thought I had time in march, but it has been pushd to April.

so - where is the best place to go for a prolonged hike in early-to mid april? I am looking for a good 2 weeks out. I would be flying in, and hoping for a partner as well.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
I am thinking Grand canyon might be best - but is California good in april?

thanks!

Sorry I can't be more specific about a backpacking trip, but I think the Southwest (Utah/Arizona/New Mexico or Colorado) is the way to go. I would pick Utah first, but there are some great places in the other states as well. I think the Grand Canyon would be a bit too hot, even in April whereas Utah (Zion, Bryce, Canyon Lands, Capital Reef or similar areas) is in its prime then. I would look for flights into Las Vegas (which are often fairly cheap and can be combined with a rental car easily) and then just drive from there.

I think the Sierras would still be in snow. It is a great time for a ski trip, but not for regular hiking.

Edited by rossbleakney on 03/10/2008 10:22:19 MDT.

It might be tough to get a backcountry permit for April.

The earliest date to apply for a backcountry permit in GCNP for anytime in the month of April 2008 was back on December 1st.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm#CP_JUMP_321157

April isn't too hot. Given how much precipitation we've gotten this winter, I would expect the seasonal water sources to remain for longer than typical. However, the Tanner trail is still closed due to a rockslide, access to the Hermit trailhead is restricted due to road construction starting April 1st, and the North Rim won't be open for the season yet.

thanks for your tips.

I should have been more clear that I definitely DO NOT want snow- hoping for something warm, really. so the grand canyon is ok. but in fact, I have read that temps there in april actually go down to almost freezing at night. Is that true??

What are the temps for the sierra's in april? I ask becuase though I don't want to be too cold, (I just don't have the experience or the gear, and let's be frank, I am coming from canada so I have had enough of the snow..) I would love to see some trees.
Still researching ! any idea is welcome though.

thanks