Best Guide to Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best USA National Parks within the group that makes up the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks.

We first visited Bryce Canyon National Park during the second half of our USA road trip. It was a park I knew nothing about when we left the UK and it wowed me with its orange and red hoodoo rock formations.

Each National Park we visited during those three months turned out to be so different from the next and Bryce Canyon Utah was like nothing I’d ever seen before (or have seen since!).

If you’re planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park and seeking guidance on its location, cost, lodging, and engaging activities, you’ve arrived at your one-stop resource.

Indeed, the park does draw crowds, but its unique beauty justifies the attention. This Bryce Canyon guide covered everything you need to know ahead of your Bryce Canyon trip. From directions, nearby accommodations, activities, packing essentials, top hiking trails, permit details, climate conditions, and more!

About Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is situated on a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase Monument. Bryce Canyon’s elevation is mostly quite high, there are incredibly dark skies (some of the best we saw!) and impressive hoodoo rock formations. In fact, it’s these rock formations that the park is famous for.

Contrary to what the name suggests, Bryce Canyon is not a single canyon. Rather it’s a series of natural amphitheaters or bowls, carved into the edge of a high plateau. The most famous of these is the Bryce Amphitheatre which is full of rock towers called hoodoos.

There are four main viewpoints from which to see this area: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.

Bryce Canyon National Park Maps

See the Utah map above left to get your bearings. It’s mostly a map of southern Utah but you get the idea! Take a look at the Bryce Canyon map above right. The red road is serviced by a shuttle in busier months or you can drive it yourself.

Below is a more interactive map of Bryce Canyon National Park. Click the Bryce Canyon National Park map to load it into Google Maps or your phone and use it while you’re on the go.

Bryce Canyon National Park Permits Passes and fees

Bryce Canyon Entrance fees

The entrance fee to Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle. If entering by foot or bicycle it’s $20 per person. Motorcycle entrance costs $30 per motorcycle. This admission lasts for 7 days and includes unlimited rides on the Bryce Canyon shuttle bus.

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

If you plan on visiting 3 National Parks (or more) within 12 months then an annual parks pass is well worth getting.

You can also get an annual pass for just Bryce Canyon which costs $70.

Backcountry permits for Bryce Canyon

If you’re planning to hike the Under-the-Rim trail at Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll need a backcountry permit. This costs $5 and must be bought in person at the Bryce Canyon visitor center.

Commercial Activities permits

Any commercial activities will need a permit. Check this page for more details on Bryce’s permits.

Bryce Canyon National Park camping fees

If you’re planning to go camping at Bryce Canyon you should reserve. There is a fee for camping and there are a number of campsites that can be reserved from early May to late September up to 6 months in advance.

Reservations fill up fast so get in there early. There are some spots held back for first-come-first-served campers too.

There are two Bryce Canyon campgrounds, North Campground and Sunset Campground.  North Campground is closest to the park entrance, visitor centre and Bryce Amphitheatre and Sunset Campground is a little further but still with views of Bryce Amphitheatre.

Both cost $30 per site per night for RVs and $20 for tents.

5 Best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

For a longer list of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon, take a look at this list of the best things to do in Bryce  Canyon National Park.

• Visit Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points: These viewpoints are some of the most famous in the park, providing breathtaking views of the hoodoos and canyon. They are especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
• Take a Scenic Drive: The park’s 18-mile main road will take you past some of the most stunning scenery in the park. Don’t miss the various pull-offs and viewpoints.
• Stargazing: Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its dark skies, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing. Join one of the ranger-led astronomy programs if they’re available during your visit.
• Horseback Riding: Explore the park’s trails from a different perspective on a guided horseback tour.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and a wide variety of birds.

5 Best hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon has some great hiking trails that range in difficulty and take you through some out-of-this-world scenery. Here are 5 of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon.

• Navajo Loop Trail: This 1.3-mile loop is one of the most popular hikes in the park, taking you close to the iconic Thor’s Hammer and Two Bridges.
• Queen’s Garden Trail: A relatively easy 1.8-mile trail that descends into the canyon and takes you to the Queen’s Garden, where hoodoos resemble royal figures.
• Peekaboo Loop Trail: A strenuous 5.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the park’s best rock formations.
• Rim Trail: This easy-to-moderate trail runs for 11 miles along the rim of the canyon, offering spectacular views into the canyon. You can hike sections of it for a shorter walk.
• Fairyland Loop Trail: A challenging 8-mile hike that takes you past some of the park’s most impressive hoodoos and canyon views, with fewer crowds than other trails.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

The best things to do near Bryce Canyon Utah

There are loads of fun things to do near Bryce Canyon National Park. Here’s a detailed list of some of the best things to do near Bryce Canyon:

• Visit Zion National Park: Just 1.5 hours away, this park is home to stunning red cliffs, waterfalls, and a variety of hiking trails, including the challenging Angel’s Landing.
• Explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: This vast, rugged landscape offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, backpacking, canyoneering, and off-road driving.
• Drive Scenic Byway 12: This scenic route is one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S., winding its way past Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef National Park.
• Discover Kodachrome Basin State Park: Named after the Kodak film due to its vibrant color, this park has 67 monolithic stone spires known as sedimentary pipes. You can explore the park through hiking, horseback riding, and photography.
• Check out the Anasazi State Park Museum: Learn about the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture in this historic site about an hour’s drive from Bryce Canyon.
• Visit Capitol Reef National Park: Around 2.5 hours away, this lesser-visited national park features a unique Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline extending almost 100 miles.
• Go Trout Fishing at Panguitch Lake: Surrounded by beautiful forests and meadows, this lake is a popular spot for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout fishing.
• Experience Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo: Held from May through September, you can watch traditional rodeo events, and kids can even try mutton bustin’.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument: Just over an hour’s drive, this park has some of the most beautiful wildflower displays in summer, and the fall colors are breathtaking.
• Canyon Trail Rides: This company offers guided horseback riding tours in Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. Suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Remember to check the local guidelines and any possible restrictions before planning your visit to these places.

Where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park

If you want to stay inside Bryce Canyon National Park, there aren’t many options. The one place you can book is The Lodge at Bryce Canyon. At Bryce Canyon Lodge, you can choose from cabins, motel rooms, or bigger rooms called guest suites and studios.

If you’re looking for other places close to Bryce Canyon, check out the list below.

Best hotels near Bryce Canyon

Here are some good hotels in towns near Bryce Canyon.

• Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel: This hotel is surrounded by the red rocks of Bryce Canyon National Park. You get a free hot breakfast, your own bathroom, a place to exercise, an outdoor swimming pool, and it’s close to walking and bike paths.
• Under Canvas Bryce Canyon: This is a fancy tent place, also known as glamping. They have a shared lounge and someone at the front desk 24 hours a day. You can go hiking and biking nearby, and they serve either an American or vegetarian breakfast.
• Wander Camp Bryce Canyon – Escalante: This hotel in Cannonville has rooms that look out onto a garden, free parking for guests, and shared bathrooms.
• Bryce Canyon Pines: This motel is only a 5-minute drive from Bryce Canyon National Park. It has a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, and restaurant. Some rooms even have a fireplace and a kitchen.

Where to camp near Bryce Canyon

There are many places to camp near Bryce Canyon National Park. You can find RV parks, campgrounds, and even free camping spots.

• Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground is a good choice if you have an RV, or campervan, or if you want to put up a tent. It’s close to the park entrance too.
• Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds: North Campground and Sunset Campground. Both are in a beautiful area called the Bryce Amphitheatre. The usual price for a site is $30 per night for RVs and $20 for tents. About booking, Sunset Campground uses a first-come, first-served system, except for big group sites. North Campground lets you book in advance during busy times and uses a first-come, first-served system during quieter times.
• Free camping near Bryce Canyon: If you have all the gear you need and want to camp for free, you can try the National Forest areas just outside the park. See this post on how to find free campsites in America.

How to get to Bryce Canyon National Park

Getting to Bryce Canyon National Park involves a combination of flying and driving, depending on where you’re coming from.

Flights to Bryce Canyon National Park

The closest major airports to Bryce Canyon National Park are McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah.

• From Las Vegas, you would then drive approximately 260 miles (about 4 hours) to get to the park.
• From Salt Lake City, it’s approximately 270 miles (about 4.5 hours) by car.

Upon arrival at either airport, you can rent a car and drive to Bryce Canyon. Remember that both of these drives take you through some beautiful scenery, so allow extra time for stops along the way!

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Driving to Bryce Canyon UT

• From Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon: The drive is about 85 miles and will take you approximately 1.5-2 hours via Highway 9 East to US-89 North and then onto UT-12 East. The route is incredibly scenic and takes you through parts of the Dixie National Forest.
• From Bryce Canyon to Canyonlands National Park: The distance is approximately 275 miles and it takes around 5-6 hours to drive. You’ll need to go via UT-12 W and US-191 N. Along the route, you will pass by Capitol Reef National Park and through the start of the San Rafael Swell.
• From Canyonlands National Park to Arches National Park: These two parks are very close to each other. The drive is about 30 miles and should take you roughly 40 minutes via US-191 S. Moab is a good base for visiting both of these parks.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Please note that travel times can vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and the speed at which you’re comfortable driving. Always check the route and road conditions before you set out, and remember to make time for rest stops along the way.

What to know before visiting Bryce Canyon

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when visiting Bryce Canyon:

• Shuttle Service: From April through October, a park shuttle service operates to minimize congestion. If your vehicle exceeds 20 feet, the shuttle service is mandatory, but even if it doesn’t, using the shuttle is highly recommended. The cost of the shuttle service is included in your park entrance fee.
• When time does Bryce Canyon open?: Bryce Canyon welcomes visitors 24/7, but the visitor center operates seasonally. Summer hours are from 8 am to 8 pm, while October and April have slightly reduced hours from 8 am to 6 pm. In winter, the visitor center is open from 8 am to 4 pm.
• Elevation and Weather: The park’s elevation ranges from 7,880 feet to 9,000 feet, making Bryce Canyon’s weather often chillier than you might expect. Be prepared for temperature swings, especially between day and night, and don’t forget that it can get quite cold in the winter months.
• Preservation of Archaeological Sites: Remember to respect the park’s archaeological sites. It’s important not to touch, alter, damage, or deface these sites. Collecting artifacts is also strictly prohibited.
• Pet Policy: Pets are permitted in Bryce Canyon, but they must always be leashed and can only go on paved surfaces. Make sure to clean up after your pets and respect wildlife and other visitors.
• Staying Safe: It’s crucial to stay on designated trails and roads. Venturing off could damage the delicate ecosystem and pose safety risks. Carry a detailed topographic map, dress appropriately for the weather, and always have a flashlight with you.
• Cliff Safety: Be extra careful near cliff edges, particularly when the rock surfaces are wet or icy. Falling from heights is a significant risk in the park, so maintain a safe distance from any precipice.
• Weather Preparation: Expect a variety of weather conditions at Bryce Canyon and prepare accordingly. The park experiences cold winters with snow, while summers can be warm during the day but chilly at night. Rainstorms can occur unexpectedly, especially during the monsoon season from mid-July to mid-September. Pack layered clothing, rain gear, and sun protection.
• How much does it cost to enter Bryce Canyon National Park?: The entrance fee for Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle. It covers access for seven days and varies depending on your mode of transportation.
• Managing Crowds: Bryce Canyon can get crowded, especially during the peak season. To avoid the throngs, consider visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) and weekdays. Be patient, respect other visitors, and practice good trail etiquette.

What to pack for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park

I have a more detailed list of what to pack for Bryce Canyon but below you’ll find some of the things you may need for your Bryce Canyon trip.

• Water Bottle/Hydration Pack: It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially during hikes. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack can be filled at visitor centers.
• Park Map/Guidebook: A detailed map or guidebook of Bryce Canyon National Park can be handy for planning hikes and navigating trails.
• Food/Snacks: High-energy snacks such as trail mix, fruit, or energy bars are great for refueling during hikes.
• Backpack: A comfortable day pack to carry your food, water, clothing, and other essentials.
• Hiking Poles: These can help maintain balance on uneven terrain and reduce the impact on your knees and ankles.
• Headlamp/Flashlight: These are useful for early morning or late evening hikes and in case of emergency.
• First Aid Kit: Always have a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any personal medication.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin and lips from the sun’s harsh rays with high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
• Insect Repellent: Useful during warmer months to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
• Camera/Phone: Bryce Canyon’s beautiful landscapes are perfect for photography. Don’t forget extra batteries or a portable charger.

Remember, the weather can change rapidly in Bryce Canyon National Park, so check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.

When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park

The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park really depends on what you’re looking for. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds, while the summer offers warmer conditions and more hours of daylight, albeit with larger crowds. Winter, although cold, presents the opportunity for unique winter sports and serene landscapes, albeit with the possibility of limited accessibility.

Spring (March – June):

During the spring, the average temperatures in Bryce Canyon National Park range from 40°F to 70°F (5°C – 21°C). The moderate daytime temperatures coupled with cool nights make this an enjoyable time to visit.

Spring is also the season when the wildflowers in the park start to bloom, adding a vibrant touch to the already spectacular landscape. However, it’s worth noting that some trails might still be snowy, leading to potentially muddy or snowy conditions.

Summer (June – September):

The summer months see average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F (10°C – 27°C). This is a popular time to visit Bryce Canyon due to the warm weather and extended daylight hours, but keep in mind that the park can get crowded during this period.

Even though daytime temperatures can be relatively high, the park’s altitude keeps things cool, especially at night. It’s also important to be prepared for frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which are common during the summer months.

Autumn (September – November):

Autumn temperatures in Bryce Canyon generally range from 40°F to 60°F (5°C – 15°C). This is a fantastic time to visit for photographers, as the fall foliage offers a captivating display of colors.

The crowd sizes tend to decrease after Labor Day, making the park a bit quieter and more peaceful. Overall, the temperatures during autumn are generally mild and pleasant.

Winter (December – February):

In winter, Bryce Canyon becomes a snowy wonderland with temperatures typically ranging from 10°F to 40°F (-12°C – 5°C). The cold temperatures and snowfall can lead to certain trails being closed in the park. However, the park is the least crowded during this season, which allows for a more peaceful trip to Bryce Canyon.

FAQs on Bryce Canyon Utah

Final thoughts for this Bryce Canyon Travel Guide

Now you’re armed with the best Bryce Canyon things to do as well as all the information you need to plan your trip including permits, accommodations, and information on the weather and seasons.

Bryce Canyon National Park is undoubtedly an American bucket-list destination, with amazing views and some beautiful hiking trails.

If you’re exploring more areas nearby, be sure to check out Zion National Park’s hiking routes as well such as Angel’s Landing. Also be sure to check out the Grand Canyon over in Arizona, or go further and visit Antelope Canyon not too far away from the Grand Canyon.

Last Updated on August 1, 2023 by Hannah