April in Yellowstone: Geysers Galore, But Too Early for First-Time Visitors?
April in Yellowstone is great for those interested in seeing the park's famous geysers without the summer crowds. However, the road closures and limited services make it a challenging time for first-time visitors. This guide will help you understand what to expect when visiting Yellowstone in April, highlighting the pros and cons to help you decide if this off-season adventure is right for you!
What to Expect Visiting Yellowstone in April
Like March, April is a transitional month in Yellowstone, marking the end of Yellowstone’s off-season and the start of the spring season. Early April is still very much an off-season experience, with most of the park inaccessible, while by mid-April, rolling road openings begin, allowing access to some of Yellowstone’s biggest attractions with fewer crowds. Here’s what you can expect when visiting Yellowstone in April.
“Off Season” Ends, Spring Begins: From roughly March 15th to mid-April, Yellowstone is in its off-season. The roads between the North and Northeast Entrances are open for self-driving, while interior park roads are inaccessible. In mid-April, the spring season starts in Yellowstone, with initial interior road openings allowing self-driving access to the Norris Geyser Basin, Madison Junction, and Old Faithful. Rolling road openings continue biweekly until all park roads are open by the end of May.
Road Closures: Road access in April is limited, but the route between Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner) and Northeast Entrance (Cooke City) is open throughout the month. All other park roads remain closed to visitors until mid-April when the roads between Mammoth Hot Springs, Madison Junction, West Yellowstone, and the Old Faithful area opens. All other park roads remain closed throughout the month.
Lodging: Accommodations in Yellowstone are also limited in April, with the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel opening in late April. Before these hotels open, you can only find lodging in nearby gateway towns, such as Gardiner, MT, and West Yellowstone, MT. (Note: Yellowstone’s North Entrance near Gardiner is open throughout April. Yellowstone’s West Entrance near West Yellowstone opens with initial interior road openings in mid-April.)
Weather: Daytime temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (1°C to 13°C), while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing, though temperatures can fluctuate widely, with chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. Snow remains a common sight, especially at higher elevations, but the lower elevations may start to see some melting. Excess mud is typically present, especially on the trails, as the snow melts. Yellowstone in April can be quite variable, so visitors should be prepared for sudden changes and pack accordingly to handle a range of conditions.
Things to Do: Early April offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities, depending on snow conditions. As the snow melts, hiking becomes more accessible, though trails may be muddy or snow-covered. Wildlife watching and photography are popular in April as animals become active and visible during spring. In late April, the most popular things to do in Yellowstone include exploring the Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful), Norris Geyser Basin, Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring), and the Lower Geyser Basin. Late April is a great time to explore the park's most popular geyser basins with fewer crowds; however, access to Yellowstone’s Lower Loop beyond these points is still inaccessible in April.
Wildlife Watching: Bears, including grizzlies, continue to emerge from hibernation in April, often spotted in lower valleys like Lamar Valley. Bison calves, known as "red dogs" due to their distinctive orange coats, start to appear across the northern range, bringing playful energy to the park. Wolves, elk, and other large mammals are visible as they move to lower elevations, and migratory birds, such as swallows, loons, peregrine falcons, and ospreys, also return, adding more movement to the park’s awakening environment.
Visitor Experience: April in Yellowstone continues to offer a quieter experience due to fewer crowds. The reduced number of visitors provides increased chances for solitude, even in popular areas. However, it’s important to note that many attractions and services will be limited in April.
Early April is “Off-Season” in Yellowstone National Park
Twice a year, interior park roads close to all traffic (private and commercial vehicles). This is off-season in Yellowstone. From mid-March to mid-April and again from Nov 1st to mid-December, only the roads between the North and Northeast Entrance (Gardiner to Mammoth to Lamar Valley to Cooke City) are open. This means you will be unable to visit Yellowstone’s interior, including attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, when visiting Yellowstone in early April.
In mid-April, the first of Yellowstone’s spring road openings begin, with the route from Mammoth Hot Springs, to Norris, to Madison Junction, to Old Faithful opening. The drive from Yellowstone’s West Entrance to Madison Junction also opens, allowing self-driving access from West Yellowstone, MT, for the first time since the end of October. The road between Norris and Canyon Village also opens, allowing access to the Canyon Village Visitor Center. With these initial road openings, Yellowstone kicks off its spring season, which consists of weekly or biweekly road openings until all park roads are open toward the end of May.
2024 Yellowstone road opening and closing dates from NPS.gov.
Driving through Yellowstone in April
Driving is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone year-round, so we highly recommend driving all open roads during your April visit. Driving through Yellowstone in April can be a peaceful experience; however, as mentioned above, most of the park's roads remain closed until mid-April. Until this time, the only road open is the one between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, Montana, which gives visitors access to the Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
Around mid-April, when the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful reopens, visitors can access more of Yellowstone’s most iconic sites, such as the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring. However, most roads in Yellowstone stay closed until May, keeping other main attractions, such as the Artist Point Overlook, the West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Hayden Valley, largely inaccessible.
4 Reasons To Visit Yellowstone in April
There are many reasons not to visit Yellowstone in April—especially if you’re a first-time visitor and want to experience as much of Yellowstone as possible. Since much of the park is still inaccessible due to snow and road closures in April, it’s not the best time of year to visit and get a full experience.
However, because early April is still off-season in Yellowstone, it’s one of the quietest months to be in the park. A visit during this month means less traffic, better access to wildlife pull-offs, and solitude on hiking/snowshoe/cross-country skiing trails. Plus, as the month progresses and road openings begin, April provides access to some of Yellowstone’s most popular attractions without the summer crowds. Here are four reasons you might want to visit Yellowstone in April.
You’ve Been Before: If planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Yellowstone National Park, we don’t recommend visiting in April. However, if you’ve been to Yellowstone and want to experience a quieter side of the park, April is one of the quietest months of the year.
Old Faithful Erupts Without The Crowds: Old Faithful Geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, whether a crowd is there to watch or not. This means Old Faithful is erupting all throughout April, and early visitors get to experience the same thrill summer crowds do—but with way fewer people. April is not just one of the quietest months of the year in Yellowstone… It’s the quietest month to visit compared to other months that allow self-driving to the Upper Geyser Basin, where Old Faithful is always ready to put on a show.
Snowmelt Swells Rivers and Waterfalls: The snowmelt in Yellowstone significantly impacts the park’s rivers, geysers, and thermal areas. As snow melts in April, rivers and streams swell with the added water, causing them to run higher and faster and making the park's waterfalls more powerful and dramatic. The increased snowmelt also adds to the groundwater system, influencing geyser eruptions and other thermal features. Geysers like Old Faithful can experience changes in the height, frequency, or duration of eruptions, and thermal areas as a whole may become more active, with steam vents and hot springs creating more visible steam as the cold water from snowmelt meets the hot geothermal features.
Bison Calves Are Born: April in Yellowstone is the time to witness the arrival of bison calves, affectionately known as "red dogs" due to their vibrant, rusty orange coats. These playful newborns can be spotted throughout the northern range, adorably jumping and playing with other calves alongside the herds. It’s a fun time in the park, signaling spring at last!
Downsides of Visiting Yellowstone in April
While visiting Yellowstone in April offers a quieter experience, there are some drawbacks to visiting during this transitionary month, such as:
Limited Activities, Lodging, and Services: In early April, you'll no longer have access to winter activities like snowmobiling, snow coach tours, or even winter lodging in Yellowstone. However, summer activities have not yet begun, which greatly limits activities, lodging, and services available in Yellowstone in April.
Road Closures Limit Attractions: Most of the park’s roads, except those between the North and Northeast Entrances, remain closed until mid-April. After mid-April, you’ll also be able to explore the Lower, Midway (Grand Prismatic Spring), and Upper (Old Faithful) Geyser Basins, as well as the Norris Geyser Basin; however, road access to other attractions, such as the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, and Artist Point Overlook, remain closed.
Unpredictable Weather: The transition to spring means you can experience a wide range of conditions within a short timeframe, and it's not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate significantly from day to day. This variability is due to the park's high elevation and location in the northern Rocky Mountains, where weather patterns can change rapidly.
These factors make an April trip to Yellowstone not our top choice for first-time visitors. However, if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet time to be in the park, there’s truly no bad time to be in Yellowstone, April included.
Yellowstone Weather in April
In April, Yellowstone experiences a blend of late winter and early spring weather, which can be quite variable. Daytime temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (1°C to 13°C), while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing, ranging from the teens to low 30s Fahrenheit (-10°C to 0°C). Snowfall remains common, especially at higher elevations, with the park receiving an average of 6 days of snow during the month. Lower elevations may start to see more rain as temperatures rise, with snow more likely in the early part of April and rain becoming more frequent as the month progresses. Weather conditions can be highly unpredictable, with sunny, relatively warm days potentially followed by sudden snowstorms. As snow melts, rivers and streams swell, and some lower-elevation trails may become muddy and challenging to navigate.
Monthly averages from NPS.gov.
How busy is Yellowstone in April?
April in Yellowstone is one of the park's least busy times of the year, offering a significantly quieter experience compared to the bustling summer months. In April 2023, for instance, the park saw around 70,000 visitors, a stark contrast to the over 900,000 visitors in July. This low visitation rate means you’ll encounter minimal crowds at popular sites, reducing the likelihood of traffic jams or full parking lots. The quieter atmosphere provides a more peaceful experience, allowing you to fully appreciate Yellowstone’s landscapes and wildlife without the distractions of large crowds. However, it’s worth noting again that many attractions and services will be closed in April.
April is still one of the least busy months in Yellowstone.
What wildlife can you see in Yellowstone in April?
Here are some animals to look for in Lamar Valley and when driving through the park in April:
Bison Calves: One of the most unique wildlife events in April is the beginning of the bison calving season. Seeing newborn bison calves is a special experience unique to this time of year!
Bears: April is also a good time to see grizzly and black bears as they emerge from hibernation. The male grizzlies are usually the first to come out, followed by females with their cubs. You may spot them foraging in the valleys and meadows.
Birds Returning: April continues the return of migratory birds to Yellowstone. Next to arrive are birds known as neotropical migrants, including swallows, loons, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. These birds travel from places like Mexico, Central America, and South America, following the winds along a route called the Central Flyway, which takes them through Texas and up the Rocky Mountains.
Amphibians: As the snow melts and ponds and streams start to thaw, amphibians such as frogs and salamanders become active. This is one of the few times of the year you might see these amphibians in Yellowstone.
Grizzly bear in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley.
What to Do in Yellowstone in April
If you’re visiting Yellowstone in April, you’re probably interested in wildlife or a quieter experience—or both. Here are some of the best things to do in Yellowstone in April.
Wildlife Watching: Head to Lamar Valley to look for grizzly and black bears as they emerge from hibernation or witness the beginning of the bison calving season, watching for newborn calves as they play amongst the herd.
Bird Photography: With the continued return of migratory birds like swallows, loons, peregrine falcons, and ospreys, April is a great time for bird photography.
Explore the trails around Mammoth Hot Springs: As snow begins to melt at lower elevations, trails like those around Mammoth Hot Springs and the Blacktail Deer Plateau become accessible for hiking. (You may still want to have microspikes or similar with you and be prepared for muddy conditions.) The boardwalks around the terraces are often clear of snow by April, making it a great time to explore the Mammoth Hot Springs with smaller crowds.
Visit Geyser Basins: The Lower, Midway, and Upper Geyser Basins generally become accessible to visitors in mid to late April. Watch an Old Faithful Geyser eruption (in the Upper Geyser Basin), walk the boardwalks of colorful Grand Prismatic Spring (in the Midway Geyser Basin), and even wander the nearby Norris Geyser Basin—all with a much easier time finding parking.
Soak at the Yellowstone Hot Springs: Yellowstone Hot Springs, located near Gardiner, MT, features multiple pools of varying temperatures, perfect for relaxing after a day in the park.
Scenic Drives: The road between Gardiner and Cooke City is open year-round and offers stunning views of Yellowstone’s northern range. You can often spot wildlife along the way, including bison, elk, and sometimes even wolves. We highly recommend driving all open roads during your visit to Yellowstone. The scenery is beautiful and you never know what you’ll spot along the way!
Where to Stay in Yellowstone in April
In April, lodging options in Yellowstone are limited as the park transitions from winter to the spring and summer season. Your best bet is to find lodging in a nearby gateway town, such as Gardiner, MT, and West Yellowstone, MT. However, there are two hotels in Yellowstone that open toward the end of the month.
1. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel:
Location: Located in the northern part of the park, near the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces.
Opens: April 26*
Why Stay Here: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel offers accommodations with easy access to the Northern Range, a prime area for wildlife watching, and the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces.
Services: Mammoth’s dining room, gift shop, Map Room Bar, and Terrace Grill also open on April 26. The cabins, which offer select pet-friendly rooms, generally open in May.
2. Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins:
Location: Situated near the famous Old Faithful Geyser.
Opens: April 26*
Why Stay Here: The lodge provides a cozy, rustic atmosphere at the foot of the Old Faithful Geyser. Enjoy convenient access to the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins.
Services: Old Faithful General Store also opens in April, as does the Old Faithful Medical Clinic, Old Faithful Post Office, Old Faithful Visitor Center & Store, and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge’s Geyser Grill, Gift Shop, and Obsidian Dining Room.
3. Gardiner, Montana:
Location: Just outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
Drive into Yellowstone’s North Entrance: Year-Round
Why Stay Here: Gardiner sits at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, which is the only entrance open year-round. You can drive your vehicle into the park from this entrance all throughout April and easily access the Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, some of the best spots for April wildlife watching. Make sure to enjoy the nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs for some R&R after a day in the park!
4. West Yellowstone, Montana:
Location: Located near the park’s West Entrance.
Drive into Yellowstone’s West Entrance: Starting April 19th*
Why Stay Here: West Yellowstone has numerous lodging and tour options and sits the closest to Yellowstone’s geyser basins and thermal areas. West Yellowstone is also the home of the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, a great spot to learn about local wildlife and safely view grizzly bears and wolves (among other wildlife) from a close distance.
Packing for Yellowstone in April
In April, you're dealing with transitional weather, so it's important to be prepared for both winter-like conditions and the early signs of spring. By layering your clothing, you’ll be ready to handle the variety of weather conditions and activities that April in Yellowstone offers.
Clothing
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool or synthetic).
Insulating Layers: Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof winter coat (preferably insulated).
Warm Hat: Wool or fleece beanie that covers your ears.
Gloves/Mittens: For early morning wildlife watching.
Wool Socks
Winter/Hiking Boots: Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction.
Swimsuit: Particularly if you’re staying in Gardiner, so you can visit Yellowstone Hot Springs or Chico Hot Springs!
Gear
Sunglasses: For protection against the sun.
Daypack: To carry snacks, water, extra layers, and camera gear.
Trekking Poles: Useful for stability on muddy and snowy trails.
Snowshoes/Microspikes: If you plan to explore backcountry trails, which are typically still snow-packed in April.
Water Bottle/Thermos: Insulated bottle to keep drinks from freezing.
Binoculars: For spotting wildlife from a distance.
Camera: To capture the stunning winter landscapes and wildlife.
Temperatures in Yellowstone can vary year-round, so layering is always key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Add a lightweight insulating layer, such as fleece, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer to protect against the elements.
Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park
Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide! With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you never miss out, whether enjoying winter sports or spring wildlife watching. Crafted from personal experience over 9 years and 10 trips (& counting), our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the stress out of planning a vacation to America’s first (and one of its largest) national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide!
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