Explore Bryce Canyon National Park with iBestTravel

The smallest of Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks, Bryce Canyon packs a big punch. The first time you see its iconic hoodoos—those otherworldly rock spires in shades of orange, pink, and red—is a moment you’ll never forget. This incredible park boasts more hoodoos than anywhere else in the world.

Bryce Canyon’s high elevation, averaging over 8,000 feet and reaching nearly 10,000 feet at its highest points, gives it a unique edge. The seasonal cycles of freezing and thawing water have transformed the soft sandstone and limestone into an utterly unique landscape. Despite its name, Bryce is not a canyon; rather, it is a plateau formed by geological processes.

Epic hiking trails skirt the plateau’s rim before diving into the forest of alien pinnacles and centuries-old bristlecone pines. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.

When Should You Go to Bryce Canyon National Park?

More than half of visitors to Bryce Canyon typically come between June and September. For many, summer is the prime time to visit. The park’s higher elevation means that the average high temperature in July is a blissful 79°F, significantly cooler than the average of 100°F in nearby destinations like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

In 2023, Bryce Canyon’s busiest month was September, drawing 367,425 visitors, while January saw just 29,457 adventurers. The winter months can bring a powdered-sugar dusting of snow atop Bryce Canyon’s formations, although some trails may close during this season.

How Much Time Should You Spend at Bryce Canyon National Park?

Some travelers elect to visit Bryce Canyon as a day trip from neighboring Zion National Park, which is about 80 miles away, or a 1.5-hour drive from Zion’s east entrance. However, spending a full day or even two at Bryce Canyon allows you to fully appreciate its beauty. Dawn and dusk are particularly magical times to witness the dramatic color shifts of the park’s hoodoos.

After sunset, the park’s clean, dry air provides exceptional visibility for stargazing, allowing visitors to see celestial bodies as distant as the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light-years away.

Getting to and Around Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is accessible by car, making it easy to visit from nearby airports and major cities. During the busy months from April to October, complimentary shuttle buses operate within the park, stopping at major attractions and allowing visitors to leave their cars outside the park gate if they choose. Unlike Zion National Park, driving your own vehicle in Bryce Canyon is permitted and convenient.

Cycling is another excellent way to explore, with a paved multi-use path providing access to every major trailhead. This path connects to the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail, allowing for further exploration of the stunning rock formations surrounding Bryce Canyon.

Top Things to Do at Bryce Canyon National Park

The hoodoos are undeniably the stars of Bryce Canyon, and you’ll want to take time to view them from multiple angles. Many of the formations have evocative names, such as Thor’s Hammer, steeped in Native Paiute folklore.

The Rim Trail is one of the easiest hikes and allows you to trace the upper edge of the plateau while enjoying stunning overlooks. While these viewpoints can become crowded, a short walk further from parking areas can grant you a quieter perspective of the breathtaking scenery.

For a more immersive experience, consider hiking among the hoodoos. The Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Combination Trail is the park’s most popular hike, offering a compact yet comprehensive showcase of Bryce Canyon’s signature features, complete with iconic switchbacks.

If you’re seeking a more challenging experience, the Fairyland Loop is an eight-mile trek that demands a workout, with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet, meandering through picturesque desert landscapes.

Financial Considerations for Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park

The standard entrance fee for Bryce Canyon is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person for those entering on foot or by bike; this pass is valid for seven days. If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks during your trip, the America the Beautiful pass for $80 offers one of the best travel deals available, providing access to all federal recreation lands across the U.S. for one vehicle or four individual admissions.

On-site lodging includes a lodge and two campgrounds. Bryce Canyon Lodge rates range from $200 to $330 per night, while campgrounds charge $30 per night for both tents and RVs. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons.

Closest Towns to Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon City is situated at the park entrance, featuring a few hotels and dining options. For a wider range of accommodations and eateries, the neighboring towns of Tropic and Cannonville provide alternative choices.

Best Places to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon features two campgrounds and the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge, which offers convenient trail access. Additionally, Bryce Glamp & Camp, located south of Cannonville, features comfortable geodesic domes equipped with kitchenettes and plush mattresses, providing a homely atmosphere amidst the stunning red-rock landscape.

Keep Planning Your Trip to Utah!

Maximize your America the Beautiful Pass and explore Utah’s beautiful national parks.