sweating and worrying about heat exhaustion.
Remember it’s still important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen even if it’s not a hot day!
If a storm rolls through, you may encounter falling rocks, rockslides and closed trails due to unsafe conditions. The Narrows trail will close when the water is running at a certain rate.
You’ll want to check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions before setting out on any hike in April.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN APRIL
The best times to photograph the park are sunrise and sunset. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed.
Our two favorite places to capture the sunrise glow on the Zion canyon mountains are behind the museum and the view at the end of the Canyon Overlook trail.
We like to photograph the reflected glow of sunset you see on the Watchman along the Pa’rus Trail.
VIEW WILDLIFE IN APRIL
April is a great time to see wildlife in the park like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Deer like to hang out in the area near the Pa’rus trail in the big open area between the visitor center and the bridge.
We’ve always had good success seeing the bighorn sheep when driving Highway 9, so keep your eyes open as you take that scenic drive!
What is the Best Time to Visit Zion?
ALWAYS remember to check the forecast and road conditions because things change from day to day.
From our experience, Zion in April is the best weather for hiking, but it’s crowded. Avoid spring break and weekends if you can.
Zion does get HOT during the summer, so the best times to visit would be spring, fall and winter.
