OUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDED TOURS IN APRIL
One of our favorite off the beaten path sunset locations after a recent rainfall
#1 - Half-day slot canyon tour
There are 2 major reasons that make this tour a great option for April. First is due to the many clear, sunny days that we get in April. Being in slot canyons mid-day with a bright cloudless sky is exactly what you want for the best possible light in slot canyons. The second reason is due to the overall busyness in the park. We have a couple great slot canyons that are off the beaten path and don’t experience the crowding that can exist in the park in April. It’s a great way to have an intimate experience with a spectacular landscape that most don’t even know exists.
#2 - Zion half-day sunset tour
Due to the busyness of the park, this is an excellent way to escape the crowds and enjoy some areas that are off the beaten path. Living locally here in Zion, we have discovered a massive amount of areas that photograph well towards sunset which are away from the masses. This may include some off-road 4x4 driving (we take you in our vehicles), or may include little pockets inside the park that visitors wouldn’t think to go to for sunset photos. We base these decisions off of recent weather events, as well as what sort of clouds we have in the sky.
#3 - Zion night photography tour
This is a great option during April in large part due to historic weather patterns in the month of April. We get a good amount of clear skies during night time hours. That is precisely what you want for night photography. Although we do not have the full Milky Way in our images, Zions night sky is dark and the amount of stars that you see is a treat for those who live in areas with light pollution. What you see with your eyes is breathtaking, but the camera sees even more than our eyes due to our ability to use long exposures with the camera! If you’ve never done night photography, this is a great tour to learn the techniques necessary, and at the same time get some mouth watering images.
Useful information from a locals perspective if you’re visiting in the month of April
The month of April is the month of Spring in Zion. Temperatures are amazing, flowers are in full bloom and the park starts to become alive for the season. Visitation numbers in Zion for the month of April have become quite high, in large part from visitation of families and students on spring break. Bryce National Park is still pretty chilly at this point, meaning crowds are not in full force yet.
Because Zion can be busy in April, here are a few ideas on how to beat the crowds:
Take a trip up to Bryce National Park. It is only 2 hours aways from Zion and it’s landscape can easily be enjoyed in 1/2 to 1 full day.
Drive up the “Kolob Terrace Road”. This is an area of the park that holds several backcountry hiking trailheads including “The Subway” (which you need a permit from the park in order to hike), however, you don’t even need to hike in order to enjoy the beauty. This is an excellent drive that brings you into higher elevations of Zion National Park. As you drive, you pass through several different biozones, each holding unique geology, flora and fauna. This area of the park receives very little visitation. Hiking opportunities do exist up in that area.
If you’re up for some adventure, you can visit some of our local sand dunes on “Sand Mountain”. In order to experience that area you’ll need to rent a dune buggy. The photography opportunities in these sand dunes and the red rocks in that area are excellent. We are available to guide you on this outing, feel free to contact us if that is of interest to you. This activity is highly recommended for families. For dune buggy rental info click HERE.
WEATHER
April typically has many clear, sunny days. When weather systems pass through, it is typically in the form of a slower steady rain, with clouds full of texture.
Zion National Park average high/low temperature: 65/38
Bryce National Park average high/low temperature: 45/20
