Located in the heart of southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is a stunning natural wonderland that beckons visitors from around the globe. This awe-inspiring location is renowned for it’s breathtaking geological formations, vibrant hues and endless outdoor adventures. From towering hoodoos to deep amphitheaters, Bryce Canyon offers a mesmerizing landscape that captivates the imagination and ignites the spirit of exploration.
Formation of the Hoodoos
The iconic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon are the result of millions of years of erosion and weathering. These towering spires of rock, some reaching heights of up to 200 feet, are formed from the erosion of the Claron Formation, a layer of soft limestone that was deposited during the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene epochs, approximately 65 to 55 million years ago.
The unique composition of the Claron Formation, along with the forces of wind, water and ice, has sculpted the hoodoos into their distinctive shapes. The soft limestone is easily eroded, while the harder layers of rock, such as the Pink Cliffs and White Cliffs, act as protective caps, slowing down the erosion process and allowing the hoodoos to maintain their towering presence.
Colors of the Canyon
One of the most striking features of Bryce Canyon is it’s vibrant array of colors. The hoodoos and canyon walls display a kaleidoscope of hues, ranging from deep reds and oranges to soft pinks and creamy whites. This colorful palette is attributed to the varying mineral content within the rock layers.
The red and orange hues are the result of iron oxide, commonly known as rust, which is abundant in the Claron Formation. As the iron is exposed to oxygen and water, it oxidizes, creating the warm, fiery tones that paint the canyon. The lighter shades of pink and white are caused by the presence of calcium carbonate, which is the primary component of limestone.
The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day further enhances the colorful display. As the sun traverses the sky, it’s rays illuminate the hoodoos and canyon walls at different angles, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape that captivates visitors from sunrise to sunset.
When to Visit?
The best times to visit Bryce Canyon are in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Summers can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Winters are cold, with highs around 40°F and the park receives snowfall which can limit accessibility.
The peak season is from May through September. This is when the park is most crowded. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting in April-May or September-October. The park is open year-round, but some facilities like campgrounds are closed in winter.
Entrance Fees
There are several options for entrance fees to Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Single Vehicle Pass – $35, valid for 7 days
- Individual Pass – $20, valid for 7 days
- Bryce Canyon Annual Pass – $45, valid for one year from date of purchase
Other National Park passes like the America the Beautiful pass are also accepted. Free entrance days are offered a few times per year. Check the park’s website for current entrance fee information.
Operating Hours
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, visitor facilities like the visitor center have more limited hours.
| Facility/Service | Peak Season (May – September) | Off-Season (October – April) |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entrance | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Visitor Center | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Bryce Canyon Lodge | Open | Closed (typically from November to March) |
| Bryce Canyon Lodge Restaurant | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Closed (typically from November to March) |
| General Store | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunset Campground | Open | Closed (typically from November to March) |
| North Campground | Open | Open (limited sites available) |
| Shuttle Service | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Not operating |
| Horseback Rides | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Not operating |
| Scenic Drive | Open | Open (weather permitting) |
| Hiking Trails | Open | Open (weather permitting) |
Getting to Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah, approximately 270 miles south of Salt Lake City and 80 miles northeast of Zion National Park. The park is accessible by car, with the main entrance located along Utah Highway 63.
For those traveling by air, the nearest major airports are Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), both of which are approximately 270 miles from the park. Smaller regional airports, such as the Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) and the St. George Regional Airport (SGU), are located closer to the park and may offer more convenient access.
Once inside the park, visitors can explore the park’s attractions using the free shuttle system, which operates from April through October and provides access to the park’s most popular viewpoints and trailheads.
Shuttle Buses
Once inside Bryce Canyon, free shuttle buses can take you throughout the park. Buses run frequently from early morning until evening.
Key shuttle bus routes:
- Main Canyon Route: Stops at the visitor center, Bryce Canyon Lodge, sunset points
- North Campground Route: Makes stops at the two park campgrounds
- Rainbow Point Route: Goes to farther viewpoints like Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point
Riding the shuttle buses is highly recommended to avoid traffic and parking issues in the park. Leave your car at your hotel or campsite and take the shuttle to see the sights.
Best Hikes
Some of the top hikes and trails in Bryce Canyon National Park include:
| Queens Garden Trail | A moderate 2 mile loop dropping 320 feet into the Queen’s Garden hoodoo amphitheater. Phenomenal hoodoo formations. |
| Navajo Loop Trail | A strenuous 1.3 mile loop with 550 feet of elevation change. Passes Thor’s Hammer and tunnels through Wall Street. |
| Rim Trail | An easy paved walking path along the canyon rim. Connects to the main viewpoints and is excellent for sunsets. |
| Peekaboo Loop Trail | A strenuous 5.5 mile hike with lots of ups and downs through the Bryce Amphitheater. Great hoodoo views. |
| Bristlecone Loop Trail | An easy 1 mile hike through a forest of bristlecone pines, some over 1600 years old. |
Be sure to review trail distances and difficulty before hiking. Many trails have steep drop-offs; use caution with kids.
Top Things To See
Scenic Drives and Viewpoints
Scenic Drive For those who prefer to take in the beauty of Bryce Canyon from the comfort of their vehicle, the park offers a 38-mile scenic drive that passes through the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater and provides access to numerous viewpoints and overlooks.
The scenic drive begins at the park entrance and winds it’s way through the amphitheater, offering stunning vistas at every turn. Some of the must-see viewpoints along the route include Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, each offering a unique perspective on the canyon’s grandeur.
Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point
At the southern end of the scenic drive, visitors can explore Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point, two high-elevation viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. At an elevation of 9,115 feet, Rainbow Point is the highest point in the park and provides a sweeping view of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the distant Kaibab Plateau.
Yovimpa Point, located just a short walk from Rainbow Point, offers a breathtaking view of the colorful cliffs and hoodoos that make up the Grand Staircase, a series of stepped rock layers that stretch from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon.
Don’t miss the iconic viewpoints, but also explore lesser-visited overlooks via the scenic drive. Allow at least 2-3 days to see the highlights.
Bryce Canyon Lodging
Inside the park, the only lodging option is Bryce Canyon Lodge. This historic lodge offers motel rooms and cabins from April to October. Reservations are essential.
Just outside the park entrances are several gateway towns with more accommodation choices. Popular options include:
- Ruby’s Inn: Large resort complex near the main entrance with motel rooms, suites, cabins and restaurants.
- Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon: Nice hotel rooms with excellent canyon views.
- Bryce Canyon Resort: Motel rooms and full cabins located 10 minutes from the park.
- Campgrounds: There are two North and Sunset campgrounds in the park. Nearby national forest campgrounds are also available.
Book well in advance for peak season lodging. Bryce Canyon is very popular in summer. For budget options, look at gateway towns instead of inside the park.
Dining
There are a handful of dining options in and near Bryce Canyon:
In-Park Dining
- Bryce Canyon Lodge Restaurant: Elegant dining room with excellent park views. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner.
- General Store: Deli sandwiches, snacks and groceries.
Nearby Dining
- Ruby’s Inn: Large restaurant with American fare plus a buffet and barbecue options.
- Bryce Canyon Lodge Restaurant: Sit-down restaurant at the Lodge offering American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Pizza Place: Wide selection of pizzas, pastas, salads and sandwiches. Delivery available.
- Rim Rock Restaurant: Upscale dining at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon with regional cuisine. Open late April to October.
Nearby gateway towns like Tropic, Cannonville and Panguitch also have basic fast food and family restaurants.
Inside the park, only Bryce Canyon Lodge offers sit-down dining. Make reservations in advance, especially for dinner.
Activities
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels Bryce Canyon National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails that cater to visitors of all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to strenuous backcountry adventures. Some of the most popular easy trails include the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the Bryce Amphitheater from above and the Queens Garden Trail, a 1.8-mile round trip hike that descends into the heart of the hoodoos.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the park offers several strenuous trails, such as the Peekaboo Loop Trail, an 5.5-mile trek that winds through the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater and the Fairyland Loop Trail, an 8-mile journey that explores the lesser-known Fairyland Amphitheater.
Backcountry Camping and Exploration
Bryce Canyon National Park also offers opportunities for backcountry camping and exploration, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s rugged wilderness. With a permit, adventurers can embark on multi-day backpacking trips, exploring remote sections of the park and camping under the stars.
Some popular backcountry trails include the Under-the-Rim Trail, a 23-mile route that traverses the length of the park and the Riggs Spring Loop Trail, an 8.8-mile circuit that offers a more secluded hiking experience and access to backcountry campsites.
Horseback Riding and Guided Tours
For a unique perspective on Bryce Canyon’s beauty, visitors can explore the park on horseback. Guided horseback rides are available from April through October, offering a range of options from short, 2-hour rides to full-day adventures.
In addition to horseback riding, the park offers guided geology talks, ranger-led hikes and educational programs that provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Bryce Canyon’s natural wonders.
Winter Activities Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
While Bryce Canyon is most popular during the summer months, the park offers a unique and charming experience in the winter. With an average annual snowfall of 95 inches, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The park maintains several trails specifically for these winter activities, including the Rim Trail, which offers stunning snow-covered vistas of the Bryce Amphitheater and the Fairyland Loop Trail, a more challenging route that explores the park’s backcountry.
Winter Astronomy Programs
Bryce Canyon National Park is also renowned for it’s dark skies, making it an ideal place for stargazing and astronomy. During the winter months, the park offers special astronomy programs, including guided full moon snowshoe hikes and stargazing sessions with telescopes, allowing visitors to marvel at the beauty of the night sky above the snow-capped hoodoos.
FAQs About Visiting
The spring and fall seasons are best, from April-May and September-October. You’ll avoid the high summer crowds and temperatures.
Ideally 2-3 days allows you to see the scenic drive viewpoints, hike several trails and enjoy sunrises/sunsets.
Stargaze! Bryce Canyon has excellent dark skies. Join a ranger astronomy program or night hike or simply gaze at the stars.
Yes, a private vehicle can access all viewpoints via the main road. But use the free shuttles to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, leashed dogs are permitted on trails and viewpoints. Be aware that trails have steep dropoffs though.
No reservations are required to enter the park. But lodging and campsites should be reserved up to 6 months in advance for peak seasons.
Many of the viewpoints are accessible by wheelchair, including Sunset Point and Inspiration Point. Ask at the visitor center about accessible trails and options.
Cell service is limited in the park, particularly in the canyon. Have offline maps downloaded. Better service at the Lodge and Ruby’s Inn areas.
In Summary
With it’s distinctive geological formations and phenomenal hiking opportunities, Bryce Canyon is an unforgettable national park. Visit in the spring or fall for the best weather and to avoid crowds. Stop at the major viewpoints along the main scenic drive and hike down into the amphitheaters on trails like Queen’s Garden. Stay at the Lodge or gateway towns like Tropic or Cannonville. However you choose to experience it, Bryce Canyon is sure to be a highlight of any trip to southern Utah.
