Top Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in the world. Red rocks, pink cliffs, and endless vistas are everywhere. And it has the largest concentration of Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) on Earth.

Located in Bryce Canyon City, the park is 23 miles east of Panguitch and 270 miles south of Salt Lake City. From atop Bryce’s cliffs, visitors can take in 200 mile views across southern Utah and northern Arizona.

U.S. National Park

Bryce Canyon is one of the 63 U.S. National Parks. (A National Park is a scenic or historically important area of countryside protected by the federal government. Its purpose is the enjoyment of the general public or the preservation of land and wildlife).

Designated a national Park in 1928, Bryce is one of the 5 U.S. National Parks in Utah. The others are Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.

Is Bryce a Canyon?

No. The park is an eroded escarpment (long, steep slope) of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. A dozen amphitheaters (horseshoe-shaped canyons) scallop its eastern edge. The largest amphitheaters is called Bryce Canyon.

Who is Bryce Canyon named after?

In 1875 Mormon leader Brigham Young sent a homesteader named Ebenezer Bryce to settle an area 270 miles south of Salt Lake City.

A shipbuilder in his native Scotland, Bryce built a road to help bring lumber to area builders. Locals called the area where the road ended “Bryce’s Canyon.”

As a sidenote, Ebenezer Bryce is also known for building the infamous Pine Valley Chapel; a beautiful church currently located at “This is the Place Heritage Park” in Salt Lake City.

Hoodoos

A hoodoo is a pinnacle, spire, or odd-shaped rock. They occur all over the world, most famously in Bryce Canyon, Utah and Cappadocia, Turkey.

Hoodoos are formed when water freezes. expands, and pushes rocks apart.

Bryce Canyon reaches above/below freezing temperatures in the same night an amazing 170 days a year. Water (from rain or melted snow) seeps into the cracks of rocks. When the temperature drops, the rock freezes into ice and expands by 9%. The expansion causes pressure on the rock and causes it to break apart. You can read the official National Park Service explanation here.

Check out this amazing National Park video on the Bryce Canyon hoodoos! https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=EA89C2DD-1A1E-42A6-94EB-E6BFE60CE5D1

Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. No reservation is required for park entry or shuttle use. Passes can be purchased online or at the park entrance.

Admission is $35 for private vehicles, $30 for motorcycles, and $20 for individuals walking or taking the shuttle. It is valid for 7 days. Or you can purchase the Bryce Canyon Annual Pass for $40-$70, depending on what month it is purchased. For more information, call the Bryce Canyon Visitor Information Line 435-834-5322.

Another option is to purchase a U.S. Park Pass for $80. It is valid for 12 months at over 2,000 federal recreation sites.

Bryce Canyon Park Shuttle

Bryce Canyon National Park operates a free shuttle system in the summer, spring, and fall only. It does not operate during winter months. Unlike at some other national parks, you are free to drive your own car even during shuttle season.

In the Spring (April 2-May 20) and Fall (September 27-October 17) the first bus departs at 8:22am and the last bus departs at 5:57pm. In the Summer (May 21-September 26) the first bus departs at 8:22am and the last bus departs at 7:53pm.

Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon features hiking trails, a scenic drive, camping, picnic areas, ATV riding, and helicopter rides. Ranger programs include Hoodoo and Grand Staircase talks; as well as full moon and snowshoe walks.

Guided horse and mule rides are offered in the Bryce Amphitheater on both a dedicated horse trail and the Peek-a-boo Loop Trail. Offered from April-October, the cost is $75 for 2-hours and $100 for 3 hours.

Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park

There are 15 day-hiking trails available in Bryce Canyon National Park. This includes 4 Easy hikes, 5 Moderate hikes, and 6 Strenuous hikes. (See below picture for details).

The most popular hikes are a combination of two or more trails. Most day hikes and their trailheads are found in the Bryce Amphitheater area.

There are also several overnight backcountry hikes available; which require a Backcountry permit.

Popular Trails

The easiest hike with views of the scenic Bryce Amphitheater is from Sunset to Sunrise Point. It is a one-mile route on a paved portion of the Rim Trail. Unlike most trails at Bryce, pets and wheelchairs are allowed.

In contrast, the longest hike in Bryce is the 23 mile Under the Rim Trail. It runs from Rainbow Point to Bryce Point and is the launching point for many backpacking routes. Take this trail to reach the Hat Shop 2.3 miles from the Bryce Point trailhead.

The 6 most popular hikes are Queens Garden/Navajo Loop, Mossy Cave, Rim Trail, Bristlecone Loop Trail, Peekaboo Loop, and Fairyland Loop. Read on for more information about the Bryce Canyon Hiking Trails!

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

The 38-mile (round-trip) Scenic Drive at Bryce Canyon is absolutely amazing!!! It is the reason why Bryce is my favorite National Park! According to the National Park Service, it takes a minimum of 3 hours to drive to the 13 viewpoints along the scenic drive. However, it took me 2 days to see them all.

Even thought it is a “scenic drive”, you have to get out of your car and walk to most of the overlooks. Therefore, according to my step counter I clocked 2 miles the first day and 3 miles the second. (Even if you can’t do that much walking it is still worth it; and some of the overlooks are located near the parking lot).

Travel Tip: The National Park Service recommends that visitors start by driving 18 miles south to Rainbow Point (located at the end of the Scenic Drive) without stopping. Then work your way back towards the Park Entrance. That way, all overlooks will be located on the right/east side of the road.

The 13 Bryce Canyon Viewpoints

1. Rainbow Point & Yovimpa Point

At 9,115 feet, Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point are the highest viewpoints in Bryce. In my opinion, Rainbow Point has the most beautiful views in the park. It is absolutely breathtaking. I kept saying “Wow” and so did those around me.

The National Park Services recommends that drivers start the Scenic Drive here. From the Park Entrance/Visitor’s Center, you need to drive 18 miles to get to Rainbow Point. It is located at the southern end of the Scenic Drive; vehicles are not allowed any further into the park.

Travel Tip: Note that Yovimpa Point is located a short way ACROSS from Rainbow Point; it is very easy to miss. When you get out of your car you will go both straight and to the left to get to the various overlooks at Rainbow Point. You need to go right to get to Yovimpa Point.

Hiking Trails at Rainbow Point

There are 3 hiking trails that start at Rainbow Point. The Bristlecone Loop is an easy, 1-mile hike through spruce-fir forests with bristlecone pines and expansive vistas .

Riggs Spring Loop is an 8.8 mile backcountry trail. And the Under-the-Rim Trail is a 23-mile paved trail from Rainbow Point to Bryce Point.

2. Black Birch Canyon

Black Birch Canyon shares a bowl-shaped amphitheater with Rainbow Point. A forest floor of pine and fir lies 1,000 feet below. The canyon is misnamed – black birch only occurs in the east. The explorers were probably looking at quaking aspen.

Hiking Trails at Black Birch Canyon

There are no trails that depart from this point.

3. Ponderosa Point

Ponderosa Canyon is named after the huge Ponderosa Pines on the canyon floor. Some of the trees are 5 feet wide and 150 feet high.

Hiking Trails at Ponderosa Point

The Agua Connector Trail descends 1.6 miles from Ponderosa Point to its junction with the Under the Rim Trail 1,000 feet below.

4. Agua Canyon

In the early years of Bryce Canyon National Park, the National Park Service named the major hoodoos. However, since hoodoos fall and partially fall – which changes their appearance – the NPS no longer names them.

There are 2 famous hoodoos at the Black Birch Canyon overlook – the Hunter and the Rabbit. Neither currently looks like their original name. (See the below picture – I think the famous “Hunter “hoodoo looks like a Giraffe).

Hiking Trails at Agua Canyon

There are no trails that depart from this point.

5. Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is misnamed. It is not a bridge – it is an arch. The giant rock formation has a huge hole in it that beautifully frames the Ponderosa Forest behind it. It is sculpted from some of the reddest rock of the Claron Formation, which is rich in iron oxide minerals.

The viewpoint is located right next to the parking lot – no walking necessary.

Hiking Trails at Natural Bridge

There are no trails that depart from this point.

6. Piracy Point & Fairview Point

Piracy Point overlooks Swamp Canyon and the Sheep Creek drainage system. It is the transitional zone between Ponderosa Pine Forests and the Spruce-Fir forest. 

Hiking Trails at Piracy Point & Fairview Point

A very short and flat but unpaved trail leads south back to Farview Point.

7.  Swamp Canyon

Swamp Canyon is a virtual wetland. Two tiny creeks and a spring provide enough water to sustain lush vegetation such as grasses and willows. The small and sheltered canyon remains wet year-around.

Hiking Trails at Swamp Canyon

The 2 connecting trails at Swamp Canyon, lead to the Under-the-Rim trail and several backcountry camping sites.

The 2 trails can be combined to form the 4.3-mile Swamp Canyon Loop Trail. Bird watchers enjoy hiking the Swamp Canyon Loop Trail because it covers 4 distinct habitats; offering the chance to see a wide diversity of songbirds.

8. Paria View

Paria is a Paiute word that means “water with elk” or “water with mud” depending on the context and season. Fun fact: Paria View is a good place to watch for Peregrine Falcons. 

The National Park Service recommends Paria View (and Inspiration Point) as the best place to watch the sunset. The reason is because Paria View is one of the few places in Bryce Canyon where the cliffs and hoodoos face the setting sun. The NPS also recommends arriving 1½ hours before sunset for the best lighting.

Hiking Trails at Paria View

No hiking trails exist in this section of the park. But it is the location of one of the more popular cross country ski trails – the Paria Loop. This hilly section of the rim is also a fun and challenging place for snowshoeing.

9. Bryce Point

Bryce Point is one of the most scenic vistas of the amphitheater. It is famous for its extraordinary sunrises. Fortunately for those tired from walking all over the park, Bryce Point overlook is a short walk from the parking lot.

Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels and Uinta Chipmunks like to hang out at Bryce Point.

Hiking Trails at Bryce Point

The 23-mile Under-the-Rim trail begins at Bryce Point. It descends and then heads south toward Rainbow Point through the less traveled backcountry of Bryce Canyon.

The 5.5 mile Peekaboo Loop Trail is a steep but spectacular hike that starts at Bryce Point. It descends one mile down into the valley. Then there is a 3 mile loop through hoodoos passing the Wall of Windows and the Three Wise Men. Finally, the trail climbs up the last mile back to Bryce Point.

10. Inspiration Point

Living up to its name, Inspiration Point rewards observers with views of indescribable beauty. However, it is the hardest point to get to of the 13. There are 3 lookout points – you have to keep walking higher and higher up a steep hill to get to them. (I had to stop several times to rest).

The park advertises that each of the 3 overlooks offers a “new vista.” And “the higher points give you a more commanding view of the canyon.” Is the view from Point #3 that much better than from Point #1? (I asked every person who walked by me while I was gasping for breath). Probably not, but I’m glad that I did it. There is a long overlook at the top that is a great photo op.

The National Park Service recommends Inspiration Park (and Paria View) as the best place to watch the sunset. And they recommend arriving 1½ hours before sunset for the best lighting.

Hiking Trails at Inspiration Point

There are no trails that lead down into the canyon from the steep cliffs of Inspiration Point.

However, the .7 mile trail segment of the Rim Trail from Inspiration Point to Sunset Point offers glimpses of the following hoodoos – Silent City, The Cathedral, the Wall of Windows, and Wall Street.

11. Sunset Point

Sunset Point offers vistas of some of the most famous and breathtaking hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. Directly below the point and to the south, the Silent City (a maze of hoodoos and fins packed in tight formation) rises from the canyon floor.

Just below the overlook on the northern edge, Thor’s Hammer stands alone. Striking in form due to its isolation from other hoodoos, Thor’s Hammer is a favorite among visitors.

Despite its name, the National Park Service claims that Sunset Point is not the best place at Bryce to view the sunset. They recommend Inspiration Point or Paria View instead.

Hiking Trails at Sunset Point

The one-mile trail from Sunset Point north to Sunrise Point is the easiest hike in Bryce. It is located on a paved portion of the Rim Trail. Pets and wheelchairs are allowed. Conversely, if you walk ¾ of a mile to the south across gently rolling terrain you will arrive at Inspiration Point.

Navajo Loop Trail is the most popular trail in the park. The 1.3 mile loop is short but steep. It descends through the slot canyon of Wall Street, where 500 to 700-year-old Douglas Firs reach upward toward the sunlight at the top of the canyon. 

Navajo Loop can be combined with Queen’s Garden Trail to form a longer loop.

12. Sunrise Point

The view to the northeast from Sunrise Point is of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship hoodoos.

Based on its name, you would think that Sunrise Point is the best place in Bryce to watch the sunrise. However, according to the National Park Service, nearly all viewpoints face east and offer spectacular views of the canyons bathed in morning’s rich, dramatic light.

The two most popular viewpoints for sunrise are Sunrise Point and Bryce Point. Note that Sunrise Point shares the same parking lot as the Bryce Canyon General Store; which has showers and a laundromat.

Hiking Trails at Sunrise Point

Sunrise and Sunset Points are connected by a one-mile paved trail along the rim. It is the easiest hike with views of the Bryce Ampitheater.

Sunrise Point serves as the trailhead for the easy to moderate Queen’s Garden Trail that descends into a section of hoodoos ruled by the Queen Victoria hoodoo. Boat Mesa, the Sinking Ship, and the Aquarius Plateau can be seen along the way.

For a longer hike, when you get to the bottom of the canyon take the connecting trail to the Navajo Loop Trail. The 2.9 mile Queen’s Garden Trail/Navajo Combination Loop is the most popular trail.

For those who prefer shorter hikes, the 3 mile Tower Bridge Hike has a difficulty rating of moderate. Descend this section of the Fairyland Loop as far as the Tower Bridge, and return back up to Sunrise point.

13. Fairyland Point

Fairyland Point overlooks beautiful Fairyland Canyon. The hoodoos that fill Fairyland Canyon are younger than those further to the south in the main Bryce Amphitheater, 

Fairyland Point is located closer to the Park Entrance/Visitor Center than any other of the 13 points. During winter months, the road to Fairyland is closed to allow for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Hiking Trails at Fairyland Point

The 5.5 mile Rim Trail connects this view to Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points to the south. The Fairyland Loop Trail also descends from this viewpoint area.

Visitor Center

Located immediately after entering the park, the Visitor Center features maps, a movie, and a gift shop. There are several interactive exhibits on topics such as geology, wildlife, Native Americans, and Mormons. And there are rangers onsite to answer questions.

The Visitor’s Center is open from 8:00am to 8:00pm. (During the winter starting October 10^th it closes at 6:00pm).

Lodging

Right outside the park’s entrance is the “town” of Bryce Canyon City. It was founded in 1916 when a homesteader named Reuben (Ruby) Syrett established a ranch near the present site of Ruby’s Inn. (The town was called Ruby’s Inn until 2007).

With a population of 198, Byrce Canyon City consists of one block of campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. There are 3 main hotels in Bryce Canyon City – Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, and Bryce View Lodge.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only lodging located inside Bryce Canyon National Park. Built in1925, the lodge is a historical landmark. Motel rooms and suites at the lodge can be reserved year-round. Cabins can only be reserved in summer months.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7:30am to 9:00pm. It is closed every year from November to March.

There are also several campgrounds located inside the park.

Bryce Canyon General Store

The Bryce Canyon General Store has groceries, camping/hiking supplies, a laundromat, and showers. You can order sandwiches and salads from a menu. (The meatball sandwich is delicious!)

During winter, the lodge restaurant is closed and the General Store is the only place to buy food inside the park. Located in the same parking lot as Sunrise Point, the store is open daily from 9:00pm to 5:00pm.

Dining Options

There are several dining options right outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. As you are driving east on SR-12 from U.S.-89 you will come across a burger/sandwich joint called Bryce Cafe Inn.

As you keep driving, you will come across a Subway 12 miles from the park entrance. (Every national park has a Subway!) You can’t miss it! It’s a big green tent on the right side of the road.

There are several restaurants right outside the park gate. Rubys Canyon Diner bills itself as “Great western fast food.” Best Western Ruby’s Inn Restaurant offers a cowboy buffet or menu options including hamburgers, ribs, and a salad bar. And there is a Piccadilly Circus Pizza.

Next door to the restaurant is the Ruby’s Inn General Store. In addition to selling souvenirs, the store has a large grocery section that sells items such as water, fruit, vegetables, sandwich meat, and a large variety of frozen food.

From April to October, Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill offers live country music and a delicious BBQ dinner nightly at 7:30pm!

Habitat Zones

There are 3 distinct habitat zones in Bryce Canyon National Park. 1) Mixed Conifer Forest (8,500 feet) 2) Ponderosa Pine (8,000 feet) 3) Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (6,000 feet)

Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park

Amazingly, 59 species of mammals reside in Bryce Canyon! Wildlife commonly seen at Bryce Canyon National Park includes Mule Deer, Utah Prairie Dogs, Uinta Chipmunks, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, Pronghorn (antelope), Gray Fox, and Mountain Short-horned Lizards.

Black Bear, Elk, and Mountain Lions are rarely seen in the park. In fact, visitors are asked to report all bear and mountain lion sightings to the Visitor Center Information Desk.

In addition, 175 different species of birds frequent the park. Some are just passing through; others stay for a season. And some call the park home full time. This includes Ravens, Steller’s Jays, Clark’s Nutcrackers, Red-tailed Hawks, and Turkeys.

Mule Deer

Mule Deer are deer that live in arid, rocky environments in western North America. Named for their ears – which are large like a mules – they are easily recognizable.

Mule Deer have grayish-brown fur with a large white patch on their rears, which are covered by a thin rope like tail. They feed on plants including shrubs, trees, forbes, grasses, and grass-like plants.

Utah Prairie Dog

Utah Prairie Dogs are ground-dwelling members of the squirrel family. (There are 5 species of prairie dogs; all live in North America).

They are 12-16 inches long, weigh 1-3 pounds, and live in the southwestern corner of Utah. Sadly, due to habitat loss and other factors they are a threatened species.

Read below to learn more about their fascinating social structure!

Pronghorn

Pronghorns are known as the American antelope. They have reddish brown fur and are named after the “prong” (branching spikes) in their horns.

Able to run an amazing 6- miles per hour, Pronghorns are the fastest land animal in North America. Due to the fact that their eyes are located on top of their heads, they have 400 degree site.

Star Watching in Bryce

Bryce Canyon is one of the darkest places in the continental United States. In 2019 the park officially gained International Dark Sky status. The dark night sky is the result of high elevation, pristine air, and a remote location.

On a clear, moonless night you can see over 7,500 stars above Bryce. That is three times the number of stars visible in most rural areas of North America. It includes the spectacular band of the Milky Way Galaxy shooting across the sky.

On Saturday nights, the park offers a 20-minute ranger led Constellation Tour. Sign up with any park ranger.

On full moon nights, the park offers Moonlight Hikes. Tickets are available via a lottery held at 4:00pm. Hiking boots must be worn; tennis shoes are not allowed. Must be eight years old or older. See a ranger  for hike and lottery info.

The Grand Staircase

Bryce Canyon National Park lies at the top of the giant step shaped geological feature known as the Grand Staircase. The series of cliffs, slopes, and terraces covers much of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.

Dixie National Forest

As you turn off Hwy 89 towards the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park, you have to drive through a small portion of Dixie National Forest. It is the largest national forest in Utah.

Thunder Mountain at Disneyland

As I drove by Thunder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest, it looked familiar. I was thinking to myself, “Is this what the Disneyland ride is named after?” Turns out that yes, it is!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a ride in the heart of Frontierland at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. It was inspired by the stunning landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park!

Driving from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is only 78 miles from the East Entrance of Zion National Park. It is a beautiful, scenic drive.

As you exit Bryce, you will be on State Route 63 heading north. 2.6 miles later you will reach a roundabout. Take the 3rd exit onto State Route 12 heading west.

13.6 miles later, turn left (south) on Hwy 89. Continue straight for 43 miles. Then turn right on State Route 9. Once you reach the East Entrance of Zion, continue on the windy Zion-Mount Carmel Highway down the mountain. You will pass through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

There are several turnouts to pull over and admire the beautiful rock formations. You can catch the shuttle at the Visitor’s Center. Or exit the park at the South Entrance and eat dinner or check into a hotel in the town of Springdale.

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