Bryce Canyon National Park
Expert Guide and Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
Strange rock formations, called hoodoos, fill the landscape of Utah’s most unique National Park - Bryce Canyon National Park. This incredible park offers dramatic views just steps away from the parking lot over a canyon filled with bizarre stone formations. Hiking trails and horseback riding trails wind through the landscape allowing visitors to experience Bryce Canyon in a memorable way. Read on for details on how you can plan your trip to stunning Bryce Canyon National Park.
In this Guide for Bryce Canyon National Park:
How to Get Here
Bryce Canyon National Park is located 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas and 4 1/2 hours from Salt Lake City. The small town of Bryce Canyon City is at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park and offers a few restaurants, campgrounds and hotels. Bryce Canyon is relatively remote with no major cities nearby. Panguitch, UT is 30 minutes away and Tropic, UT is about 15 minutes away, both which offer a small grocery store and a few restaurants.
Where is Bryce Canyon National Park Located?
From Zion National Park: Head east through Zion National Park on Highway 9 towards Mt. Carmel Junction. Turn north on Highway 89 towards Panguitch, UT and turn East on Highway 12. This is the route traveled by a majority of park visitors. 1H 30M
From Las Vegas: Head North on i-15 towards Cedar City and continue to Highway 20. Follow Highway 20 East to Highway 89 South and turn East on Highway 12. 4H 30M
From Salt Lake City: Head South on i-15 towards Beaver and continue to Highway 20. Follow Highway 20 East to Highway 89 South and turn East on Highway 12. 4H 30M
Important Note: Utah is on MST and Las Vegas is on PST meaning there is a 1 hour difference in time. This makes it nice for those early morning departures from Las Vegas Airport!
EXPERT TIP: Take a more scenic route to Bryce Canyon National Park from Zion National Park. From Springdale, drive north to Cedar City, UT on i-15 and exit for Highway 14. Follow this stunning road as it leads up a dramatic canyon towards Duck Creek, UT. On the way, be sure to stop at the summit for a view overlooking Zion National Park from 10,000 feet above sea level! Continue on Highway 14 to Highway 89 North towards Bryce Canyon National Park. This drive is especially stunning in September and October during Fall.
Areas of Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is essentially a long, skinny national park accessible via a scenic drive which travels along the 20 mile rim. Many pull offs and visitor areas are located along this scenic drive. One smaller section near the Mossy Cave is located outside of Tropic, UT via a short hike.
Fairyland Canyon - This is the first viewpoint of Bryce Canyon located just before the entrance station on the left. A 1 mile road leads to a smaller view of Fairlyland Canyon and is closed to vehicles in the Winter.
Sunset & Sunrise Point - Bryce Canyon Lodge, a general store, horseback riding and campgrounds are located in this main area of Bryce Canyon National Park. A majority of the parking is around these areas as well as limited services. This is where a majority of visitors go for the best view of Bryce Canyon National Park and the prominent amphitheater of hoodoos.
Bryce Point- Bryce Point offers a dramatic overlook at an elevated viewpoint over the main amphitheater. A short, paved and accessible path leads to the most dramatic view in Bryce Canyon.
Inspiration Point - A short walk from the parking lot leads to an impressive view of the main amphitheater of Bryce Canyon. Continue hiking up for 1/4 mile to an even more impressive overlook!
Inspiration Point - A short walk from the parking lot leads to an impressive view of the main amphitheater of Bryce Canyon. Continue hiking up for 1/4 mile to an even more impressive overlook!
Rainbow Point Scenic Drive - This stunning 18 mile drive leads to several smaller viewpoints as the road climbs to over 9000 feet at Rainbow Point. There are many hiking trails along this route which offer unique perspectives of Bryce Canyon. The scenic drive from Sunset Point to Rainbow Point is typically closed in Winter due to high elevation and snow.
Where to Stay
Bryce Canyon National Park offers visitors unique opportunities for lodging alongside familiar options. Here are a few highlighted properties we think you’ll enjoy:
Our Favorite - Lodge at Bryce Canyon (cabins)
Private cabins located steps away from Bryce Canyon and separate from the Bryce Canyon Lodge. These cabins are a throwback to the past with a charming, Western log cabin decor. Located inside the park and adjacent to Bryce Canyon Lodge for dining options and convenience .
Airbnb
Many Airbnb’s are available near Bryce Canyon National Park and mostly located in Tropic, UT (20 minutes away). There is a small grocery store in Tropic.
Local tip - If you’re looking for Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, be sure to stock up in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. There is also a Natural Grocers in St. George and Cedar City, UT.
Hotels
Ruby’s Inn is by far the most popular option for lodging in Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s conveniently located with a general store, travel services, a gift shop and restaurant.
The Best Western Grand is located across the street from Ruby’s Inn and is the 2nd most popular lodging option in Bryce Canyon. Lodging is a much more modern hotel than the surrounding area.
Glamping
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon is a familiar glamping experience located 20 minutes North of Bryce Canyon. This is a remote area of Utah with limited services outside of the resort. Dinner, breakfast and grab ‘n go options are available onsite.
Clear Sky Bryce Canyon is a new property opened in August 2024 featuring clear domes in a unique setting. Located about 30 minutes out of Bryce Canyon near Tropic, UT and featuring some of the darkest skies in Utah.
Camping
Many visitors to Bryce Canyon choose to camp during the summer. There are campgrounds near Sunrise Point inside the park or at Ruby’s located in Bryce Canyon City. Additional camping options are available at Kodachrome Basin State Park (45 minutes) or in Red Canyon (20 minutes). Showers and laundry are available at Ruby’s or at the General Store in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Schedule a 20 minute trip consultation with a Bryce Canyon Expert today!
Where to Play
Bryce Canyon National Park offers outstanding hiking trails, paved trails for biking and designated trails for horseback riding through the incredible hoodoos. During summer months, a shuttle runs between the Visitor Center and the main viewpoints of Sunset, Sunrise, Bryce and Inspiration Points. Driving is also available in the summer when the shuttle is running but parking can be limited at times.
Hiking in Bryce Canyon
We recommend visiting Bryce Canyon National Park’s website for the most current conditions and exact hiking details. A useful brochure from Bryce Canyon can be viewed and downloaded here. Our guide to Bryce Canyon is meant to supplement the existing information already provided by the park.
Navajo Loop to Queen’s Garden - This popular loop connects Sunrise and Sunset Point and can be done in either direction. It is easier to start at Sunset Point, descending into Bryce Canyon past the iconic view of Thor’s Hammer, and zigzagging down to Two Bridges. Continue on this trail following signs to Queen’s Garden before climbing 800 feet back up to Sunrise Point. Continue 1/2 mile on a flat path along the Rim Trail to return to Sunset Point.
EXPERT TIP: This hike is especially breathtaking beginning at sunrise before a majority of hikers begin. More adventurous hikers may wish to add the 3 mile Peek-a-boo Loop to this hike before heading to Queen’s Garden.
Fairyland Canyon - This 8 mile loop connects Fairyland Point to Sunrise Point but is often done as an out-and-back from Fairyland Point. This area of Bryce Canyon is much quieter than the Sunrise/Sunset Point area.
Tower Bridge - Beginning from Sunrise Point, descend 1.5 miles to Tower Bridge and return back the way you came. Tower Bridge passes through a more open section of Bryce Canyon with dramatic views towards the grand hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Tower Bridge is an “arch” in a scenic area deep within Bryce Canyon.
Mossy Cave - An increasingly popular hike just outside of Tropic, UT. A short .8 mile trail leads to a small waterfall in a unique setting among hoodoos. A large parking lot has recently been constructed to accommodate the growing popularity of this hike.
A few Expert Tips for hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park:
Peekaboo Loop is an incredible hike but much more physically demanding than Queens Garden or Navajo Loop. Descend from Bryce Point and return to Sunrise/Sunset Point for an unforgettable experience.
Many trails remain open in Winter. Traction devices such as cleats or spikes along with hiking poles help immensely. Trails often are ice and firm packed snow. Snowshoes are rarely needed due to highly trafficked trails.
Dress warm and in layers. Bryce Canyon is typically windy and much colder than the temperature suggests!
Horseback Riding
A trail ride on horseback through Bryce Canyon is an increasingly popular option for visitors and offers a unique experience. Trail ride information can be found at Ruby’s Inn.
Ruby’s Inn
Ruby’s Inn is more than a hotel in Bryce Canyon and offers activities year-round. Horseback riding, scenic flights, rodeo, ATV tours, and bike rentals are all available here. Many of the activities are operated by Ruby’s Inn and a great resource for visitors to Bryce Canyon.
Schedule your 20 Minute Trip Consultation for Bryce Canyon National Park
Our Favorite Experience in Bryce Canyon
One of our favorite ways to experience Bryce Canyon National Park is by starting the day early with a sunrise at Bryce Point or Sunset Point. There is nothing like the experience of watching the sun transform the hoodoos in shifting colors and light.
After sunrise, head back to town for breakfast (fewer crowds) and likely to warm up! After fueling up for your day, return to Bryce Canyon for a hike or trail ride. However you choose to travel, seeing the hoodoos up close is a must! In the afternoon, head down the scenic drive to Rainbow Point where you gaze across the 1 million acre Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument to the South and East.
For sunset, return to Sunset Point and enjoy a leisurely walk along the rim trail to a bench of your choosing. Find a spot to sit and enjoy the show before heading to the Bryce Canyon Lodge for dinner.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers many activities and is often a favorite memory among visitors. We look forward to helping you plan your perfect Bryce Canyon trip!
Travel well,
Utahhhyeah - Eric
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