Springtime in Yellowstone National Park is an absolute delight. However, Yellowstone in April requires some special considerations as it is a transition period where neither winter nor summer activities are fully available. 

Yellowstone in April

If you’re visiting Yellowstone National Park for the first time, April probably isn’t the best time to visit, unless you only want to see a limited slice of this national treasure. Yellowstone in April can be the perfect time of year if you want to watch the park emerge from its winter hibernation with fewer crowds to navigate. There are some positives about visiting in April, but you need to be aware of the drawbacks as well.

Yellowstone at a glance

Recognized as the first national park in the United States, the creation of Yellowstone marked a significant shift in conservation practices, setting a precedent for protecting natural areas for public enjoyment. President Ulysses S. Grant established this park on March 1, 1872.  The establishment of Yellowstone laid the ground work for the national park system that would influence conservation efforts globally. 

Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest national parks in America. Its borders stretch into 3 states: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It’s protected lands cover an expansive area of approximately 3,472 square miles, which is equivalent to about 2.2 million acres.  There are 198 miles of main roads and 124 miles of secondary roads. 

Geography and Biography of Yellowstone

Natural landscapes sit mostly on volcanic plateaus, with 3 distinct mountain ranges, 132 square miles of lakes/rivers, forests, grasslands and geothermal features. Yellowstone’s special location helps create different habitats for many kinds of animals.  As a result, there are over 300 different bird species, 67 different mammal species, 16 species of birds, 6 species of reptiles, and 5 species of amphibians. 

Yellowstone is a unique and vital ecosystem as it supports a wide range of wildlife in a massive diverse geographical area. Given its splendor, it’s no wonder over 4.5 million people flock to this park annually, with most of those visits occurring in the summer season. Various measures to combat over tourism are being implemented in order to balance the economic benefits with the need to protect the pristine environment. These efforts include:

• Controlling visitor access at Norris Geyser Basin
• Shuttle Systems at Canyon Village
• Infrastructure Improvements

Currently, a timed entry system is not in place at Yellowstone National Park like other national parks in the United States require, but it is being considered for high-traffic areas like Midway Geyser Basin and Norris Geyser Basin. 

Weather in April

The month of April is a time of transition in the park. It is still very much like a “warmer winter” while the landscape is bursting forth with new life. Weather can be unpredictable with the possibility of rain or snow, depending on the temperature. On average there are 10 days of rain or snow in Yellowstone in April.

Temperatures can vary significantly within the park due to elevation. Average temperatures  in April for Mammoth Hot Springs is a high of 50, and a low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit.  At Old Faithful, the average temperature in April is a high of 39, and a low of 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparing for any type of Weather

Because of the unpredictable weather in the early spring, you will need to bring rain gear as well as warmer clothing.  If you bring only your ski jacket, you will be too hot most of the time and too cold when you take it off. It’s better to layer your clothing so you can adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day, and from one day to the next. Also consider what kind of footwear you bring, as the trails will range from snow to slush to mud. Waterproof boots are highly recommended! 

Not sure what to wear? 

• Feet: Hiking Boots with thick pair of warm wool socks. 
• Legs: Thin merino long johns with a thicker windproof pair of hiking pants.
• Body: A thin merino base layer shirt covered by a lightweight sun hoodie (synthetic material), a light puffy jacket
• Head: ball cap/beanie and sunglasses

Only attempt driving in the park in April if you have a lot of winter driving experience. The right vehicle along with a good set of snow tires can be a real lifesaver! Snow melts occur when daytime temperatures rise, while nighttime temperatures cause the water runoff to freeze. This can make for hazardous and icy road conditions on the park’s roads.  Road closures, due to snow accumulation are also something to be aware of. You can read the NPS’ website about road opening dates here.

As long as you’re prepared for the unpredictable weather, pack accordingly, and are realistic about your own driving abilities, visiting Yellowstone in April can be a great time. 

Arriving Early April or Late April?

Just just a few weeks can make all the difference in your adventure. In the first several weeks of April, many of the roads are closed to regular vehicles. The only road open year round is the highway that weaves through Lamar Valley.  Roads will begin opening up starting the third Friday of April, and all roads will be opened by Memorial Day Weekend in May. 

If you’re considering a trip to Yellowstone in April, pay close attention to opening dates by clicking here. 

Adventures in Early April

If you’re set on visiting Yellowstone in April, particularly the first few weeks, you’ll be limited to driving the Northeast Entrance Road (Route 212), which starts at Gardiner/Mammoth and extends to the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City, Montana. This is the only road that remains open year-round.  It runs through the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park, passing through the entire Lamar Valley. 

The Lamar Valley offers one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in North America. Because of its open landscape, animal observation is relatively easy. Both bison and elk will be calving, so there will be many mothers and baby animals in the valley.   Additionally, the dark brown fur of bison, deer, elk, grizzly bears, black bears,  and wolves will be easier to spot while there is still snow on the ground. 

Fun Fact: Bison calves are commonly referred to as “red dogs.” This nickname arises from their reddish-brown fur, which is most obvious at birth.

These animals return to Lamar Valley in April for several reasons:

• Migratory patterns from winter to summer ranges
• Reduced snow levels in the valley
• Emerging vegetation provides fresh food sources 
• Low snow levels drive animals to lower elevations
• Warmer temperatures and increasing daylight trigger migration and breeding behaviors

Another magnificent advantage of visiting Yellowstone in April is the gorgeous scenery.  Visiting Yellowstone in April, while there is still snow on the ground offers a stunning contrast between the snow-covered landscapes and the park’s steamy thermal features. The billowing steam from geysers against a backdrop of white snow creates some exceptional dramatic photos. Frost-covered bison and elk are much more visible against the snowy terrain, making them easier to photograph. Additionally, the lighting in the early morning and late afternoons offers a unique opportunity to capture some beautiful images.

Adventures in Late April

Most of the roads, beside Highway 212 don’t usually open until April 21, as does the western entrance. This opens up many of the famous sights such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, and many of the geyser basins. Visiting in the later parts of April allows visitors to not only enjoy wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley, but also the geological wonders of Yellowstone National Park. 

Expect a lot of snow in the area, particularly in the Canyon region. Access to the North and South Rim Drives to see the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River are usually open by this time. However, many overlooks will still have snow and ice on the paths, and some paths will still be closed. You won’t be able to drive all the way to Hayden Valley until the first Friday in May when that road section opens.

The South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park typically opens around the second week of May, weather permitting. This is when the heavier summer traffic begins to pick up. 

Historical Data

Taking a look at the historical data of road closures in the spring can help drive your decision on when to visit. Winter snowfall and general weather conditions change annually, but the past data can still be analyzed for a clear picture of what the spring might hold. 

• 2021: No road closures in April. Temporary road closures on May 23rd due to wintery weather conditions
• 2022: A few temporary road closures in April. Several road closures in May due to wintery weather conditions.
• 2023: No road closures in April or May.
• 2024: No road closures in April. Several park roads were closed in May for wintery weather conditions.  

As you can see, visiting Yellowstone National Park in May also poses some risks to some temporary road closures, so it is wise to prepare for both spring conditions and winter conditions when planning a trip in the spring months. 

Things to do in Yellowstone in April

Hiking

Many of the trails at lower elevations will be open for hiking, but the higher elevations will still be snow covered and hiking there may not be practical.  Visitors planning on doing any excursion into the backcountry in April should make sure they have the proper gear and understand the risks of doing so.

Hiking in Early April

Since driving Hwy 212 is the only option in early April, some options for hiking in that area may be of interest. Several trails in the Lamar Valley area are typically accessible in the spring, though the conditions of the the trails will vary based on snow melt and weather. These are some trails you may want to consider:

• The Last Lake Trail: 2.8 mile moderate hike that begins behind Roosevelt Lodge.
• Trout Lake Loop: 1.2 mile easy loop

Hiking in Late April

Given that the Old Faithful Historic District and the Upper Geyser Basin are more available to road traffic in late April, there are some hiking trails that may also be accessible at this time of year. While the boardwalks in the Upper Geyer Basin are not traditional hiking trails, these wooden boardwalks provide excellent walking opportunities to view the geothermal features in the area. Keep in mind that these wooden boardwalks may still be slippery and covered in either ice or snow. Proper footwear is essential to help avoid injury. 

Hiking trails near Yellowstone Lake to consider are:

• Natural Bridge Trail: 3 mile loop that leads to unique rock formations and is partially paved
• Storm Point Trail: 2 mile easy loop that offers beautiful views of Yellowstone Lake
• Pelican Creek Trail: 1 mile loop that great for birding

Please research the current trail conditions before heading out on any hike. Trails may be muddy and wildlife will be plentiful. Keep a safe distance of at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards away from all other wildlife. Carry bear spray, and know how to use it. Bears will be coming out from their winter season hibernation, and they will be hungry in the spring. Park rangers will close trails that have a dead animal carcasses on them as bears will aggressively defend their food sources. 

Animal Viewing

Higher concentrations of animals will be gathered in the meadows and around Lamar Valley due to more readily available food. Even if hiking is not for you, it’s easy to still enjoy Yellowstone in April through the windows of your vehicle. Stop periodically to view the scenery and bring along binoculars to gaze at wildlife. 

Photography

Dark coats against white snow not only make spotting wildlife easier, but the contrast of colors makes for excellent photographs. The snow also preserves the animal’s tracks much more clearly than mud or dirt and allows visitors the chance to see the evidence of these animals if not the animals themselves. There are several local photography tour companies that cater to visitors interests and abilities. Full day and half day tours can be reserved.  Participants can expect to visit prime locations at optimal times, helping you to capture the park’s stunning beauty and enchanting wildlife. April is an excellent time for wildlife photography as bison births occur in Lamar Valley and bears start emerging from their dens. Yellowstone Wildlife Guide Company has tours that operate in April that are customizable to the landscapes you are most eager to photograph. 

Museums 

You can enjoy the interpretive information, films and artifacts that give insight into the area’s past and future. Visiting museums and visitor centers within the park will always enhance the overall experience for travelers. Educational opportunities, personalized guidance, cultural insights and safety/orientation from well-informed park guides can help you make the most of your visit. 

Albright Visitor Center and Museum: This museum is open 365 days a year. The center features exhibits on Native American history, early exploration, and the park’s military past, along with galleries displaying works by artists like Thomas Moran and William Henry Jackson. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, a theater with educational films, and ranger-led programs that enhance their experience of Yellowstone’s natural beauty. This site not only offers essential trip-planning resources but also immerses travelers in the historical context of one of America’s most iconic national parks.

Lodging and Camping

Mammoth Campground is the only campground open year-round and offers first come-first serve sites from October through April 1st.  

Mammoth Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge are also available year-round for lodging accommodations. In late April, you can easily use West Yellowstone (west entrance) or Gardiner (north entrance) as your base to explore the park. Check the opening dates for various campgrounds and lodging options to assist with your travel date selection.

Cross-Country Skiing

There are several cross-country ski trails in Yellowstone National Park that may still be accessible in April, depending on weather conditions and spring temperatures. Trail conditions can change rapidly in April due to snow melts, so check with park rangers or the Bear Den Ski Shop (307-344-5699) for current conditions of the trails. The Bear Den Ski shop has two locations: Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful Snow Lodge offer rentals for cross-country skis and snowshoes. They also offer instruction and guided tours for both half day and full-day periods. 

• The Bannock Ski Trail: Easy 2 mile out trail that is accessible year round and suitable for beginners.
• Indian Creek Loop: 2.2 mile loop that winds through the campground and a lodgepole pine forest
• Snow Pass Ski Trail: a 4.2 mile one way forest trail with views of Swan Lake
• Sheepeater Ski Trail: A 5 mile one way trail with scenic views of Swan Lake Flats

Summary for visiting Yellowstone in April

Visiting this national treasure in the spring shoulder season many positives. Park accommodations, though limited, are usually affordable and available. The trails are quieter, offering an enhanced connection with nature without the hassle of crowds. Wildlife will be plentiful and viewing them in their natural habitats will be easy. As long as you’re aware that some parts of the park may not be available, and weather conditions can be tricky, you can make April a great time of the year for a visit to this national treasure. 

Make the most out of your adventure in Wyoming by combining this national treasure with a guided fishing trip in Jackson Hole. Click here to read our blog about this amazing experience!