April is prime time for Utah's red-rock parks, between winter cold and summer's 100-degree days, and for Appalachian wildflowers. Spring comes to the Smokies from the valleys upward.
Days in the 60s and 70s make Delicate Arch and Devils Garden comfortable in a way they won't be by June. No timed entry is required in 2026, but parking at popular trailheads still fills by mid-morning.
Hikes to do: Delicate Arch, Devils Garden Loop, The Windows Loop, Fiery Furnace (permit)
Don't miss: Delicate Arch at sunset, The Windows and Double Arch, Fiery Furnace (permit or ranger tour required)
Tip: Fiery Furnace permits and ranger-tour tickets open only a few days ahead. See Permits & reservations on the park page.
The historic Fruita orchards bloom in April, with cherry, apricot, peach and apple blossoms against red cliffs. It's the least crowded of Utah's big five, and the temperatures are ideal.
Hikes to do: Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge
Don't miss: Fruita orchards and the Gifford House (try the pies), Capitol Gorge and the Pioneer Register, Scenic Drive
Tip: Bloom timing shifts with the weather. Early to mid-April is typical.
The Smokies are one of the most biodiverse places in the U.S. for wildflowers, and April is peak season: trillium, phlox, violets and more than 1,500 flowering species in total. Waterfalls run high with spring rain.
Hikes to do: Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls, Abrams Falls
Don't miss: Wildflower coves along the Porters Creek and Chimney Tops areas, Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Tip: A parking tag is required anywhere you park longer than 15 minutes. Get it before you go.
Cottonwoods leaf out in Zion Canyon, waterfalls run at Emerald Pools, and daytime temperatures are pleasant before summer heat. Angels Landing permits are available through the day-before lottery.
Hikes to do: Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook, Watchman Trail
Don't miss: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by shuttle, Emerald Pools after spring runoff, Kolob Canyons, which gets far fewer visitors
Tip: The Narrows often closes in spring when the Virgin River runs high with snowmelt. Check the live alerts.
Spring is the best time for the Needles district's long loops, with cool mornings, warm afternoons and slickrock that won't cook you.
Hikes to do: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Chesler Park Loop, Druid Arch
Don't miss: Mesa Arch at sunrise, Grand View Point, Needles: Chesler Park and Druid Arch
Tip: Overnight permits open months ahead and popular sites sell out. See Permits & reservations.
Green hills and wildflowers are at their peak, and April is still pleasantly cool before Pinnacles heats up in May.
Hikes to do: High Peaks Loop, Juniper Canyon Loop, Condor Gulch, Old Pinnacles Trail
Don't miss: High Peaks for condors, Balconies Cliffs, Bear Gulch Reservoir
Tip: Bring a headlamp for the talus caves.
Spring is comfortable for Texas's highest summit before summer heat. Desert blooms start in the lower canyons.
Hikes to do: Guadalupe Peak, Devil's Hall, Smith Spring Loop, El Capitan Trail
Don't miss: Guadalupe Peak, the 'Top of Texas' at 8,751 ft, El Capitan from the Pine Springs trailhead, Smith Spring oasis
Tip: Spring winds can gust over 60 mph on exposed ridges. Check the forecast before summit attempts.