Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Yellowstone National Park
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Wildlife viewing reaches peak season - bears emerge from hibernation, bison calving begins, and wolf activity increases dramatically with 20+ hours of daylight by month's end
- Thermal features perform spectacularly in cold air with steam plumes reaching 30-50 m (100-165 ft) high, creating the most dramatic geyser photography conditions of the year
- Crowds remain minimal with 80% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning unobstructed views at major attractions and wildlife jams lasting minutes instead of hours
- April offers the park's most dynamic month with rapidly changing conditions - one day brings fresh snow, the next reveals emerging wildflowers and migrating birds returning
Considerations
- Road access severely limited with only northern loop and northeast entrance open - Grand Canyon area, Old Faithful, and southern sections remain closed until late April or May
- Weather extremely unpredictable with temperature swings of 25°C (45°F) in single days, sudden snowstorms possible even late month, requiring constant gear adjustments
- Accommodation options restricted to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel only, with most park services, visitor centers, and dining facilities still closed from winter shutdown
Best Activities in April
Wildlife Photography Expeditions
April delivers Yellowstone's premier wildlife viewing as bears emerge hungry from hibernation, bison begin calving in Lamar Valley, and wolves become hyperactive with increased prey availability. Morning temperatures around -2°C (28°F) keep animals active longer into daylight hours. Lamar and Hayden Valleys offer 360-degree visibility with minimal vegetation blocking views.
Thermal Feature Tours
Cold April air creates the most spectacular thermal displays of the year with steam columns from hot springs and geysers reaching maximum height and visibility. Mammoth Hot Springs terraces appear especially dramatic against snow backdrop. Early morning visits around 7-8am offer best photographic conditions when temperature differential peaks.
Cross-Country Skiing Adventures
April snow conditions remain excellent for backcountry skiing with 60-120 cm (2-4 ft) base depths in higher elevations. Warmer daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) create ideal spring skiing without extreme cold. Backcountry routes offer solitude and unique thermal feature access impossible during summer crowds.
Northern Loop Scenic Drives
The only vehicle-accessible route in April connects Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower Falls and Lamar Valley via the northern road. This 80 km (50-mile) loop offers dramatic elevation changes from 1,500-2,400 m (5,000-8,000 ft) with constantly changing weather and landscapes. Perfect for wildlife spotting between established thermal areas.
Backcountry Snowshoeing Expeditions
April snowpack remains consistent enough for snowshoeing while daylight extends to 13+ hours, allowing longer backcountry exploration. Thermal areas create unique microclimates with snow-free zones surrounded by winter landscapes. Wildlife tracks become easily readable in fresh spring snow.
April Events & Festivals
Spring Bear Emergence Period
Not a formal event but the most significant natural phenomenon as grizzly and black bears emerge from winter dens throughout April. Lamar and Hayden Valleys become wildlife watching hotspots with bears visible daily by mid-month. Peak activity occurs during early morning and late afternoon hours.