Bryce Canyon National Park is a natural geologic national park located just over 70 miles from Zion National Park. The park has a long, narrow north-south shape with a paved internal road that allows you to drive or take a free shuttle provided by the park to explore the park.
Many of the most popular viewpoints and services are concentrated near the Bryce Amphitheater area, so it is relatively easy to visit and you can usually visit the entire park in two days. There are several attractions in the park, and you can enjoy different views at different times.
If you are planning to visit Bryce Canyon Park, this travel guide will surely help you.
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Table of Contents
Points of Interest of Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is dominated by its iconic irregular rock spires, many of which are clustered in the Bryce Amphitheater, a collection of Bryce Canyon National Park’s “ Hoodoos, “ which are the park’s Hoodoos are the park’s signature feature.
The park also offers a special program called “Hike the Hoodoos!” that guides visitors to view the rock from different angles.
The Bryce Amphitheater’s various “Odd Rocks” can be viewed from the main attractions in Bryce Canyon National Park.
These include Sunrise Point, about three miles from the entrance, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Byrce Point, all of which surround the Byrce Amphitheater.
Continuing north from these sites, you’ll also come to several spots where you can admire the red rock formations that characterize Bryce Canyon and have been eroded by natural wind and rain over the years.
When visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, you can choose to drive, take a bus, bike, or ride a horse.
Also, several trails in the park offer different levels of hiking difficulty to satisfy hikers of all levels.
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round. However, the best time to visit Bryce Canyon Park is from June to September each year.
The summer months of June-September are the coolest in Utah, so it feels more comfortable to get out. However, it is important to note that July and August have more rainfall and are often accompanied by lightning, so be sure to stop outdoor activities immediately and return indoors if lightning strikes.
March through May, and October through November, have fewer visitors and allow for quieter visits to the parks, but March through April can still be wintry and snowy.
December through February is the snow season in Bryce Canyon National Park, and some roads are closed due to snowfall, and most tourist facilities, campgrounds, lodges, and food services are also closed.
If you decide to drive yourself, it’s a good idea to check the park’s current entry notes before you travel, including road information other relevant tips, and safety information, among other things.
Bryce Canyon National Park’s yearly temperature profile is shown below:
Direct Flight to Bryce Canyon National Park
Major airports around Bryce Canyon National Park are:
- St. George Regional Airport (airport code: SGU): 2 hours 40 minutes from the park.
- Harry Reid International Airport (airport code: LAS): 4 hours from the park
- Salt Lake City International Airport (airport code: SLC): 4 hours from the park
St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes to drive from SGU Airport to Zion National Park in your rental car.
Below are the direct flights to SGU.
| Direct Flight City (Airport Code) | Flight Time | Direct Airline |
|---|---|---|
Salt Lake City (SLC) | 1 hour and 10 minutes | Delta |
Denver (DEN) | 1 hour 50 minutes | United |
Dallas (DFW) | 2 hours 46 minutes. | American |
Phoenix (PHX) | 1 hour 22 minutes | American |
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
It takes about 4 hours to drive from LAS Airport to Bryce Canyon National Park by rental car.
139 metropolitan airports across the U.S. offer direct flights to LAS, and the airlines that offer direct flights are Allegiant, Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, Delta, Breeze, American, JetSuiteX, Sun Country, Alaska, United, JetBlue, etc.
You can check your nearest airport and flights that offer direct flights to LAS.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
It takes about 4 hours to drive from SLC Airport to Zion National Park in your rental car.
85 city airports across the U.S. offer direct flights to SLC, with airlines such as Delta Southwest American Alaska United JetBlue Frontier Spirit KLM offering direct flights.
You can check your nearest airport and flights that offer direct flights to LAS.
Transportation in Bryce Canyon National Park
A. Entrance to the park
Bryce Canyon National Park has only one entrance, on Highway 63, located about 4.5 miles south of Highway 12 and Highway 63 off-ramp.
Driving distances to surrounding locations and cities are approx:
- Approximately 72 miles from Zion National Park;
- Approximately 268 miles from Salt Lake City;
- Moab is approximately 156 miles away;
- St George is approximately 86 miles away;
- Approximately 260 miles from Las Vegas.
B. Buses in parks
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a free shuttle bus that operates primarily between April and October each year to and from several major attractions and lodging sites north and south of the park entrance:
The shuttles run every 15 minutes during operation and support barrier-free access, while 2 bike racks are provided per shuttle.
While in the park, you can log on to the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Tracker to see real-time shuttle movements and find out when the most recent shuttle arrives.
Before traveling, it is recommended to check the Shuttle Information page to see the schedule for different periods of operation.
In addition to the free buses, the park also operates commercial buses. If you wish to take a commercial bus, you can purchase a boarding pass at the fee booth at the park entrance.
C. Self-driving in the park
You can drive yourself into the park for a visit, even during shuttle operation hours.
However, it is important to note that if your vehicle is longer than 6 meters, you are not allowed to park your vehicle in a parking space within the shuttle’s operating area during the free shuttle operating hours, unless you have made a reservation for a stay at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon or a campsite, where you can park your vehicle directly in the parking lot of the Lodge or campsite upon entering the park.
If your vehicle is longer than 6 meters and you do not have a reservation for accommodations in the park, you may park in the additional parking lot across from the Visitor Center, in the Bryce Canyon City shuttle station parking lot, and in all parking spaces south of the park outside of the bus operating area.
Other vehicles less than 6 meters in length are not restricted.
If you choose to visit in winter, you will need to check the information page before you leave to determine if there are any road closures, etc.
How is lodging organized in Bryce Canyon National Park?
In Bryce Canyon National Park, you might consider staying at a lodge inside the park, a hotel outside the park, or camping inside the park.
A. Hotels in parks
There is one main lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park:
#1. Bryce Canyon Lodge ⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 / 5.0 (1,629 条评价)
The hotel is a historic building in the park, built nearly 100 years ago in 1924, with the initial design and later expansion by renowned architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who also designed hotels in many U.S. national parks, such as Yellowstone National Park.
The hotel was expanded in 1926 to form the current 114-room complex, which offers a variety of room types ranging from simple cottages and motel-type rooms to luxury suites.
The hotel also offers a restaurant, post office, gift store, and recreation room to provide thorough concierge services to travelers staying at the hotel.
The hostel currently offers a total of four types of accommodation rooms, which are very popular and need to be booked as early as possible:
B. Off-park accommodation
#2. Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ (8.6 / 10.0 2,112条评价)
#3. Mountain Ridge Cabins & Lodging ⭐⭐⭐ 8.9 / 10.0 (642条评价)
#4. The Riverside Ranch Motel and RV Park ⭐⭐⭐ 9.0 / 10.0 (241条评价)
#5. The Panguitch House ⭐⭐⭐ 9.4 / 10.0 (402条评价)
#6. Purple Sage Motel ⭐⭐⭐ 8.4 / 10.0 (320条评价)
#7. Blue Pine Motel ⭐⭐⭐ 8.9 / 10.0 (911条评价)
#8. Quality Inn Bryce Canyon ⭐⭐ 8.0 / 10.0 (1,060 reviews)
#9. Bryce Pioneer Village ⭐⭐ 8.0 / 10.0 (1,734 reviews)
#10. Bryce Canyon Pines ⭐⭐ 8.1 / 10.0 (820 reviews)
#11. Bryce Country Cabins ⭐⭐ 9.1 / 10.0 (205条评价)
#12. Bryce Canyon Villas ⭐ 9.2 / 10.0 (409 reviews)
C. Camping in the park
Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds, North Campground and Sunset Campground.
North Campground
Open year-round, reservations are required from May to October, and the rest of the year is first-come, first-served. The campground offers year-round flush toilet and trash pickup service, and seasonal dump station, laundry, drinking water, and firewood or ice sales.
Sunset Campground
Open April through October, occupancy is on a first-come, first-served basis. Drinking water, laundry, dump station, and portable restroom services are available seasonally at the campground.
Sunset Campground also offers group campsites and 2 ADA-accessible campsites.
Group campsites are available for camping groups of 7 to 30 people, and accessible campsites require reservations by calling 435-834-4771 or emailing.
Wild Campground
There are two wilderness camping areas in Bryce Canyon National Park, located near the Under-the-Rim Trail and near the Riggs Spring Loop Trail, which require a wilderness camping pass at the Visitor Center before use.
Restaurants in Bryce Canyon National Park
Dining in Bryce Canyon National Park is primarily in the Bryce Canyon Lodge.
Outside the park, however, offers many dining destinations, which you can find along Highway 12 or in the small towns of Panguitch to the northwest and Tropic to the southeast of the park.
Restaurants in the park
#1. Lodge at Bryce Canyon map
Restaurants outside the park
#2. Bryce Canyon Pines 4.2 / 5/0 2,621 Google Reviews Map
#3. Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill Dinner Show 4.2 / 5/0 632 Google reviews Maps
#4. Sevier Coffee Co. 4.2 / 5/0 2,621 Google reviews Maps
#5. Outlaw Saloon and Steakhouse 4.9 / 5/0 229 Google reviews Map
#6. Cedar Breaks Grill 4.6 / 5/0 834 Google reviews Maps
#7. Backroads Bistro 5.0 / 5/0 6 Google reviews Maps
#8. Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe 4.4 / 5/0 1,150 Google reviews Maps
#9. C Stop Pizza 4.3 / 5/0 956 Google reviews Maps
#10. Pizza Place 4.3 / 5/0 888 Google reviews Maps
#11. showdowns 4.2 / 5/0 319 Google reviews Maps
#12. i.d.k. barbecue 4.5 / 5/0 984 Google reviews Map
#13. Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. 4.6 / 5/0 322 Google Reviews Map
What equipment do I need to bring to visit the park?
- COMFORTABLE HIKING MOUNTAINEERING SHOES: The most common injury that can occur while hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park is an ankle sprain, so comfortable mid-top or high-top hiking boots are recommended.
- If you are going in winter, you need to equip your hiking boots with cleats or prepare snow hiking boots.
- Walking stick: When hiking in the mountains, carrying a walking stick can be a great way to reduce fatigue and minimize the risk of injury.
- Water Bottle: You need to stay hydrated and replenish your energy while hiking.
- Sunscreen: The park is not too hot during the summer months, but after all, sunscreen is still a must when you spend long hours under the hot sun.
- Trash Bags: When visiting the parks, you need to be aware of the “Leave No Trace” rule and dispose of your personal trash at all times, whether you are hiking or camping.
Itinerary + Don’t Miss Attractions
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the smaller national parks, and a typical two-day, one-night trip can pretty much cover the park’s main attractions.
Our suggested itinerary is as follows:
first day
To enter the park, drive from north to south and enjoy the scenery along the road, with sights concentrated on the left side of the road.
Options include parking at Natural Bridge, Rainbow Point, and other points of interest and hiking to them for views.
Afterward, drive to the park hotel, Bryce Canyon Lodge, check-in and hike to Byrce Point, Inspiration Point, and then Sunset Point in the evening for sunset.
the morrow
Watch the sunrise at Sunrise Point in the early hours of the morning, and hike the different walking trails at the Bryce Amphitheater.
Afterwards, drive to the Visitor Center, park in the parking lot, and take the shuttle bus to Fairyland Canyon.
In the afternoon, you can try horseback riding in the park.
After finishing the day, you can drive to Zion National Park, more than 70 miles away, to continue the rest of your canyon tour.
Natural Bridge
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5.0 (841 reviews)
Natural Bridge is a natural arch bridge made of the reddest rock in the area eroded by streams and rivers, you will be impressed by the power of nature when you view Natural Bridge from the lookout point.
Rainbow Point
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 / 5.0 (140 reviews)
Rainbow Point is located at the southern end of Bryce Canyon Park, where you can see the colorful “staircase” rock formations.
Starting from the pink rock formation where you are standing, you can see down to the gray rock formation, white rock formation, red rock formation, vermillion rock formation, and chocolate-colored rock formation, like a mountain rainbow.
After getting off the bus at Rainbow Point, a short hike takes you to Yovimpa Point, where you can see far beyond the southern part of the park from the observation deck.
Byrce Point
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 / 5.0 (1864 reviews)
At Byrce Point, you can also watch the sunrise, but unlike the view from Sunrise Point, the sunrise at Byrce Point pours down on the “Odd Fellows”, where the orange-red sunlight shines on the pillars as if lighting them.
From Bryce Point, you can access several of the park’s toughest trails, such as the Peek-a-boo Loop Trail and the Under-the-Rim Trail, to name a few.
Inspiration Point
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 / 5.0 (60 reviews)
At Inspiration Point, you can see the Odd Fellows from a variety of perspectives.
Stand at the edge of the driveway for a great view, or challenge yourself to hike along the steep walls and enjoy the sensation of the “Odd Fellows” while you’re in the middle of it.
Sunset Point
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5.0 (1,878 reviews)
At Sunset Point, not only can you enjoy a beautiful sunset, but you can also enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the “Odd Fellows” during the day, as the afterglow of the sunset brightens the already reddish Bryce Canyon delay.
At Sunset Point, you can also watch a variety of birds, such as swallows, which travel through the trees, and eagles, which glide over the canyon’s air currents.
From Sunset Point, you can access one of the park’s most popular trails, the Navajo Loop Trail, or the challenging Hiking Trail Rim Trail.
Here you can also see one of the most popular sights, a stone hammer-like rock known as Thor’s Hammer.
Sunrise Point
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5.0 (1,426 reviews)
In the wee hours of the morning, the sun can be viewed from here as it rises in the east, coloring the Boat Mesa boulders on the northeast side of the park a mesmerizing shade of pink.
From Sunrise Point you can access several trails, such as the easy-to-walk Queen’s Garden Trail.
Here you will also find some amazing pines whose roots are exposed from years of erosion, but which still grow strong.
Fairyland Canyon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 (3 reviews)
Wonderland Canyon, about a mile north of the park entrance, is another ideal location for viewing the “Odd Fellows,” where the rocks you see are less eroded than in the south, so if you work your way from the southernmost part of the park to the northern section, you can see a noticeable change in the texture of the rocks.
From here, you can follow either the Mossy Cave Trail or the Fairyland Loop Trail to the “Odd Fellows” to get a closer look at these magical rocks that have been eroded by the natural flow of water.
Hike the Hoodoos campaign
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a hiking scavenger hunt that not only suggests the best way to see the “Odd Fellows”, but also adds to the enjoyment of the hike.
You accept the task at the Visitor Center, then follow the instructions to different locations to take pictures and complete the challenge. The entire “Hike The Hoodoos!” distance is about 3 miles, so you can complete it easily and enjoyably.
Bicycling
In Bryce Canyon National Park, you can and can only ride on paved roads, and bike racks are set up at different sites, so you can stop at any time along the way to take in the sights on foot.
Also, bike racks are provided on the park’s free shuttle, so you can choose to ride uphill and ride downhill for a free and easy trip to Bryce Canyon National Park.
If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can rent different types of bikes for use at several bike rental vendors in the park.
Horseback Riding
Riding on horseback is the oldest traditional way of moving around the park, and at Bryce Canyon National Park you can book a 2 or 3 hour horseback ride, where there are dedicated trails for the horses to travel on, and where you can enjoy the landscape from a completely different perspective, and of course, mules are available to ride.
You can book by clicking on the booking link.
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