Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Utah
Permit: no
Recommended time: 2 days (1 day for viewpoints + 1 day if you plan on hiking)
Day 1: Scenic Viewpoints & Easy Hikes
Sunrise at Sunrise Point
Start your day early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Bryce Amphitheater from Sunrise Point.
Scenic Drive
Take the 29 km (18 mile) scenic drive to Rainbow Point, stopping at key viewpoints:
Bryce Point: Offers panoramic views of the amphitheater.
Inspiration Point: Known for its layered rock formations.
Natural Bridge: A stunning natural arch formation.
Easy Hikes
Mossy Cave Trail: A 0.8-mile (1.3 km) round trip leading to a small waterfall and mossy overhang.
Bristlecone Loop: A 1-mile (1.6 km) loop through ancient bristlecone pines at the highest elevation in the park.
Rim Trail: A 8.9 km (5.5mile) flat one way trail from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point. The Rim Trail runs along the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater and offers some of the best above-the-canyon views in the park.
Evening at Sunset Point
Conclude your day by watching the sunset from Sunset Point. It does get busy, but there is lots of room to see the view. Sunset point and sunrise point are fairly close to one another 1.6 km (1 mile) when you walk along the rim trail, but there are separate parking lots for each viewpoint.
OR hike park of the Navajo trail at sunset to hit golden hour while your down in the hoodoos, and it’s was way less busy late evening compared to during the day.
Day 2: Moderate to Strenuous Hikes
Fairyland Loop Trail
Embark on the 8-mile (12.9 km) Fairyland Loop Trail, which offers a less crowded experience through unique hoodoo formations and expansive views. This was a long trail but gives you a different perspective to the park when you can get down between the hoodoos and get close to see how tall and unique they are.
Navajo Loop Trail
Explore the 1.3-mile (2.1 km) Navajo Loop Trail, descending into the amphitheater via switchbacks. The famous Wall Street section with the switchbacks is closed in the winter and when it open very dependent on weather and conditions. Check the NPS website for conditions. Don’t let the weather deter you, Bryce Canyon is so pretty when there is snow to contrast the red rock.
Queen's Garden Trail
I recommend combining the Navajo Loop with the Queen's Garden Trail, creating a 4.7 km (2.9 mile) hike.
Evening Stargazing
Bryce Canyon is a designated Dark Sky Park. Spend your evening stargazing at one of the viewpoints or attend a ranger-led astronomy program if available.
Camping:
Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground offers a full-service experience with numerous amenities (showers, laundry, full hookup, tent sites, and a camp store) ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience close to the park. You do not need to be staying at Ruby’s to use the showers and laundry, just pay in advance. To see full facility list, click here.
Tom’s Best Spring Road provides a free, primitive camping experience for self-sufficient campers. The road can be bumpy, but generally passable.
Note: No water, restrooms, or trash services; practice Leave No Trace principles.
Other Important Information
Bryce Canyon completely took me by surprise. When you drive into the park, it’s heavily treed and I was thinking “where are all the red rock everyone talks about?” Well, you walk out to any lookout and WOW. Completely unexpected and unlike anything I’d ever seen. Whether you're just stopping for the overlooks or hiking down into the canyon, it's 100% worth the trip. It’s the perfect stop if you’re on your way down to Zion, or don’t have much time.
Pets: You can bring your dogs to this park, but they must stay on the paved paths, which includes sunset to sunrise point, paved lookouts, campgrounds and parking lots.