Bryce Canyon National Park
Summer Activities
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Camping
The striking contrast between red rock and dark green forest scenery lays the foundation for a camping trip that will call you back time and time again. Explore the park’s two established campgrounds to start planning your trip.
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Hiking
Explore a network of intertwined hiking trails that wind through high altitude forests and awe-inspiring canyon vistas. Check out The Rim Trail for an easy family hike, or gear up for a backpacking excursion on the Under The Rim Trail.
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Horseback Riding
Something about riding through Bryce Canyon on horseback just feels perfectly right. Learn more about exploring the park with a guided tour, available to riders of any experience level.
Winter Activities
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Photography
When you imagine Utah’s national parks, you may not imagine snow covered red rocks. Truth is, that may be when Bryce Canyon’s towering cliff walls are most stunning. Find inspiration with local tips about how to get that perfect snow-capped red rock shot.
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Skiing
Thanks to an elevation between 8,000 and 9,000 feet, Bryce Canyon is one of few national parks where travelers can spend a day cross country skiing. Explore the Rim Trail, Bristlecone Loop, and Paria Ski Loop to get started.
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Snowshoeing
As the snow covers Bryce Canyon’s tall pine trees, a calmness envelopes the park. Gear up with some snowshoes (which are available for rental) and venture into the park’s trails for an unforgettable day hiking.
Discover More
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Bryce Canyon Hikes
Hiking through Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best ways to see the park’s famous hoodoos, spires and sandstone fins.
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Bryce Canyon Travel Tips
What’s the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park? What should I bring? Can I camp? Read our Bryce Canyon travel tips to find out.
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Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Camp, hike, dine, stargaze, snowshoe and ski among Bryce’s notable hoodoos. With so many things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park year-round, narrowing down your itinerary will be hard.
Bryce Canyon Park Region Highlights
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Anasazi State Park Museum
The Anasazi State Park Museum near Boulder, Utah is the former site of one of the largest Puebloan communities in the region. Learn more and plan a visit!
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Eagle Point
Escape the crowds and enjoy an intimate, family-friendly skiing experience on Utah’s third-highest mountain range at Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, Utah.
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Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
The Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is located at Wide Hollow Reservoir. This small reservoir is popular for boating, canoeing, and fishing.
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Grand Staircase-Escalante
The allure of the Grand Staircase region — the bulk of which is contained in the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument — is phenomenal. Sun-drenched Utah backcountry spreads out well beyond the visible horizon from the road, whether you’re traveling along the The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12, or on Highway 89.
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Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin covers 2,240 acres of canyon country and is surrounded by Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument on three sides.
Nearby Towns
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Bryce Canyon City
Right outside of the national park, Bryce Canyon City is most known as the home to Ruby's Inn, which offers lodging, camping, guided experiences, annual events, dining and a general store. This area is also a stop along the free Bryce Canyon Shuttle route.
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Escalante
Between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks and perched on the edge of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, the town of Escalante offers access to some of the most beautiful parts of Southern Utah.
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Panguitch
Panguitch, Utah, captures the enduring pioneer spirit of Utah with its welcoming rural charm and strong sense of heritage.
Travel Tips
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Navajo Trail to Queens Garden is one of the best 3-mile hikes anywhere and solace-seekers should consider the 8-mile Fairyland Loop.
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Bryce Canyon’s pristine dark skies mean incredibly starry nights. Sign up early for astronomy programs.
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Full moon hikes mean eerily well-lit hoodoos, but don’t forget your headlamp and jacket.
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High altitude hiking means sunscreen, hats, long sleeves and extra water.
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The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet.
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Save Presidents Day weekend in February for the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival or bring your own mule for the May Mule Days.
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Read these resources to learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Bryce Canyon National Park most fully.
- View a downloadable map of Bryce Canyon National Park
More travel tips for visiting Bryce Canyon.
Weather
Travelers will experience the best of Southern Utah’s mountain and desert climates at Bryce Canyon. Summer visitation peaks during July’s “monsoon” season where travelers will encounter generally dry, warm weather around 80°F interspersed with dramatic afternoon lightning storms. Night dips into the 30–40°F’s. November–March are the coldest, with temperatures peaking in the 30–40°F’s and freezing at night. Because of its higher elevation, Bryce is cooler than the other national parks and carries snow longer into spring.
Red Rock & Dark Skies: Stargazing the National Parks
This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Highlights
- Hell's Backbone Grill
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Ranger-led Star Programs
- Road Trip Southwest Utah
Bryce Canyon Inspiration
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10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts
No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
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5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
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Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum
Explore wildlife near Bryce Canyon at the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum.
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Chasing Old West Outlaws on the Cassidy Trail
The Cassidy Trail wasn’t just the filming location for an iconic Western movie, it’s steeped in history. Once you find this hidden trailhead, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and Wild West legend.
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Desert Shutter Speed
After lunch isn't the prime time to head to the desert. Come early or late, and Utah's deserts will reward you with their isolated landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, and stargazing opportunities.
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Endless Utah Ski Options for Families: Four Itineraries to Get You Started
Here are some pointers for planning your Utah family ski vacation, including where to make homebase and why.
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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
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Make Your Next Trip A Volunteer Vacation
At the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, you can enjoy a getaway to stunning southern Utah while also making a difference in the lives of rescued animals.
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Max Out Your Multi-Pass
With so many ski and snowboard resorts easily accessible in and around Utah, using the state as your gateway can maximize the value of any multi-pass. Here's some tips on how to make your ski vacation more flexible, fun and affordable than ever before!
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Ofland Escalante
Airstreams, cabins and RV sites on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater near Bryce Canyon and Escalante.
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Paradise and Slickrock
Utah's national parks seen through a lifelong relationship with Capitol Reef
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Ski into Summer: Mountain Resorts in Transition
From spring skiing to golfing and fly fishing, here are tips and things to do to make the most of spring in Utah.
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
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The Cool Old Hotels, Rich History and Eclectic Shopping of Historic Panguitch
Explore Panguitch, the gateway to Scenic Byway 12 and Bryce Canyon National Park.
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Top 10 Family-Friendly Hikes in Utah National Parks
With so many destinations, and so many trails, it can be difficult to decide where to begin in Utah's Mighty 5® national parks. Here are 10 family-friendly hikes, two per national park, you cannot miss.
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Traveling with Dogs: The Mighty 5 National Parks
At all of The Mighty 5® national parks, activities with pets are extremely limited, and every time your dog is out of your vehicle, it must be restrained in a crate, cage, or on a leash (of no more than 6 feet).
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Tropic, Utah: Bryce Canyon Coffee Company and The Stone Hearth Grille
Get an introduction to the best-known restaurants in Tropic, Utah — The Stone Hearth Grille and Bryce Canyon Coffee Company. Prepare your appetite!
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.
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Winter in the Bryce Canyon Area: Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling
Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
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Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.
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Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.
