Explore the stunning landscapes and unique geology of Bryce Canyon National Park with our travel guide. Discover the best trails, scenic drives, wildlife watching spots, and more to make the most of your visit to this incredible natural wonder.
Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its unique geology, consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The park is famous for its unique hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations created by erosion.
How to Get There
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah and can be accessed by car, bus, or plane. Here are some detailed options for getting to Bryce Canyon National Park:
By Car: Bryce Canyon is easily accessible by car, and it is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from major cities such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The main access road into the park is Utah State Route 63, which connects to Utah State Route 12.
From Las Vegas, Nevada: Take Interstate 15 North to Utah State Route 9 East (exit 16) to Utah State Route 59 East to Utah State Route 9 East to US-89 North to Utah State Route 12 East to Utah State Route 63 South.
From Salt Lake City, Utah: Take Interstate 15 South to US-20 East (exit 95) to US-89 South to Utah State Route 12 East to Utah State Route 63 South.
By Plane: The nearest major airports to Bryce Canyon National Park are in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah. There are also regional airports in Cedar City and St. George, Utah, which are closer to the park. Once you arrive at the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.
By Shuttle:
Once you are in the park, there is a free shuttle service that operates from April to October, which can take you to various viewpoints and trailheads within the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park depends on your interests, the activities you want to participate in, and your tolerance for different weather conditions.
Spring (April to June):
Spring is a popular time to visit Bryce Canyon as the weather is mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 30°F to 70°F.
Wildflowers start to bloom, and the park starts to become more vibrant.
However, spring can also be unpredictable with the possibility of snowfall in April.
Summer (July to August):
Summer is the busiest time of the year at Bryce Canyon due to school vacations and warmer weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F.
This is the best time for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
The park offers ranger-led programs and other events during the summer months.
However, the park can be crowded, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Fall (September to November):
Fall is considered one of the best times to visit Bryce Canyon due to cooler temperatures, ranging from 30°F to 70°F, and fewer crowds.
The fall foliage adds to the park's beauty, with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
This is also a great time for photography, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Winter (December to March):
Winter is the least crowded time of year at Bryce Canyon, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F.
The park's hoodoos covered in snow create a stunning contrast and provide unique photography opportunities.
Some trails and viewpoints may be closed or difficult to access due to snow, but the park offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes.
The park is also a certified International Dark Sky Park, and winter provides some of the best stargazing opportunities due to the longer nights and clearer skies.
Top Attractions in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its unique geology and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the top attractions within the park:
Bryce Amphitheater:
The largest amphitheater in the park, Bryce Amphitheater is famous for its incredible concentrations of hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations.
Sunset Point:
Offers stunning views of the Bryce Amphitheater, especially at sunset when the rocks turn shades of orange and red.
Sunrise Point:
Another excellent viewpoint, Sunrise Point provides beautiful views of the hoodoos and is a great place to watch the sunrise.
Inspiration Point:
A popular viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Bryce Amphitheater.
Bryce Point:
Provides some of the most expansive views of the park and is a great place to see the hoodoos.
Queens Garden Trail:
A relatively easy hike that takes you down into the amphitheater and past the famous Queen Victoria hoodoo.
Navajo Loop Trail:
A popular hike that takes you down into the amphitheater and past some of the park's most famous hoodoos, including Thor's Hammer.
Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail:
A more challenging hike that takes you deeper into the amphitheater and past numerous hoodoos.
Mossy Cave Trail:
A short hike that leads to a moss-covered cave and a beautiful waterfall.
Rim Trail:
A trail that runs along the rim of the amphitheater and provides spectacular views.
Fairyland Loop Trail:
A less crowded trail that takes you through the northern part of the park and past unique hoodoos.
Dark Sky Programs:
Bryce Canyon National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and the park offers stargazing programs led by rangers.
These are just a few of the many attractions within Bryce Canyon National Park. Each spot provides unique perspectives and opportunities to explore the park's incredible landscapes.
Top Activities to do in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is filled with a variety of activities that allow visitors to explore the park's unique geology, stunning landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. Here are some of the top activities to do in Bryce Canyon:
Hiking:
With over 50 miles of trails, hiking is one of the best ways to explore Bryce Canyon. Popular trails include the Navajo Loop, Queen's Garden, and Peek-A-Boo Loop.
Scenic Drives:
Take a scenic drive along the 18-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, which offers numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Ranger-Led Programs:
Participate in ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes, geology talks, and evening programs to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history.
Stargazing:
Bryce Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and the park offers stargazing programs led by rangers. Don't miss the chance to see the night sky filled with stars, planets, and other celestial objects.
Wildlife Watching:
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn, and over 100 species of birds. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for these animals during your visit.
Photography:
Bryce Canyon's unique rock formations and stunning landscapes make it a photographer's paradise. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the park's beauty.
Camping:
Spend the night under the stars at one of the park's campgrounds, North Campground or Sunset Campground.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing:
In the winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the park's trails.
Horseback Riding:
Explore the park on horseback with guided tours offered by the park's concessionaires.
Picnicking:
Enjoy a meal surrounded by the park's stunning scenery at one of the designated picnic areas.
These activities provide visitors with numerous opportunities to experience the beauty and wonder of Bryce Canyon National Park. Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the scenery, there's something for everyone at Bryce Canyon.
Where to Stay
When visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, you have several options for accommodation, ranging from camping inside the park to staying in nearby towns or cities. Here are some of the best areas to stay:
Inside Bryce Canyon National Park:
The park has two campgrounds, North Campground and Sunset Campground, which offer a unique opportunity to stay within the park's stunning landscapes.
Bryce Canyon City:
Located just outside the park entrance, Bryce Canyon City has several hotels, motels, and lodges, including the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel and Bryce View Lodge.
The city also has restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
Tropic:
A small town located about 10 miles from the park, Tropic offers a range of accommodation options, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
Panguitch:
Situated about 24 miles northwest of the park, Panguitch is another good option for accommodation, with several hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
Escalante:
About 50 miles east of Bryce Canyon, Escalante is a small town located near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It offers several hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
Cannonville:
Located about 17 miles from Bryce Canyon, Cannonville is a small town with a few hotels and vacation rentals.
Tips for Visiting
Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially in the summer.
Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can change quickly.
Be aware of the high elevation of the park, which ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 feet, and take necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
Respect the park's wildlife and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty for future generations.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting southern Utah. With its unique geology, variety of recreational opportunities, and stunning landscapes, it offers something for everyone. By planning ahead and following the park's guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
