Hiking in Teton Canyon
Lower elevation trails in Teton Canyon (just east of Driggs) begin opening up in April. The canyon road gives access to easy flat hikes along the creek, with seasonal waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls when snowmelt is running strong. You’ll have the trails nearly to yourself—this is that in-between window before summer hikers arrive en masse.
Fat Biking and Early Mountain Biking
Wildlife Watching
April is prime time for wildlife. Sandhill cranes begin their noisy, spectacular migration through Teton Valley—look for them in the farm fields along Stateline Road. Moose are frequently spotted in willowy creek bottoms. In Grand Teton National Park (30 minutes away), the first calves and cubs are beginning to appear. The park officially opens its main roads in late April, making a day trip to spot baby bison, moose calves, and early-emerging black bears highly rewarding.
Hiking in Teton Canyon
Lower elevation trails in Teton Canyon (just east of Driggs) begin opening up in April. The canyon road gives access to easy flat hikes along the creek, with seasonal waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls when snowmelt is running strong. You’ll have the trails nearly to yourself—this is that in-between window before summer hikers arrive en masse.
Fat Biking and Early Mountain Biking
Teton Valley’s extensive trail network starts to become rideable in April, depending on the year’s snowpack. Fat bike rentals are available in Driggs into early spring, and by mid-April, some lower-elevation dirt trails are accessible on regular mountain bikes. Local shops and Teton Valley Trails & Pathways (TVTAP) maintain current trail conditions at their website.
Green Canyon Hot Springs
About 20 minutes north of Driggs, Green Canyon Hot Springs is open year-round and especially magical in April. Soak in the outdoor pools while surrounding hills are still snow-dusted and the valley is greening up below. It’s a perfect recovery activity after a morning of skiing or hiking—affordable, uncrowded, and genuinely restorative.
Things to Do in Driggs Itself
Downtown Driggs is small but mighty, and April is a great time to explore it at a relaxed pace before summer brings more visitors.
- Citizen 33 Brewery — Crack a locally brewed pint after a ski day. The après-ski atmosphere in April is relaxed and friendly.
- Forage Bistro & Lounge — Upscale dinner adjacent to the Warbird Museum. April is a great time to get a table without a reservation.
- Tatanka Tavern — Wood-fired pizza and a rooftop deck that starts opening on warmer April afternoons.
- Big Hole Bagels — Perfect breakfast before hitting the mountain. Get there early—they sell out.
- Provisions — Early breakfast and coffee, ideal before a dawn patrol ski run.
Day Trip to Grand Teton National Park
By late April, Grand Teton National Park is one of the most spectacular places in the country. Snow still blankets the peaks while wildflowers push through valley meadows. The famous wildlife corridor along Antelope Flats Road is especially active—bison herds are calving, bald eagles nest along the river, and pronghorn are everywhere. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle (or free with an America the Beautiful pass), and the drive from Driggs along the “back side” of the Tetons via Highway 22 through Wilson, Wyoming is itself a scenic highlight.
What to Pack for April in Teton Valley
April weather in Teton Valley is genuinely variable—you might get 60°F and sunny one day and a fresh 8 inches of snow the next. Pack in layers:
- Full ski/snowboard kit (still needed for Targhee)
- Mid-layers: fleece or puffy for cool mornings and evenings
- Light rain jacket (spring squalls happen)
- Hiking shoes or trail runners (trails are often muddy)
- Sunscreen — spring sun at elevation is intense, especially on snow
- Sunglasses for both skiing and hiking
Book a Grand Teton Wildlife Tour
If you want a guided experience in Grand Teton National Park this April, these tours are excellent for families and wildlife enthusiasts:
- 🦬 Grand Teton Full-Day Guided Tour — Expert naturalist guide, full-day park experience with wildlife focus
- 🦅 Grand Teton Half-Day Tour — Perfect if you want to ski in the morning and tour in the afternoon
- 🐻 Best of Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari (VIP) — Small-group premium experience for serious wildlife watchers
Why April is an Underrated Month to Visit Driggs
Here’s the truth about April in Teton Valley: it’s one of the best-value windows of the year. Rates drop after peak ski season, restaurants are easier to get into, and you get to experience the valley in two seasons simultaneously. Morning powder skiing, afternoon hot springs, wildlife everywhere, downtown restaurants with actual availability—it’s the sweet spot most visitors don’t know to book.
The Barn sleeps up to 14 guests across 8 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, making it ideal for extended families and groups who want a real home base for all of this. We’re a 5-minute walk from downtown Driggs, near the Grand Targhee shuttle stop, and fully pet-friendly (2 dogs welcome, $75 fee). Check availability for your April trip here.
Green Canyon Hot Springs
About 20 minutes north of Driggs, Green Canyon Hot Springs is open year-round and especially magical in April. Soak in the outdoor pools while surrounding hills are still snow-dusted and the valley is greening up below. It’s a perfect recovery activity after a morning of skiing or hiking—affordable, uncrowded, and genuinely restorative.
Fat Biking and Early Mountain Biking
Teton Valley’s extensive trail network starts to become rideable in April, depending on the year’s snowpack. Fat bike rentals are available in Driggs into early spring, and by mid-April, some lower-elevation dirt trails are accessible on regular mountain bikes. Local shops and Teton Valley Trails & Pathways (TVTAP) maintain current trail conditions at their website.
Green Canyon Hot Springs
About 20 minutes north of Driggs, Green Canyon Hot Springs is open year-round and especially magical in April. Soak in the outdoor pools while surrounding hills are still snow-dusted and the valley is greening up below. It’s a perfect recovery activity after a morning of skiing or hiking—affordable, uncrowded, and genuinely restorative.
