Bryce Canyon National Park
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Zion National Park
United States37.30°N 113.05°W
Grand Canyon
United States36.05°N 112.14°W
Moab
United States38.57°N 109.55°W · 1,227 m
Overview
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country, featuring a giant natural amphitheater of hoodoos. It is one of the most popular parks in Utah, attracting nearly one million visitors annually to take in its spectacular scenery.
Languages: English
Why go?
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country, featuring a giant natural amphitheater of hoodoos. It is one of the most popular parks in Utah, attracting nearly one million visitors annually to take in its spectacular scenery.
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Getting in
The park is accessible by car via Highway 12 and Highway 63. The nearest airport is Bryce Canyon Airport, located near the park entrance, offering limited service. There is also a shuttle service in summer.
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When to go
From April through October, the weather is mild with pleasant days and cool nights, occasional thunderstorms. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures, but clear sunny days. The park offers excellent stargazing year-round due to high altitude and low light pollution.
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Fees and permits
Entrance fees are valid for seven days: $20 per person, $30 per motorcycle, $35 per private vehicle, $40 for an annual pass. Camping fees: $20 per tent site, $30 per RV site per night. A dump station use fee is $5. The park shuttle is free with entrance fee.
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Things to do
Key viewpoints include Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and Rainbow Point. Popular hikes: Rim Trail (11 miles), Navajo Loop (1.3 miles), Queen's Garden/Navajo Combination (2.9 miles), Peekaboo Loop (5.5 miles), Fairyland Loop (8 miles), and Under-the-Rim Trail (23 miles). Horseback riding is available through Canyon Trail Rides.
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Buy
The visitor center has a gift shop with books, posters, and souvenirs. The general store near Sunrise Point offers food, camping supplies, and more souvenirs. Bryce Canyon Lodge also has a gift shop.
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Food and drink
The general store near Sunrise Point sells basic food supplies. Bryce Canyon Lodge has a dining room offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner (dinner reservations required). Most restaurants in the area close by 9 PM.
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Safety
Be cautious at canyon edges; drop-offs are steep and not all areas have railings. During thunderstorms, avoid isolated trees and open areas, and stay in your vehicle if possible. Altitude up to 9,100 feet may cause shortness of breath; acclimate before strenuous hikes. Mountain lion encounters are rare but back away slowly and appear large.
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Connectivity
Bryce Canyon Lodge offers free WiFi. Cell service may be limited in the park.
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Budget
Daily budget for a backpacker: entrance fee amortized over stay ($20 per person for 7 days), camping $20 per night, food from store or cheap meals $15-25. Total around $50-70 per day including accommodation and food.
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Go next
Nearby destinations include Zion National Park (78 miles west), Red Canyon (9 miles west), and other Utah parks like Arches and Grand Canyon. Monument Valley and Great Basin National Park are also within reach.
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Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Best Western Ruby's Inn
Recorded price: Rates from $126 per night in the summer, and from $61 per night in the winter
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bryce Canyon KOA
Open March 15 to November 15, this KOA 12 miles from the park entrance charges $18-24 for a tent site, $21-30 for an RV site, and $36-48 for a cabin.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Near Sunrise Point, the lodge has 114 rooms, which include motel rooms and cabins. Warm and comfortable beds. On-site restaurant, free WiFi. Open between March and November, with the cabins opening early May and closing mid-October.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bryce Canyon Pines Motel & RV Park/Campground
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bryce Canyon Resort
Rooms and cabins.
Recorded price: Winter: $49, Summer:$145
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bryce View Lodge
Recorded price: Rates from $99 per night in the summer, and from $50 per night in the winter
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Foster's Motel
Those looking for a resort-style lodging will probably want to look elsewhere, but during busy times Foster's offers a warm place to spend the night that won't bust the budget.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
North Campground
99 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. North Campground is located across the road to the east of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and is comprised of 99 sites in 4 loops; A, B, C, D. Loops A & B are for RV campers. Loops C & D are for tent campers. There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. A dump station is available in summer months at the south end of the campground for a $5 use fee. Potable water is available near the dump station.
Recorded price: $20 Per Tent Site, $30 Per RV Site (2020 rates)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Activity
Excellent stargazing due to high altitude and low light pollution.
Connectivity
Free WiFi at Bryce Canyon Lodge.
Food
Dining room at Bryce Canyon Lodge requires dinner reservations. Most restaurants close by 9 PM.
Health
Altitude up to 9,100 ft; acclimate before strenuous hikes.
Money
Entrance fee $35 per vehicle for 7 days, or $20 per person. Camping $20 tent site.
Transport
Free shuttle in summer within the park.