Bryce Canyon is on many outdoor enthusiasts bucket list--and rightly so. It's truly one of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes on the planet, and one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my life. To say it takes your breath away is an understatement!
Bryce (as the locals call it) is located in Southern Utah and is part of the state's Mighty Five National Park network. Plan on staying at least a few days and enjoy some of these top 10 activities.
1. Hike Like a Champ
Eager to embrace your inner explorer? At Bryce Canyon, there's a trail for just about every level, whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out. The Bristlecone Loop Trail is your backstage pass to ancient bristlecone pine trees that have seen more sunsets than you can count. And the Rim Trail offers 360-degree vistas that will leave both you--and your camera--truly speechless.
These are the top 6 most popular hikes in the park:
| Trail | Difficulty Level | Description |
| Bristlecone Loop Trail | Easy | This trail runs through the forest atop the highest portion of the park. It reaches elevation of 9,000 feet. As the name suggests, you'll pass bristlecone pines throughout the length of the hike. Some of these old growth trees hail back some 1,800 years. |
| Queen's Garden Trail | Easy to Moderate |
This trail is known for its accessibility and stunning views. It takes you into the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater, where you'll pass through unique rock formations resembling queens and their gardens. The hike starts at Sunrise Point and descends into the canyon, offering a moderate workout on the return ascent. |
| Navajo Loop Trail | Moderate | The Navajo Loop Trail is famous for its iconic switchbacks known as "Wall Street." This loop starts at Sunset Point, descends into the amphitheater through Wall Street, and connects with the Queen's Garden Trail. The climb back up can be a bit strenuous due to elevation gain, making it a moderately challenging hike. |
| Fairyland Loop Trail | Moderate to Strenuous | The Fairyland Loop Trail offers a less crowded alternative to the more popular trails. Starting from Fairyland Point, it winds through diverse landscapes, passing hoodoos, forests, and meadows. The trail's length and elevation changes classify it as moderate to strenuous, requiring adequate time and energy. |
| Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail | Strenuous | For a more demanding experience, the Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail delivers captivating views but demands some effort. Starting from Bryce Point, the trail descends into the canyon and loops around, showcasing unique rock formations. The ascent is steep and can be physically challenging, making it a strenuous hike. |
| Riggs Spring Loop Trail | Strenuous | The Riggs Spring Loop Trail is a less-traveled path that rewards hikers with solitude and diverse scenery. Starting from Yovimpa Point, the trail takes you through meadows, forests, and viewpoints, and it offers a side trip to Riggs Spring. The elevation changes and length classify it as a strenuous hike. |
Please note that hiking conditions can vary based on weather, individual fitness levels, and other factors. It's important to be prepared with appropriate gear, WATER (this is a desert, people!), and up-to-date weather information before embarking on any hike in Bryce Canyon National Park. Always check with the park rangers (either on the trail or in the visitors centers) for the latest trail conditions and any additional recommendations. Not only is water your friend (and you need to bring it), but it can also be your greatest foe should you get caught in a flash flood. Taking precautions in this desert environment is paramount, as these hikers learned the hard way.
2. Giddy Up, Cowboy
Trade your hiking boots for stirrups and embark on an unforgettable horseback riding journey. On these guided horseback tours, you'll trot through the park--down the steep red-sand trails--into the heart of the amphitheaters, meeting the hoodoos up close and personal. As you do so, you'll get a taste of what it must have felt like for the early settlers in this area to explore this natural masterpiece long before the hordes of tourists arrived.
Reservations and Requirements: Reservations for horseback riding tours are recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. While some tours may accommodate walk-ins, it's best to plan ahead. The minimum age and weight requirements for riders may vary based on the tour operator, so it's important to check with the company beforehand. Check out the park's page for more information.
3. Camping Magic Under the Stars
You can certainly elevate your outdoor adventure at Bryce by choosing to sleep in the great outdoors. Primitive setups are an option as are more luxurious glamping experiences.
Top Tip: It can get chilly up here at night in the high desert, so be sure to bring along the proper gear to stay warm.
Camping: Bryce Canyon National Park offers several campgrounds that provide a range of camping experiences, from basic to more comfortable setups. Here are some key points to consider:
North Campground:
- This is the park's largest campground and is open from mid-April to late October.
- Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- It offers both tent and RV camping with basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms.
- Also open from mid-April to late October.
- Offers tent and RV camping, but RVs should be no longer than 25 feet.
- Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and drinking water.
- Generally open from mid-May to mid-September.
- Offers tent-only camping.
- Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and drinking water.
Reservations and Regulations:
- Campground reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, for guaranteed availability.
- Campground regulations, including quiet hours and waste disposal guidelines, should be followed to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
- Check out the Park's official page for more information.
Glamping: While traditional campgrounds provide a rustic camping experience, some nearby accommodations offer glamping options for those seeking a more comfortable and upscale stay. Glamping combines the excitement of camping with luxurious amenities. Here are a few options near Bryce Canyon:
- Located just outside the park's boundaries.
- Offers luxury tent accommodations with comfortable bedding, private ensuite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves.
- Provides a blend of outdoor adventure and upscale comfort.
Ruby's Inn Campground and RV Park:
- Adjacent to the park's entrance.
- Offers both traditional campsites and RV hookups, as well as "Tipi Village" accommodations.
- Amenities include a general store, dining options, and access to the park shuttle.
Booking and Availability: Reservations for glamping accommodations should be made in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly, especially during the peak travel seasons.
4. Snowy Bliss and Winter Wonders
Winter transforms Bryce Canyon into a snowy wonderland, and with fewer visitors in the cold winter months, you'll practically have the place to yourself! Grab your snowshoes or go cross-country skiing through the enchanted landscape. Dress warm and bring plenty of water and snacks. Also, don't forget your camera: the sparkling snow covering the pumpkin orange hoodoos creates a scene straight out of an IG photo!
Check out this page for specific details on winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter backpacking, and winter astronomy at Bryce Canyon.
5. Snap Your Perfect Shot
Speaking of photography, Bryce Canyon is seriously one of the most amazing places to catch other-worldly landscape scenes. You'll honestly never see anything quite like Bryce Canyon again in your entire life. Consider seizing the golden hours of sunrise (at Sunrise Point) and sunset (at Sunset Point) to capture the dynamic colors and captivating shadows that dance upon these unusual rock formations. Or, you can visit these locales in reverse order to beat the crowds!
6. Stargazing Like Nowhere Else
Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park which makes it an A-list spot for stargazers. Every June, the park hosts a stargazer's festival where huge telescopes are brought in from the Wasatch Front (the area near SLC) for visitors to peer into the heavens. However, if I'm being totally honest, telescopes aren't actually necessary to get the total grandeur of Bryce's night skies. On a clear night, the park's dark sky looks like an ebony canvas glittered with a sea of sparkling diamonds and you can see it just fine with your unaided eye! Bring your camera for this nightly spectacle (weather permitting, of course) and prepare to get some amazing shots!
7. Ranger Adventures and Insider Scoops
Yearning to uncover the mysteries of Bryce Canyon? Participate in ranger-led programs to gain an in-depth understanding of the park's secrets. From the tales of the rocks to the rich cultural history of the people who have called this land home, these programs unveil the essence of what makes this place truly extraordinary.
One of the top ranger-led activities is there Full Moon Hikes. These are open to all hikers ages 8 and older. Check out this link for more information.
8. Scenic Drives and Chill Vibes
For those with their own vehicle (be it the two or four wheeled variety), the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive offers breathtaking vistas and viewpoints that require no physical exertion. However, just be noted that if you plan on stopping at any of the viewpoints, parking lots do fill up early in the day. So, it's advised that you just snag the first parking spot you see, and then let the park rangers haul you around in the free shuttle. This is actually the best way for EVERYONE (including the driver) to get amazing views and a relaxing day in the park.
9. Rock On, Climbers!
Embrace your adventurous spirit with rock climbing NEAR Bryce Canyon. Remember, rock climbing is NOT ALLOWED inside the park. The hoodoos and other formations are extremely fragile and should NEVER be scaled. Outside the park, there are similar formations and those should also be respected. Go with a reputable guide who will show you the proper places where rock climbing is allowed (in other words, in places where the rock face and sandstone is stable enough for climbers to do their thing).
This company offers guided climbing trips in this area and are worth checking out.
In addition, while this link doesn't specifically list rock climbing companies, other adventure outfitters are listed which may be of interest.
10. Birdwatching, Anyone? Chirp, Chirp
Bring out your inner bird nerd and dust off those binoculars! Bryce Canyon is a cozy retreat for various bird species. Keep your eyes peeled and catch these winged wonders in their natural habitat.
There are 175 different species of birds that have been documented at Bryce Canyon. They are not here all the time (birds migrate, you see) and so you won't be able to spot them on every visit. But that just gives you an excuse to come back over and over again until you spot them all!
For more information about the birds of Bryce, check out this link.
Wrapping it Up
Bryce Canyon is the ultimate destination for both adventurers and nature lovers. So, pack your bags. It's time to answer the call of the hoodoos, the endless stretches of Mars-like landscapes, and the beauty of the sparkling night sky!
