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
- Genuine shoulder season pricing - lodging runs 30-40% cheaper than summer rates, and you can actually book last-minute without the usual summer scramble. The park transitions from winter closure to summer crowds, giving you a sweet spot for availability.
- Wildlife viewing hits its stride as animals emerge from winter patterns. Grizzlies and black bears come out of hibernation (hungry and visible), elk and bison calve in lower elevations, and predators follow the prey. You'll see concentrated wildlife activity near roads and thermal areas where snow melts first.
- Thermal features look absolutely dramatic against lingering snow and cold air. The contrast creates massive steam columns visible from kilometers away - Old Faithful's plume can reach 50m (165 ft) higher than in summer. Morning temperatures below freezing make every geyser, hot spring, and fumarole a photographic spectacle.
- Significantly fewer people than summer - you're looking at roughly 300,000 visitors for the entire month versus 900,000+ in July. Popular boardwalks and pullouts that require 30-minute waits in summer are often empty. That said, the accessible areas are limited, so the crowds you do encounter are concentrated.
Considerations
- Road access is severely limited and unpredictable. Only the northern loop (Mammoth to Tower to Canyon to Norris to Mammoth) is guaranteed open. The rest depends on plowing schedules that shift based on snowfall. West Entrance typically opens around mid-April, but I've seen it delayed to late April after heavy snow years. East and South entrances usually stay closed until early May. Check road status daily if your itinerary depends on specific areas.
- Weather genuinely swings wildly - I'm talking snow squalls at 9am, sunny and 15°C (59°F) by 2pm, then freezing rain by dinner. April sits in that frustrating transition where winter storms still roll through but spring warmth creates rapid melts and refreezes. Pack for all four seasons because you'll experience them, sometimes in a single afternoon.
- Services remain limited with winter closures extending into mid-to-late April. Most lodges don't open until late April or early May. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is your primary option, with Old Faithful Snow Lodge closing around mid-April. Gas stations are sparse, dining options are minimal, and if you need supplies, you're driving to Gardiner or Cooke City.
Best Activities in April
Northern Range Wildlife Watching
The Lamar Valley and northern range become wildlife central in April. This is peak bear emergence season - both grizzlies and black bears are actively foraging after hibernation, and they're hungry enough to stay visible near roads. Elk herds concentrate in valleys where snow has melted, and wolves follow them. Bison calves start appearing late in the month. The cold mornings mean animals stay active later into the day compared to summer. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope - wildlife maintains distance, but visibility across open valleys is excellent. Dawn and dusk remain prime viewing times, but midday can be productive too.
Geyser Basin Photography Tours
April offers the most dramatic thermal feature photography of the year. When air temperature drops below freezing (most mornings), geysers and hot springs create massive steam columns that glow at sunrise. Old Faithful, Grand Geyser, and the features around Upper Geyser Basin look completely different than summer - the steam creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Snow patches around boardwalks add contrast. Midday when temperatures rise, the steam reduces and you get clearer views of the actual pools and their colors. West Thumb Geyser Basin against Yellowstone Lake (still partially frozen) is particularly striking. The challenge is access - Upper Geyser Basin area typically opens mid-to-late April via West Entrance, weather dependent.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Hiking
Mammoth remains accessible all April and the travertine terraces look particularly beautiful with spring runoff increasing flow rates. The contrast between white terraces, thermal orange and yellow bacteria mats, and lingering snow patches creates striking compositions. The Upper and Lower Terrace Loop drives and boardwalks total about 4km (2.5 miles) of easy walking. Elk commonly graze right on the terraces and around the historic Fort Yellowstone buildings. Morning temperatures are cold but manageable, and by afternoon you're often hiking in shirtsleeves. This area sees relatively light crowds in April compared to its summer congestion.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Early April still offers excellent snow conditions in higher elevations, particularly around Canyon and the interior plateau areas. Snowshoeing requires less skill than skiing and gets you into quiet winter landscapes that won't be accessible by road for another month. Popular routes include the Lone Star Geyser trail (8km/5 miles round trip from Old Faithful area when accessible) and various trails around Canyon. Snow depth varies wildly by year and specific location - some seasons have 2m (6.5 ft) base in early April, others have patchy coverage. The snow quality deteriorates as the month progresses with warmer afternoons creating crusty, heavy conditions.
Thermal Feature Interpretive Programs
Rangers lead free walks and talks around accessible thermal areas, focusing on geology, ecology, and the unique thermophile bacteria that create those vibrant colors. April programs are less crowded than summer, giving you better access to rangers for questions. The educational component helps you understand what you're seeing - why some pools are blue versus green, how geysers actually work, what makes Yellowstone's thermal features globally unique. Programs typically run around Mammoth (available all month) and Upper Geyser Basin (once West Entrance opens). Check the park newspaper handed out at entrance stations for current schedules.
Fishing Season Opener Preparation
Yellowstone's fishing season opens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (late May), but April is when serious anglers scout locations and prepare. Some lower elevation streams outside the park open earlier - check Montana and Wyoming regulations for specific dates. The Yellowstone River below the falls and certain tributaries become accessible as roads open. While you cannot fish most park waters in April, you can identify access points, scout conditions, and plan for the season ahead. Fly shops in Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Cooke City offer guide bookings and local knowledge for when the season opens.
April Events & Festivals
Spring Bear Emergence Season
Not an official event, but April marks peak bear emergence from winter dens. Grizzlies typically emerge first (late March through April), followed by black bears. This creates exceptional viewing opportunities as bears actively forage in lower elevations where snow has melted. Rangers often know den locations and areas of recent activity, though they won't disclose specific sites to protect the bears. Wildlife jams occur frequently along the northern road when bears appear near the roadway. Bring patience, binoculars, and respect the mandatory 100-yard (91m) distance requirement for bears.
Road Opening Schedule Progression
While not a festival, the progressive road openings through April create a dynamic visiting experience. The park announces tentative opening dates in March, but actual openings depend on snow conditions and plowing progress. West Entrance to Madison typically targets mid-April. The road from Madison to Old Faithful usually follows within days. Canyon area roads often wait until late April or early May. East and South Entrance roads rarely open before May. Each opening expands your access to different areas. Check the park website's road status page daily - it updates by 8am Mountain Time with current conditions and closure information.