April is one of the best shoulder-season months to visit Zion National Park.
The weather is warming, wildflowers and cottonwoods begin to pop with color, and the crowds start to swell with spring break travelers
But it’s still a transitional month with shifting river levels, strong shuttle demand, and variable trail conditions. If you love dramatic cliff scenery, iconic hikes, and comfortable spring temperatures, April can be a fantastic time to explore Zion — just plan ahead and check trail conditions before you go.
Let’s take a look at exactly what to expect in Zion National Park in April.
‼️ If you just want a quick snapshot about my thoughts on the best time to visit Zion National Park, check out my Best Time to Go To Zion National Park guide. ‼️
Zion National Park in April
Weather in April
April in Zion brings warmer days and cool nights, a dramatic contrast from winter and a welcome break before summer’s desert heat:
Daytime highs: Typically in the 60s to low 70s°F — pleasant for hiking and sightseeing.
Nights: Still cool, often dipping into the 40s°F or lower depending on conditions.
Spring conditions: Early April may still see needed layers in shade or early mornings, and snowmelt can keep river levels high.
‼️ Pro tip: Bring a mix of layers — sun, wind, and occasional showers are all possible in spring.
Roads and Shuttle System
April falls squarely into shuttle season in Zion Canyon. The shuttle system runs from early spring through late fall, and it’s the only way to access the iconic scenic drive and major trailheads (private cars aren’t allowed on the canyon road when shuttles are operating). Shuttles are:
Free to ride — no tickets or reservations required.
Operating throughout April, with frequent service from early morning until evening.
Running from Zion Canyon Visitor Center up to Temple of Sinawava, dropping hikers at key stops like The Grotto (Angels Landing/West Rim), Big Bend, and Trail Junction.
‼️ Read my Guide to the Zion Shuttle
Because April often overlaps with spring break and weekend crowds, arriving early at shuttle stops can help you beat the lines.
Kolob Terrace Road is usually closed November – June due to snow, so is not open in April.
Kolob Canyons Road is technically open all year, but closes frequently in winter due to snow or ice. It’s usually OK in April, but always check the NPS website for current conditions.
Places to Stay
Inside The Park
Zion Lodge is one of the only non-camping place to stay inside the park canyon, and staying here gives you major perks:
Walking access to trails like Emerald Pools, The Grotto, and easy paths nearby.
No shuttle needed to reach many hikes; shuttle boarding and drop-offs are right at the lodge area.
Restaurant and amenities — a nice respite after long days on the trails.
Seasonal opening: Zion Lodge typically operates year-round, but dining hours, services, and some amenities may be limited in early April. Always check lodge availability and hours before your trip.
Outside The Park
The main gateway town – just outside the main South Entrance to the park – is Springdale and there are plenty of places to stay there.
➡️ The Best Hotels Near Zion National Park
➡️ The Best Hotels in Springdale
➡️ The Best Vacation Rentals Near Zion National Park
Campgrounds
Watchman Campground is open year-round. It’s inside the canyon and fills up fast during shoulder season. Make reservations up to six months ahead of your visit. Reservations are strongly recommended.
South Campground is closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. It’s typically opens mid-March through October and is near the Visitor Center and shuttle line.
Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road. It’s not open in April – it’s typically open from June through October, depending on weather.
Visitor Centers and Amenities
Zion Canyon Visitor Center – Open daily 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Backcountry Desk at Zion Canyon Visitor Center – Open 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Kolob Canyon Visitor Center – Open daily 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Backcountry Desk at Kolob Canyon Visitor Center – Open 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Zion Human History Museum – Typically open daily in April 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Hiking Highlights in April
Angels Landing
One of Zion’s most iconic hikes, this steep, dramatic trail requires a permit year-round. The permit lottery (and sometimes a day-before availability lottery) fills quickly, and April is popular hiking season.
➡️ Read my Guide to Getting Angels Landing Permits
Spring weather usually makes the trail snow-free and accessible, but check conditions before you go — high winds, rain, or wet sandstone can make exposed sections slick.
➡️ Read my Guide to Hiking the Angels Landing Trail for more info.
➡️ Read 12 Helpful Angels Landing Tips
The Narrows
This epic river hike starts at Temple of Sinawava and follows the Virgin River through towering slot canyon walls.
Conditions in April vary: Spring snowmelt and storms can raise water levels and currents, making The Narrows more challenging or sometimes temporarily unsafe, especially early in the month. The NPS close the hike completely of water levels are too high or if there is a danger of flash flooding. Always check with rangers before hiking.
No special permit is needed for the classic bottom-up Narrows hike (unless you plan to go through-hike (tow-down) from Chamberlain’s Ranch, which does require a permit).
➡️ Read my Guide to Hiking The Narrows for more info.
Other Great April Hikes
Emerald Pools Trails — waterfalls and pools sparkle with spring melt.
Observation Point — stunning overlook high above the canyon.
➡️ Read East Mesa Trail to Observation Point Trail Guide
➡️ Read East Rim Trail to Observation Point Trail Guide
Canyon Overlook Trail — excellent sunrise/sunset views with fewer crowds.
Watchman Trail & Pa’rus Trail — great lower-elevation walks in mild weather.
⚠️Tip: Flash flood risk remains higher in spring, especially after storms. Avoid narrow slot sections during heavy rain.
➡️ Read The 10 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Other Things to Do in April
Wildflowers & Wildlife: April brings early bloom across lower canyon meadows, and wildlife like mule deer and birds are active in the warming season.
Scenic Drive (Shuttle Only): The winding Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is best experienced via shuttle, with frequent stops for overlooks and photo ops.
Ranger Programs: Check the park schedule — spring often brings ranger talks, kids’ activities, and guided walks.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Zion?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
Pros
- Excellent weather for hiking without summer’s desert heat.
- Shuttle fully operating, reducing parking stress and vehicle traffic.
- Wildflowers and wildlife return after winter dormancy.
Cons
- Crowds on popular hikes and shuttles — especially during spring break weeks.
- High water possible in The Narrows due to snowmelt.
- Permit competition for Angels Landing is fierce and demands planning.
Bottom line:
April is a prime month to experience Zion’s natural beauty — moderate temperatures, active wildlife, and full shuttle service make it a popular shoulder season.
Be prepared for busy shuttles, plan your permits ahead, and check trail conditions (especially for The Narrows) to make the most of your visit!
✨ PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ✨
Deciding when to go to Zion National Park is a very important step in planning your trip, and I hope this guide is helping.
However, as I’m sure you’re very aware, this is just one thing of many to decide.
Once you’ve decided the timing of your trip, you still need to
make an actual plan.
In fact, the thing that most people ask me about is
how to put it all together into an itinerary that makes sense. They decide when they’ll go and maybe even book their flights, but still worry about how to minimize the crowds, what to do – and when – and how to coordinate it all.
To help
take away the overwhelm of planning a trip to Zion National Park, I’ve created several super
detailed itineraries.
Without them, people often feel stressed about planning their trip. With them, they have the confidence of getting all the info they need in one spot. Plus,
there’s flexibility built in, so they can easily adapt them to their own interests and activity levels.
There are 1-, 2-, and 3- day options for Zion National Park: all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and
everything else you need to make the most of your time in Zion National Park.
➡️ Check out the 3 Zion National Park itinerary options
No matter what time you visit Zion, you will have an amazing time!
Additional help with your Zion trip planning
What do you think is the best time to travel to Zion National Park? I’d love to hear from you. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
Read more…
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