Bryce Canyon National Park Information
(Map at Bottom of Page)
Park Website:
Park Fees:
$35 park entry fee
$80 annual park pass (if you plan on visiting at least 3 national parks/year, this pass will save you money!)
Things to Note:
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The park is open 24 hrs. Try your best to get there as early as possible & catch sunrise/sunset here, the change in light has an incredible effect on the colors of the hoodoos- the park will change by the minute! Great photography points for sunrise: Inspiration Point or Bryce Point; for sunset: Sunrise Point (more expansive views compare to Sunset Point)
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1 full-day is normally enough for Bryce Canyon
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Bryce Canyon has well-made bike trails around the park
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This park is great to visit year-round, but if you have the chance, visit in the winter. Snow + Hoodoos = MAGIC ✨
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Normally parking isn't an issue when driving trailhead to trailhead, but Bryce Canyon does have a shuttle system if you wish to use that, more info here.
Christina's Trip Tips:
Below are full-day and hike recommendations + our recommendations for bike & gear rentals and guided hikes. I strongly recommend downloading and using AllTrails, it's a great tool for researching hikes.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS check the National Park website prior to your trip to ensure all roads/hikes are open. Conditions change all the time!
Full-Day: Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive + Hikes
Other Hikes + Suggestions
Unique Experiences +
Rental Options
AM
Unless you want to see sunrise in the park, aim to be at the park by 8 AM.
Most people arrive between
9-10AM. There are not many restaraunts between us and Bryce Canyon
Breakfast FYI
There are not many restaurants between us and Bryce Canyon, if you are looking to pick up breakfast Sweet Sage Cafe in town or Bee's might be your best bet
1st Stop: Sunset Point to Sunrise Point
Park in the large parking lot labeled for Sunset Point, enjoy the view! From Sunrise Point, walk on the Rim Trail to Sunset Point (flat, easy trail with great aerial views of Bryce).
Hike #1
Queens Garden to Navajo Loop Trail (1.5-2 hrs, 3 miles, moderate)
Queens Garden is a relatively easy hike. We recommend following the signs to Navajo Loop Trail, which will allow you to see all of the elevation changes throughout Bryce and the popular Wall Street. This is a popular loop so expect to pass other hikers.
Take a Drive
You could also drive to Bryce Point for a similar view
Lunch
If you packed lunch, benches around Sunrise and Sunset point are great to eat at.
There are restaurant options right outside the main entrance, The restaurant inside The Lodge is great for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Hike #2
Peek A Boo Loop Trail (3 hrs, 5 miles, moderately challenging)
Shuttle FYI
If you plan to see most of the major viewpoints, you have the option to utilize the shuttle service by walking part of the rim trail and shuttling back to your car. It's free and runs April-October
FYI
The Rim Trail is a scenic walking trail along the rim of the canyon that connects most of the major viewpoints like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point.
Fairyland Hike
The limited light pollution makes for very dark skies, making Bryce Canyon ideal for stargazers & night photographers. Bryce Point is a great spot to drive to for sunset & then stay as it gets dark
The park offers tons of night programs and tours, there's even a ranger-led night hike during the full moon! More info can be found on the park site.
Ideal for Stargazing & Night Hikes!
The limited light pollution makes for very dark skies, making Bryce Canyon ideal for stargazers & night photographers. Bryce Point is a great spot to drive to for sunset & then stay as it gets dark
The park offers tons of night programs and tours, there's even a ranger-led night hike during the full moon! More info can be found on the park site.
E-Bike + Mountain Bike Rentals
Biking through national parks is one of our favorite ways to experience a national park!
Outta Here eBikes offers eBikes that are meant for the bike path only! If you are looking for a mountain bike to ride Thunder Mountain or any other trail, Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours is a great option
Here's a full list of rental bike companies around Bryce Canyon
Pack a Jacket!
Since Bryce Canyon is at a higher elevation (8,000 ft) the mornings and evenings tend to be cold regardless of the time of year. Make sure to pack a jacket/windbreaker that you're able to fit inside your hiking backpack, you might need it at the start & end of the day