The United States presents 63 nationwide parks so that you can discover and revel in. If you need to plan a spring journey, there are some things to think about. The excellent news is April is a superb time to go to lots of our parks. We’ll define the perfect nationwide parks to go to in April within the US so you’ll be able to plan your journey.
Let’s first dive into the professionals of cons of visiting a nationwide park in April.
Professionals of a Nationwide Park Go to in April
For a lot of, summer time is the height journey season attributable to climate and scheduling.
A nationwide park go to in April has its benefits, together with:
- Smaller crowds
- Keep away from sweltering temperatures
- Doubtlessly get monetary savings on journey bills and lodging
- Some parks provide distinctive experiences this time of 12 months
Cons of a Nationwide Park Go to in April
Though you could keep away from extra in depth crowds and excessive warmth, you could encounter points similar to:
- Fewer open areas and actions attributable to restricted staffing or chilly situations
- Spring break vacationers
- Larger chance of rain in some areas
Let’s discover the perfect locations so that you can go in April.
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
Housed in Arizona, the well-known Grand Canyon attracts guests from across the globe. Just like the ocean, the huge canyon spans your whole sight view. Its magnificence and dimension are concurrently mind-boggling and breathtaking.
Climate
April brings a mean excessive of 61 levels Fahrenheit and a low of 26 at evening. The climate is usually nice, with little or no probability of rain. Snow is feasible however often solely lasts for a short while.
Why go to the Grand Canyon in April
With cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, April is a superb time to see the Grand Canyon. You possibly can count on cooler temperatures alongside the rim and hotter temperatures contained in the canyon, making April good for mountaineering.
High issues to do within the Grand Canyon
Though the North Rim continues to be closed, the South Rim presents a lot to see and do. You possibly can take scenic drives alongside Desert View Drive and Hermit Highway. Each routes present numerous overlooks the place you’ll be able to peer over the mile-deep canyon. The gorge is so deep there are various spots the place you can’t even see the Colorado River.
Climbing is fashionable this time of 12 months attributable to snug temperatures. The South Rim presents rewarding hikes, together with the Rim, South Kaibab, Hermit, and Vibrant Angel Trails.
Whereas exploring the park, look ahead to elk. Though massive, they are often surprisingly quiet.
In the event you’re going mountaineering, be certain to get some nice high quality mountaineering sun shades – additionally take a look at our mountaineering gear information.
Try these Grand Canyon actions.
Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park
The Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park rests within the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas, simply south of the New Mexico border. It’s considered one of America’s least-visited nationwide parks. The park includes 5 districts that home rugged mountains, deserts, white gypsum dunes, and purple quartz hills.
As a bonus, one can find two different nationwide parks close by. You possibly can attain Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Park inside a 45-minute drive and White Sands Nationwide Park in 3 hours.
Climate
The typical excessive temperature in April is 71 levels Fahrenheit, whereas the common low is 46. You possibly can count on heat and nice climate with loads of sunshine. Temperatures are 5 to 10 levels cooler in larger mountain elevations. Salt Basin Dunes, one of many park’s districts, usually sees temperatures 5 to 10 levels above these averages.
Why go to Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park in April
The windy season within the Guadalupe Mountains usually happens from November by March. Throughout that point, the realm persistently has 30-mile-per-hour winds with gusts from 50 to 80 miles per hour. April presents a small window after the windy season and earlier than the temperatures warmth up in Might.
High issues to do in Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park
The park presents many rewarding hikes that take you thru rocky canyons, rugged mountains, and boulders. You acquire spectacular views alongside the journey.
Satan’s Corridor Path features a pure staircase and a slim corridor between two steep canyon partitions. You possibly can hike to the “high of Texas” on the Guadalupe Peak Path. Different fashionable hikes embody the Permian Reef Path and the trek to Pratt Cabin. The cabin has rocking chairs the place you’ll be able to relaxation with an alluring view of the mountains.
Though not the tallest mountain, El Capitan, the park’s most outstanding peak, makes for wonderful images. Suppose you intention to see wildlife, hike to Manzanita Spring or Smith Spring close to sundown.
To see the white gypsum dunes and purple quartz hills, head to the park’s Salt Basin Dunes district.
Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park
Situated in northern Ohio between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park delivers a novel assortment of landscapes and actions. The park honors Ohio’s historical past, offers stunning surroundings, and loads of leisure alternatives.
Climate
The temperature reaches a mean excessive of 57 levels Fahrenheit and a mean low of 38 in April. Snow is feasible however much less possible because the month progresses. Though the warming climate brings sunshine, rain is feasible this time of 12 months.
Why go to Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park in April
Spring rain yields colourful blooming wildflowers and ample gushing waterfalls. The park accommodates Tub Highway Heronry, a nesting colony for a whole bunch of nice blue herons from mid-February by June. You possibly can witness courtship shows and nice blue herons elevating their younger.
High issues to do in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park
Go to Tub Highway Heronry to look at the good blue herons. If you wish to see extra wildlife, go to Beaver Marsh. The peaceable, boggy space teems with numerous natural world. Try Brandywine Falls, a stunning 60-foot cascading waterfall.
Ledges Path is a wooded path that leads you to a pure stone viewing platform, Ledges Overlook. The spot yields terrific views and makes for an ideal place for a memorable sundown.
You possibly can hike or bike alongside the Towpath Path, which follows the historic Ohio and Erie Canal, and is identical path the place mules pulled canal boats within the 1800s and early 1900s. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) presents themed prepare rides inside the park year-round. Go to the CVSR website to see the schedule, availability, and pricing.
Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park
Straddling the borders of jap California and Nevada, Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park is America’s hottest, driest, and lowest nationwide park. It’s a land of extremes and contrasts with a stunning variety of life that defies its title.
Climate
April brings a mean excessive of 90 levels and a low of 62. Though scorching, Might by September averages exceed 100 levels. The probabilities of rain are slim to none. You possibly can count on the climate to be scorching and dry.
Why go to Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park in April
You will have two good causes to go to the park in April. First, the common excessive temperature is beneath 100 levels. Second, you may have an out of doors probability to see a superbloom.
What’s a superbloom? It’s a uncommon desert incidence the place an unusually excessive variety of wildflowers blossom concurrently, blanketing the desert in an enormous splash of sensible colours.
High issues to do in Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park
Past praying for a superbloom, Loss of life Valley is a top-notch place for stargazing attributable to a scarcity of sunshine air pollution. Go to throughout a brand new moon for even darker skies.
Go to the beautiful erosional panorama of Zabriskie Level. Take a scenic tour on Artist’s Drive, the place you will notice multi-colored eroded hills, together with the surreal Artist’s Palette.
Go to the huge salt flats of Badwater Basin, the bottom level in all of North America. With a drive and a brief hike, you’ll be able to overlook the valley and Badwater Basin from Dante’s View.
Slide down the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and admire the mesquite timber that thrive amongst the rolling dunes within the harsh desert situations. In the event you want a break from the warmth or some leisure, you’ll be able to drive to Las Vegas.
Try these actions in Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park.
White Sands Nationwide Park
An enormous pocket of rolling dunes between two mountain ranges in New Mexico, White Sands Nationwide Park is an odd however stunning playground. You’ll have your finest seaside day with gorgeous surroundings and distinctive leisure alternatives.
Climate
April offers heat days and funky evenings, with a mean excessive of 79 levels and a low of 40. Rain is unlikely, however it could get windy within the spring.
Why go to White Sands Nationwide Park in April
Wildflowers sometimes start to bloom in mid-April, together with sand verbena, Hartweg’s sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. Though the white sands look magnificent towards a blue sky, the wildflowers add distinctive touches of shade.
Word that the park usually will get crowded close to Easter and through spring break.
High issues to do in White Sands Nationwide Park
Sand sledding is a must-do exercise at White Sands. Though climbing up dunes of free sand is tiring, the experience down is a blast.
You’ll not discover an ocean, however you’ll be able to nonetheless construct a citadel, dig, and play within the sand. The sand, made from gypsum, surprisingly doesn’t soak up warmth. So it feels cool in your palms and toes.
With stunning surroundings, the park is nice for a photograph shoot or a picnic. You’ll find hikes starting from a boardwalk stroll to an intense journey of climbing dunes. With a little bit of planning, you’ll be able to see the dunes underneath the glow of a full moon on a ranger-led hike.
Redwood Nationwide and State Parks
You’ll find a number of the world’s tallest timber burrowed within the northern California coast within the Redwood Nationwide and State Parks. The forests abound with magnificence and serenity virtually past comprehension.
Climate
April could carry some rain, however temperatures sometimes vary from 42 to 59 levels. Though the wet season spans October by April, the final month often brings much less rain than the previous months. Might by September could have much less rain, however the park will get crowded throughout this time.
Why go to Redwood Nationwide and State Parks in April
April is a small window of time with lowering rains and small crowds. Wildflowers start to bloom, including vivid coats of paint to the panorama.
High issues to do in Redwood Nationwide and State Parks
Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, the place one can find big timber and plenty of locations to cease and discover. The parks present many beautiful forested trails, together with Stout Grove Path, Grove of Titans, Boy Scout Tree Path, Fern Canyon, Tall Timber Grove, and Woman Hen Johnson Grove. The entire hikes are incredible.
For many who love wildlife, Redwood Nationwide and State Parks home North America’s largest species of elk, the Roosevelt elk. The gorgeous animal can exceed 1,000 kilos.
A shock to some guests, the parks provide nice tide pooling alternatives. You possibly can cross a land bridge at low tide to go to Battery Level Lighthouse. Throughout excessive tide, it’s an island. Seals, sea lions, and birds inhabit the lighthouse space.
Saguaro Nationwide Park
Many guests touring to the western United States mistakenly count on to see big cacti in abundance. Satirically, saguaros, the long-lasting big cacti representing the American West, solely develop within the Sonoran Desert. Head to Saguaro Nationwide Park in southern Arizona, and one can find practically two million of them.
Climate
As you’ll be able to think about, the climate within the Sonoran desert is scorching and dry. Temperatures in April are tolerable, with a mean excessive of 83 levels Fahrenheit and a low of 52.
Why go to Saguaro Nationwide Park in April
Though temperatures are most snug within the winter, April has tolerable temperatures and blooming flowers. Desert wildflowers can begin blooming in February, however many bloom from mid-March to mid-April. Saguaros can show colourful blossoms the final two weeks of April, usually peaking in late Might or early June.
High issues to do in Saguaro Nationwide Park
It’s important to notice the park has two separate, unconnected areas:
- Saguaro West: Tucson Mountain District
- Saguaro East: Rincon Mountain District
Saguaro West has a extra vital focus of saguaros, whereas Saguaro East presents higher mountain views. Each areas present loads of saguaros and surreal desert magnificence.
Climbing is the park’s hottest exercise. Strolling beside the cacti places in perspective their dimension and sturdiness. As you hang around with the cacti, you’ll swear they develop personalities. Widespread hikes in Saguaro West embody Valley View Overlook Path and Sign Hill Path, which homes distinctive petroglyphs. Guests to Saguaro East usually recommend mountaineering the Mica View Loop.
Think about exploring the park by taking a scenic drive. Saguaro West presents Bajada Loop Drive, whereas Saguaro East has Cactus Forest Drive. You’ll acquire wonderful views of the cacti and mountains because the mud settles.
Saguaro Nationwide Park presents gorgeous sunsets because the sky glows behind the silhouettes of the cacti. Benefit from the view, cooling temperatures, and sounds of animals making ready to feed.
Everglades Nationwide Park
Florida homes Everglades Nationwide Park, the place a slow-moving river of grass accommodates alligators, turtles, fish, birds, and extra. Exploring the park seems like a zoo with out boundaries the place alligators bask within the solar alongside strolling paths. Though stunning, it may be scary at instances.
Climate
Everglades Nationwide Park has two seasons, moist and dry. The dry season runs from December by April. You possibly can count on a mean excessive of 85 levels and a low of 61. Though heat, it isn’t practically as scorching and humid because the moist season.
Why go to Everglades Nationwide Park in April
Since it’s the final month of the dry season, you’ll be able to count on heat temperatures with fewer mosquitoes. You even have higher probabilities of recognizing wildlife. As soon as the temperatures begin climbing in Might, many animals cover all through the day.
High issues to do in Everglades Nationwide Park
Probably the most thrilling issues to do in Everglades Nationwide Park is to take an airboat tour. Zipping subsequent to alligators within the river of grass is a thrill experience.
There are many mountaineering trails the place you’ll be able to observe wildlife. Anhinga Path places you subsequent to alligators, turtles, and plenty of birds. It accommodates paved and boardwalk sections and is an absolute delight. The water is so clear you’ll readily detect fish and turtles beneath the lily pads.
In the event you desire to keep away from mountaineering, you’ll be able to experience a bicycle or take a tram tour. You possibly can kayak by a maze of mangrove islands within the park’s western part. Manatees often swim in Flamingo, the park’s southern district. Guests usually spot crocodiles and ospreys in Flamingo.
Shenandoah Nationwide Park
Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Nationwide Park presents a blissful forested mountain escape. Serenity envelops you as you absorb beautiful views mountaineering by the woods and peering out at mountains from spectacular overlooks.
Climate
The typical excessive for April is 56 levels, whereas the low is 36. Temperatures can differ significantly from the mountainous elevations to the decrease valleys. It’s nonetheless considerably cool, and rain is actually attainable this time of 12 months.
Why go to Shenandoah Nationwide Park in April
Shenandoah Nationwide Park attracts massive crowds in summer time and fall. Spring is a superb time to go to when crowd ranges are decrease. Blooming wildflowers spotlight the landscapes like paint on a canvas. Though most of the park’s waterfalls are lackluster or nonexistent in summer time, it is best to discover gushing waterfalls in April.
High issues to do in Shenandoah Nationwide Park
The 105-mile Skyline Drive is considered one of America’s finest scenic drives, with 75 overlooks. Take your time and savor the views. Chances are you’ll encounter white-tailed deer or black bears in your journey.
The park presents greater than 500 miles of gorgeous, forested trails. You’ll find the whole lot from difficult multiple-day treks to quick, straightforward hikes. Stony Man Path and Blackrock Summit provide rewarding hikes with wonderful views. Higher Hawksbill Path takes you to the park’s highest summit, whereas Darkish Hole Falls Path yields a picturesque waterfall.
For these looking for extra excessive adventures, you’ll be able to strive mountain biking, bouldering, or mountaineering.
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
Situated in Arizona, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park showcases stone logs, striped mounds, badlands, and parts of historic Route 66. The park presents surreal landscapes that always get ignored as a result of state’s characteristic park, the Grand Canyon.
Climate
Common each day temperatures swing from 35 to 70 levels in April. Though the area’s rainfall is low, snow or rain is feasible this time of 12 months.
Why go to Petrified Forest Nationwide Park in April
Crowd ranges are low in April. Because of the remaining moisture popping out of the winter months, the surreal striated landscapes pop with even brighter colours. It’s magical.
High issues to do in Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
You possibly can see the park’s highlights in someday. The principle park street is a 28-mile loop with locations to cease and discover. Mix the drive with just a few quick hikes, and you’ll have the makings of a pleasant day.
You acquire beautiful views of the badlands from numerous overlooks alongside the primary street. The Tepees, massive roadside mounds with brightly painted layers, additionally await you.
Hike the Blue Mesa Path, the place you acquire shut views of gorgeous striped hills. Crystal Forest, one other quick however fashionable hike, loops round a subject suffering from petrified logs. Newspaper Rock is an overlook with viewfinders pointed at greater than 650 petroglyphs. Cease on the outdated Studebaker for a photograph op and pay homage to Route 66.
Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
The Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park stretches alongside the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, providing misty mountain views and plenty of leisure alternatives. The mountain retreat accommodates lush forests, vivid wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, thrilling wildlife, and extra.
Climate
Mid-April usually brings milder temperatures, with daytime temperatures reaching the 70s. Temperatures can dip beneath freezing at evening in larger elevations. Afternoon showers are frequent this time of 12 months.
Why go to Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park in April
As America’s most visited park, the Nice Smoky Mountains get particularly crowded in summer time and fall. In the event you can keep away from Easter and spring break, crowd ranges might be decrease with delicate climate within the second half of April. The spring temperatures and rain reward you with stunning wildflowers and full waterfalls.
High issues to do in Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
With forests, mountains, and waterfalls, mountaineering is likely one of the park’s hottest actions. If you’re up for a steep, half-mile climb, you’ll be able to ascend Clingman’s Dome, the park’s highest level. On the high, one can find an remark tower yielding beautiful views.
In the event you love waterfalls, hike Roaring Fork, the place you’ll encounter Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, and the Place of a Thousand Drips. Favourite hikes of tourists additionally embody Rocky High, Laurel Falls, and Chimney Tops.
The park offers many roads for an auto tour. In the event you love scenic drives, take into account the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park to Shenandoah Nationwide Park on a stunning 469-mile drive with 26 tunnels and greater than 200 overlooks.
You possibly can go to one or each of the park’s historic grist mills for one thing completely different. Cable Mill is water powered whereas Mingus Mill is turbine powered.
Black bear sightings are fairly frequent within the Smokies. Whereas exploring the park, concentrate on your environment.
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Resting in southern California, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is house to its bristled and twisted namesake timber that share the tough desert atmosphere with distinctive, rugged rock formations. The park is a conjunction of two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, that harbor a wide range of fascinating natural world.
Climate
You possibly can count on temperatures within the higher 40s at evening and higher 70s throughout the day. It is likely one of the most snug instances of the 12 months, and there may be little or no probability of rain.
Why go to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park in April
March and April current desert wildflowers in bloom, highlighting the usually drab panorama. With little rain and cozy temperatures, the park attracts fairly just a few guests this time of 12 months to see the flowers and hike. Regardless of an uptick in guests, the temperatures and flowers make March and April a good time to go to.
High issues to do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
With distinctive rock formations, Joshua timber, and numerous cacti, mountaineering and exploring are the preferred issues to do within the park. High hikes embody Cranium Rock Path and Arch Rock Path. You can even discover Coronary heart Rock close to Arch Rock Path. These iconic rocks make nice picture ops.
Discover Hidden Valley, a big bowl-shaped basin surrounded by boulders and stacks of rocks. You’ll find a loop path on the basin’s inside. Head to Keys View, the place you acquire a incredible vantage level of valleys and mountains for so far as you’ll be able to see.
The peaceable Cholla Cactus Backyard, with mountains within the background, is ideal for images. You’ll find a number of oases within the park to discover as effectively.
Strolling alongside the surreal landscapes all through the park makes for an pleasant day. Dusk brings a superb alternative for stargazing. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is an Worldwide Darkish Sky Park. Attempt to not go to throughout a full moon, and it is best to uncover the gorgeous Milky Means.
See additionally: Issues to Do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Wrap-up: Greatest nationwide parks to go to in April
Summer season isn’t the one time to go to a nationwide park within the US. An April go to presents delicate temperatures and smaller crowds. Some parks have distinctive alternatives this time of 12 months as effectively. Like a wildflower, your nationwide park adventures can bloom in April.
For extra tips about visiting nationwide parks within the US, take a look at the beneath posts:
