Rocky Mountain Region
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Welcome to Bryce Canyon National Park, a mesmerizing landscape of hoodoos, fins, and natural amphitheaters located in southern Utah. Spanning over 35,000 acres, Bryce Canyon is renowned for its unique rock formations carved by erosion over millions of years. It is one of the ‘mighty five’ National Parks of the Southwest.
Basic Facts
Address:
Bryce Canyon National Park
Hwy 63, Bryce, UT 84764
Operation Hours and Seasons:
The park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round. Some facilities might be closed in winter.
Visitors:
Approximately 2.9 million per year (2021)
Entrance Fees:
Private Vehicle – $35.00 admits one private, non-commercial vehicle and all its occupants for seven days.
Per Person – $20.00 for individuals entering the park on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle for seven days.
Website:
nps.gov/brca
Map:
nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Additional Information:
For additional local information, visit brycecanyoncountry.com
Getting there
Bryce Canyon National Park is easily accessible by car:
From the west, take Highway 12 from Panguitch, Utah, to the park entrance.
From the east, take Highway 12 from Tropic, Utah, to the park entrance.
Weather
Bryce Canyon National Park experiences a high desert climate, characterized by cool winters and warm summers. Here’s an overview of the average weather throughout the year:
Spring (March – May):
- Mild temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C).
- Occasional rain showers and snowmelt, with an average precipitation of around 1 to 2 inches per month.
- Ideal for hiking and exploring the park’s trails amidst blooming wildflowers.
Summer (June – August):
- Warm and dry weather, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 80°F (27°C) and occasionally reaching over 90°F (32°C).
- Clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
- Crowds peak during the summer months, so plan accordingly and stay hydrated.
Fall (September – November):
- Mild temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C).
- Crisp mornings and cooler evenings, with temperatures dropping into the 30s°F (0-4°C).
- Fall foliage adds vibrant colors to the landscape, making it a picturesque time to visit.
Winter (December – February):
- Cold temperatures, with daytime highs averaging between 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C).
- Occasional snowfall, with an average snow depth of around 12 to 18 inches.
- Some facilities and roads may be closed during winter months, so check ahead before planning your visit.
Let’s dive into the various activities you can enjoy during your visit:
Hiking
Bryce Canyon offers a variety of hiking trails catering to all skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging treks.
Easy
- Sunrise to Sunset: The 1.0 mile (1.6km) only paved section of the Rim Trail is the easiest walk in the whole park. Get some nice views of Bryce Amphitheater.
- Rim Trail: The Rim Trail connects from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point and follows the rim of Bryce Amphitheater. Your hike could be everything between 1 and 11 miles. The trail is paved and flat from Sunset to Sunrise Point.
Moderate
- Navajo Loop Trail: This popular trail takes you down into the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater, surrounded by towering hoodoos. The trail includes iconic spots like Wall Street and Thor’s Hammer.
- Queens Garden Trail: Explore the Queens Garden to witness some of the most intricate and fascinating hoodoo formations, including the Queen Victoria hoodoo.
Strenuous
- Fairyland Loop Trail: For a longer (8.0 miles) and more secluded hike, take the Fairyland Loop Trail, which offers stunning vistas of the Bryce Canyon landscape.
- Peekaboo Loop Trail: This strenuous 5.5 miles trail descents 670 feet into the canyon from Bryce Point. Watch for horses while you are mesmerized by this hoodoo-filled loop.
Ranger Programs:
Enhance your visit with ranger-led programs and interpretive talks offered throughout the park.
Join guided walks, campfire programs, and astronomy events to learn about the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history from knowledgeable park rangers. Check the park’s website and/or the visitor centers for most recent updates.
Photography
Bryce Canyon is a paradise for photographers, offering endless opportunities to capture the park’s unique rock formations and vibrant colors.
- Sunrise and Sunset Points: Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are aptly named, offering dramatic lighting conditions that paint the hoodoos in vibrant hues. Don’t miss the chance to capture these moments.
- Inspiration Point: True to its name, Inspiration Point provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Bryce Amphitheater. It’s an ideal spot for capturing the vastness and intricacy of the canyon.
- Bryce Point: This viewpoint showcases an incredible vista of the Silent City, a collection of hoodoos that resemble a bustling metropolis.
Venture onto the trails for unique perspectives of the rock formations, especially during the changing light of sunrise or sunset.
Horseback Riding
Experience the beauty of Bryce Canyon from a different perspective with a horseback riding adventure. I would say that this is one of the most popular activities in Bryce.
Guided horseback tours are available from outfitters in and near the park, offering scenic rides through the hoodoos and forests of the canyon. Descending and ascending steep trails on horseback is a fantastic experience and you will learn about oh-my-god corners.
Ride along trails like the Peekaboo Loop or the Fairyland Loop for a unique and memorable experience amidst the towering rock formations.
General Aviation
The closest GA airport is Bryce Canyon Airport (KBCE) which is located 4 miles north of the park and makes it a perfect gateway access.. The one asphalt runway is measuring 7,395 by 75 ft. Always factor in density altitude as the airport sits at 7,590 ft MSL.
The airport offers facilities for general aviation pilots, including tie-down areas and fuel services. A free shuttle runs from the airport to Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City. This hotel is also a stop of the Bryce Canyon Shuttle. No need to rent a car to visit the park.
Important Tips
- Scening Driving: Don’t want to hike? No problem. Explore Bryce Canyon’s breathtaking vistas and panoramic viewpoints along the park’s scenic drives. Drive along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to access numerous overlooks, including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point, offering stunning views of the amphitheaters below. Stop at Rainbow Point at the southern end of the park for a panoramic vista spanning over 100 miles of scenic landscape.
- Weather: Bryce Canyon experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in the summer. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including sudden temperature drops and afternoon thunderstorms. Bring layers of clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Altitude: The park’s high elevation (ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 feet) can cause altitude-related issues for some individuals. Take it easy, stay hydrated, and be mindful of any signs of altitude sickness.
- Preservation: To protect the delicate environment, stay on marked trails and avoid touching or disturbing the rock formations.
- Park Information: Visit the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center to get trail maps, updates on weather conditions, and information on ranger-led programs.
- Horseback Riding: If you plan to go horseback riding, make reservations in advance to ensure availability.
- Trail Safety: When hiking in Bryce Canyon, stay on designated trails, wear sturdy footwear, and carry plenty of water, especially during hot weather.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and refrain from feeding or approaching animals for your safety and their well-being.
- Leave No Trace: Help preserve Bryce Canyon’s natural beauty by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
- Permits and Regulations: Obtain necessary permits for backcountry camping, horseback riding, and other activities, and adhere to park regulations and guidelines at all times.
Enjoy your adventure at Bryce Canyon National Park, capturing its mesmerizing beauty through your camera lens, exploring its unique landscapes on foot, and embarking on a horseback journey that connects you with the natural wonders of this geological masterpiece. Have a fantastic trip!
My personal experience
I visited Bryce Canyon five times and always stayed in charming Kanab, Utah. It is just 76 miles (1.5 hours) drive to Bryce but trust me: it will take you longer as you don’t want to miss any of the opportunities along UT-12 to take some pictures. While most of the scenic views are accessible by car, a visit to Bryce would be incomplete without a hike to the canyon floor. I felt like being in a different world. The feeling of a mix of tranquility and solitude is really hard to describe. There were other hikers but I did not care. Please don’t underestimate summers in Bryce and the combination of high altitude and the heat. Watching you huffing and puffing your way back up to the rim might be a fun activity for some visitors but not maybe not so much fun for you . There are also guided horseback tours which will get you down to the canyon floor and back to the rim. It’ s a fun thing to do, especially if you love horses. However, staring into the canyon from a horseback while the horse walks up the countless switchback is certainly not for the faint of heart. The tour guide’s assurance that these animal are not suicidal did not really help… well, I learned the expression “oh my god corner” and yeah, I would definitely do it again
