Is Yellowstone Open in April? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Yellowstone in April is still a transitional month in the park. While valley floors start to thaw and wildlife returns to the open meadows, snow still lingers on the mountain peaks. It’s one of the quietest times to visit, offering a rare chance to see Yellowstone’s famous geysers, thermal features, and wildlife without peak crowds.
At the same time, April can be tricky. Many park roads are still closed to vehicles, services are limited, and the weather is unpredictable. Some days bring sunshine and warmth, while others can surprise you with snow flurries or cold winds. For first-time and returning visitors alike, it can be hard to know what’s open, where to go, and whether this early spring window is the right fit for your trip.
This post will walk you through what to expect in Yellowstone in April. From what areas are accessible and what kind of wildlife activity you might see, to pros and cons, and our personal advice on who this shoulder-season trip is best for!
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P.S. Want all our best Yellowstone tips in one place? Check out our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide. It’s packed with maps, itineraries, and everything you need to know about exploring Yellowstone National Park in every season!
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: Yellowstone is in its off-season from about March 15th to April 18th (exact dates depend on the year). During this time, the roads between Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances are open for self-driving, while interior park roads are inaccessible. In mid-April, the spring season begins, with initial interior road openings that allow 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. On April 18th, 2025, the route to Mammoth Hot Springs, Madison Junction, West Yellowstone, Old Faithful, and Canyon Village 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, lodging can be found 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 the initial interior road openings in mid-April. This means you cannot enter Yellowstone from the west until mid-April. For 2025, this date is April 18th.)
Weather: Yellowstone in April can be quite variable weather-wise, so it’s good to be prepared for sudden changes and a range of conditions. Daytime temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (1°C to 13°C), while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. Expect chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. Surprise snowstorms are possible in April, and snow generally remains on mountain peaks and higher elevation areas. With melting snow in the valleys and at lower elevation areas, excess mud is typically present, especially on the trails.
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 mid to late April, once Yellowstone’s interior opens, the most popular things to do include exploring the Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful), Norris Geyser Basin (Steamboat Geyser), Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring), the Lower Geyser Basin, and Canyon Village. 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 generally 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 Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances are open. (This includes the route between Gardiner, MT, Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and Cooke City, MT.) 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. 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 ways to experience Yellowstone any time of year, and April is no exception. In fact, it might just be one of the most peaceful times to explore the park by car. With few visitors and quiet roads, driving through Yellowstone in April feels like stepping into a secret season, a moment when the park begins to wake up after a long winter.
That said, most park roads remain closed until mid-April as the park prepares for spring reopening. Early in the month, the only road open to private vehicles is the one between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, Montana. This scenic stretch winds through Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, and it is one of the best places in the world to watch wildlife.
And in April, it is phenomenal!
The animals are active, the meadows are open, and there are very few people around. Bison calves start appearing in Lamar. Wolves and bears are more easily spotted without the tall grasses or summer traffic. Newborn bear cubs begin emerging from their dens, tumbling around in playful bursts of energy while their mother forages nearby. With snow still capping the mountains, April is a wildlife watcher and photographer's dream.
By mid-April, excitement builds as more roads start to open, especially the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful. This shift marks the start of spring access and gives visitors the chance to see some of Yellowstone’s most iconic features, including Old Faithful Geyser and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin. Being in the park during this transition feels special. There is a sense of energy in the air, and it is a fantastic time to explore trails that are just becoming accessible as the snow melts away.
Just keep in mind that additional roads remain closed until May, including routes to West Thumb Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake. For first-time visitors, there are better months to see all that Yellowstone has to offer. But for returning visitors or those seeking a one-of-a-kind Yellowstone experience that only Opening Week can offer, April is a rich and rewarding time to visit. If you embrace the slower pace, take your time, and enjoy the quiet, Yellowstone’s spring will show you a side that most travelers never get to see!
4 Reasons To Visit Yellowstone in April
If you’re a first-time visitor and want to experience as much of Yellowstone as possible, we don’t recommend visiting in April. 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/snowshoeing/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. Many roads and services are still closed, weather can be unpredictable, and access to the park’s most famous landmarks is limited. However, if you’ve been to Yellowstone before and want to experience a quieter, more intimate version of the park, April is one of the most peaceful and calm months of the year. It’s a great time to see early-season wildlife, watch geysers erupt without crowds, and catch the unique energy of Opening Week.
There’s a real buzz when interior roads begin reopening… a shared feeling among rangers, travelers, and locals that something exciting is starting again. It’s kind of like the end of the school year, when teachers start playing movies, and summer break is just around the corner. It’s not quite peak season, but you can feel it coming, and everyone seems just a little lighter, a little more excited to be there.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 alongside 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. April is a great month for geyser activity in Yellowstone.
Bison Calves and Bear Cubs Make Their Debut: April in Yellowstone is the time to witness the arrival of bison calves, affectionately known as "red dogs" because of their bright, rusty-orange coats. These playful newborns can often be seen throughout the northern range, leaping and chasing one another near the herds. April also marks the first sightings of bear cubs as they begin to emerge from their dens, tumbling around while their mother forages nearby. It’s a heartwarming and exciting time to be in the park.
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 and Hayden Valley 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. In fact, being in Yellowstone on Opening Day is on our Yellowstone bucket list!
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.
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 smaller 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?
April is a best-kept secret for wildlife watching in Yellowstone. With fewer people and wide-open views along the northern range, it feels like the park is yours to explore. The peace and quiet make wildlife encounters even more thrilling, and if you’re lucky, they can feel downright cinematic.
Driving through the northern range between Gardiner and Cooke City, we’ve seen newborn bear cubs tumbling through the grass, wolves trotting across hillsides, and bighorn sheep grazing just feet from the road. Pronghorn dart across the plains, and bison jams are a daily occurrence as entire herds walk directly down the roadway. It’s a wildlife photographer’s dream and one of the only times of year you can witness such an abundance of activity without traffic or crowds.
Here are some of the animals to look for in Lamar Valley and along the northern road corridor in April:
Bison Calves: One of the most iconic sights of April is the start of the bison calving season. Nicknamed “red dogs” for their bright, rusty-orange coats, these newborns are full of energy and curiosity. You’ll often see them running alongside their mothers or chasing each other around the herd.
Bears: Bears begin emerging from hibernation in early spring, and April is one of the earliest months to spot them. Male grizzlies are typically the first to appear, followed by females with their cubs. You might see them foraging in open meadows, digging for roots, or crossing the road in search of food. Spotting a bear with cubs is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Yellowstone, and April offers one of the first opportunities of the year to do so!
Wolves: Wolf sightings are possible year-round, including April. Look for movement on distant ridgelines or near carcasses in Lamar Valley. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope, and watch for groups of people pulled over, which is often a good sign that something special is happening.
Bighorn Sheep and Pronghorn: These animals are easy to spot in April as they graze along the roadside or traverse rocky hills. Bighorn rams and ewes are often seen near the cliffs just east of Mammoth, while pronghorn are commonly seen in the open sagebrush flats near Lamar Valley.
Birds Returning: April brings the return of many migratory birds to Yellowstone. Neotropical species such as swallows, loons, peregrine falcons, and ospreys begin to arrive, following the Central Flyway through the Rockies. You might even spot bald eagles nesting along the riverbanks or watch sandhill cranes dancing in the distance.
Amphibians: As ponds and streams thaw, amphibians like boreal chorus frogs and tiger salamanders start to emerge. While harder to spot, April is one of the few times of year you might catch a glimpse of these important creatures in Yellowstone’s ecosystem.
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 watchers and photographers.
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 are also open toward the end of the month. 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 18th*
Why Stay Here: West Yellowstone has numerous lodging and tour options and sits 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, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.
Crafted from personal experience and a deep love for the park, our comprehensive, easy-to-use All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best and less-traveled parts of Yellowstone National Park.
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