Visiting Grand Teton National Park in April

Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational activities. But a trip to Grand Teton National Park in April will still feel like winter so be prepared for cold and snow.

Grand Teton National Park in the spring is a quiet season. Due to the elevation of the park, many areas are still closed due to snow with limited facilities. April is awesome if you like winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling! 

Use this Grand Teton National Park guide and the information below to learn all about an April trip: services available, what to pack, where to stay, things to do, and more! When visiting Grand Teton in April, most of the services and roads are still closed at this time which is a great way to avoid the busy season crowds!

We live only a few hours away from Grand Teton and have visited the park many times during all four seasons. The tips we provide here are based on our travels to the park, especially during the month of April.

The number one tip for visiting Grand Teton in April is to pack winter clothing so you can enjoy your time at the park! Use our Grand Teton National Park packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in April! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

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A Photo Tour of Grand Teton National Park

Take a visual tour through Grand Teton National Park to see the stunning landscape and wildlife you’ll find in the park!

Grand Teton National Park in April

In April, you can still enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. As the snow melts you can begin to enjoy Grand Teton National Park spring activities like hiking, running and biking along roads and trails.

Use our guide to find other times of year to visit if you want to do summer activities like hiking and kayaking: best time to visit Grand Teton National Park.

Grand Teton Services in April

Grand Teton is open 24 hours, every day of the year. In April, most of the park roads and services are closed. Check the Grand Teton website for more information.

Grand Teton campgrounds and lodges in the park are closed in April so you’ll need to stay in nearby Jackson.

April Weather at Grand Teton National Park

In April the Grand Teton National Park weather will still be cold – expect daytime highs near 47 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows near 20. 

Snow storms can roll through at any time. Always check the current weather and road conditions on the Grand Teton website.

It’s STILL important that you dress in layers and bring your winter clothing when visiting Grand Teton in April.

• Wicking clothing
• Fleece jacket
• Winter hat
• Winter gloves
• Insulated jacket
• Darn Tough hiking socks
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Insulated boots

Pets at Grand Teton in April

Pets are allowed on plowed roadways and parking areas. You can also take your pet on the unplowed sections of the Teton Park and Moose-Wilson roads.

Pets must be on a leash of six feet or less, and within 30 feet of a roadway. Please dispose of your pet’s waste properly. There are waste disposal cans at the trailheads.

Things to Do at Grand Teton National Park in April

Due to the elevation of Grand Teton, many areas are still closed due to snowpack in April. Depending on the snow received during the winter, valley trails and the Grand Teton Pathway could still have snow through mid-June!

Don’t expect to do much high country hiking as those areas are the last to melt out. Large snowfields are a dangerous obstacle and navigation may require an ice axe.

Some valley hikes are doable, but backcountry excursions may still be inaccessible. Canyon trails are mostly snow covered and not possible to follow. Steep, icy slopes and potential avalanche conditions exist.

Grand Teton Winter Activities in April

April will still feel like winter so you can enjoy many of the Grand Teton National Park winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc.

You’ll find a variety of Grand Teton National Park winter tours you can enjoy. Many of the tours will determine stops based on the road conditions, weather conditions, and needs or interests of each group.

Most winter tours do NOT include the Grand Teton National Park entrance fee (be sure to have your National Park pass!)

• Grand Teton Winter Wildlife Tour
• Grand Teton and National Elk Refuge Winter Tour
• Luxury Winter Grand Teton Tour and Sleigh Ride
• Jackson Hole Dog Sledding Tour
• Full Day Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling Combo Tour
• Jackson Hole Snowmobiling Tour

Grand Teton Wildlife in April

You’ll see many elk at the Elk Refuge between the park and the town of Jackson. You can take a sleigh ride tour near Grand Teton to see the elk up close up through early April. Check for dates and times.

If you’re lucky you may see eagles, coyotes, foxes, bison, deer, wolves, trumpeter swans and more on the tour… as well as on the roads or trails that are open in the park.

Teton Park Road in April

Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and walking along the Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge. In early spring, even valley trails may be snow-covered, making route finding difficult and potentially hazardous due to post-holing conditions. Trails can be muddy and wet. Stay on maintained trails or durable surfaces, such as rock and snow.

The 14-mile section of the Grand Teton National Park scenic drive is closed to vehicles in April. On May 1 it opens to motor vehicle traffic, weather permitting.

Once the snow melts, you can ride your bike, run, rollerblade and walk your dog on the road until April 30. Snow and ice may persist on some sections of the road, creating slick conditions. Also be alert for park vehicles and heavy equipment that periodically travel the road as spring opening operations continue.

In April it’s important to watch and be cautious of wildlife, as it is common for animals to use park roads. Carry bear spray – have it readily accessible and know how to use it.

Food and water are not available at the trailhead or along the road. Restrooms are available at Taggart Lake Trailhead, Cottonwood Picnic Area, and Signal Mountain Lodge. Portable restrooms are also located along Teton Park Road.

Grand Teton Photography in April

The snowy views at Grand Teton in April are stunning! The majestic, snow-covered mountains with their distinct shapes provide the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photographs.

Accessing the best places to photograph Grand Teton National Park in April is difficult. Many of these locations look vastly different when the water is frozen and snow-covered.

Here’s our list of favorite places to photograph Grand Teton National Park, that you should be able to access in the winter by car, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing:

• Overlooks along Highway 191/89
• Moulton Barn / Mormon Row
• Snake River Overlook
• Oxbow Bend
• Coulter Bay

Be ready with your camera gear to capture images the landscape and wildlife as you drive along the road, or hike the trails.

AMAZON: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Guides and Maps

Grand Teton Lodging in April

Since all the lodges and campgrounds are closed in April, you’ll need to stay in nearby Jackson. Here’s a list of our favorite places that we recommend:

• Elk Refuge Inn – this is right across from the refuge and the closes hotel to the park entrance – our favorite place to stay!
• Elk Country Inn – awesome property if you want to be in town.
• Vacation Rentals near Grand Teton – we LOVE having a kitchen to prepare our meals!
• Hotels in Jackson Hole