Top Ten Reasons to Love April Hiking

Springtime on the Bright Angel Trail | Photo by Mike Buchheit

In my studied opinion, there is no greater month to hike in the Grand Canyon than April. Here are my top ten reasons for drawing this conclusion:

Wildflowers and trees are in bloom in the inner canyon.
Too early for wildfires and controlled burns = clean air, ahhh!
Park employees are fresh and eager after the holiday dip in visitation.
Condors and other wildlife become more active.
The summer throngs are still months away.
Triple digit temperatures have yet to arrive.
Springs and seeps are more reliable for backpackers.
The thawing snow pack keeps the trail dust down.
Taking heart in college kids who chose GC over Cabo San Lucas!
Feels great to burn off the winter pudge!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and head down your favorite trail. These are the days!

About Mike Buchheit
Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.
As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.