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#2 on this list
Zion National Park
Utah
Warm days, flowing waterfalls, and full spring color in the canyon.
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#3 on this list
Shenandoah National Park
Virginia
Dogwoods and redbuds bloom along Skyline Drive; trails reopen.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Zion National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southwest Utah | Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains |
| April High / Low | 73°F / 45°F | — |
| Primary Access | Mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle | — |
| Key Permit | Angels Landing day-use permit | — |
| Elevation Range | 3,666 to 8,726 feet | — |
| Primary Hazard | Cold water runoff and flash flooding | — |
| Total Area | — | 197,438 acres |
| Highest Elevation | — | 4,051 feet (Hawksbill Mountain) |
| Scenic Highway | — | Skyline Drive (105 miles) |
| Appalachian Trail | — | 101 miles within park boundaries |
| Standard Entry | — | $30 per non-commercial vehicle (7-day pass) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Zion National Park
- Moderate daytime temperatures make high-exposure rim hikes comfortable
- Seasonal snowmelt feeds roaring waterfalls and lush hanging canyon gardens
- Fresh spring foliage provides striking color contrast against red sandstone walls
- Bighorn sheep are highly active and easily visible along the eastern highway
- The Narrows frequently closes throughout the month due to high spring runoff
- Peak spring break crowds create major shuttle lines and parking shortages
- Chain routes like Angels Landing require navigating a competitive permit lottery
Shenandoah National Park
- Creeks and waterfalls roar at maximum volume fueled by seasonal rain and melt
- Open forest canopy provides sweeping valley vistas before leaf-out obscures the views
- Flowering dogwoods and redbuds frame the roadside and lower hollows in color
- Significantly smaller crowds and open parking compared to peak summer and autumn
- Unpredictable weather swings from balmy sunshine to bone-chilling fog and rain
- Old Rag Mountain requires advance planning and a specific day-use permit
- Wet mountain greenstone turns steep ascents and stream crossings hazardous
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