Visiting Bryce Canyon was not initially in our 10-day West Coast USA trip itinerary. After our visit, we couldn`t help but wonder how Bryce Canyon National Park remains relatively unknown for most people, especially outside of the US.
Unlike other tourist attractions like The Grand Canyon or Yosemite, we had never heard of Bryce until we started thoroughly planning our West Coast America trip. I dare say it was one of the most astonishing places of the whole trip.
We are still trying to understand how this park does not seem to fit with the traditional depictions of the Wild West, with its incredible rock structures that appear otherworldly.
Within this article, you will discover a guide containing the finest sights and activities to engage in at Bryce Canyon, as well as an abundance of essential information for visiting Bryce in a single day.
We only spent one day in Bryce during our journey along the West Coast of the USA lasting 10 days. However, you will need more time if you want to take all the trails and visit all of the different viewpoints.
Table of Contents
VISIT BRYCE CANYON IN ONE DAY
Although we did not have much time, we opted to integrate Bryce Canyon into our travel itinerary after coming across a few images of it.
Initially, we verified the area of Bryce Canyon on a chart, which lies in the condition of Utah and near Antelope Canyon, a place as of now in our travel schedule. We chose we would drive to Bryce to spend the day subsequent to we visit Horseshoe Bend, to discover more amazing stone arrangements and scenes.
Although our time in Bryce Canyon National Park was brief, even a half day there was completely worthwhile.
In essence, here are the best activities to partake in within Bryce in a single day.
WHAT TO DO IN BRYCE CANYON IN ONE DAY
- Sunrise Point: Observe how the sun illuminates the famous “Hoodoos” from this classic vantage point.
- Hiking routes: Embark on one of the short hikes you can do in Bryce in a day like the “Navajo Loop” or the “Queens Garden Trail”.
- Thors Hammer: Appreciate the most renowned geological formation in the Park.
- Bryce Amphitheater: See the famous amphitheater at sunset from the “Sunset Point” viewpoint.
- Two bridges: Visit these renowned natural limestone bridges.
- Starry Nights: Witness one of the finest night skies in North America from any of Bryce’s viewpoints.
- Wall Street: Hike this winding path and delight in the views from above.
Look for some of its most peculiar rock structures such as Queen Victoria.
To help you organize your visit to Bryce Canyon, we published this guide where you can easily check the following information:
- Methods of accessing Bryce Canyon: from Las Vegas, Zion, Page, Grand Canyon, etc
- Information regarding what activities can be done in Bryce Canyon National Park: most scenic viewpoints and hiking trails
- Guidelines for visiting Bryce:Admission, opening hours, moving around …
- More data about Bryce: How the rock structures were created and what the Hoodoos signify
- Where to lodge in Bryce:the best accommodations and campsites in Bryce
- Bryce Canyon National Park Map:Views, hiking routes, and lodging in Bryce
HOW TO GET TO BRYCE CANYON
It is best to independently visit Bryce Canyon by renting a car, as public transportation in the United States is not ideally suited for exploring. At the same time, Bryce Canyon is not busy enough to join group tours from nearby cities.
HOW TO GET TO BRYCE CANYON FROM LAS VEGAS
The closest international airport to Bryce Canyon is Las Vegas. However, note that there is still a distance of 260 miles between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon, so the travel time will be around 4 hours until arrival.
Other points of interest on the way to Bryce include the Valley of Fire State Park and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.
If you`re traveling to Las Vegas, be sure to check out some of the top attractions in Las Vegas and where you can rent a vehicle in Las Vegas. If the theme hotels appeal to you, opt for lodging at one of the best accommodations in Las Vegas.
If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can take a guided trip to Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas.
HOW TO GET TO BRYCE CANYON FROM PAGE (ANTELOPE CANYON AND HORSESHOE BEND)
If you see Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon is not too far away. Bryce is 150 miles from Page so you can even visit Horseshoe Bend at sunset first, then drive two and a half hours to Bryce, spend the night there, and explore the park the next morning as we did.
Do not miss our Guide to Horseshoe Bend
HOW TO GET TO BRYCE FROM ZION NATIONAL PARK
Taking photographs during autumn allows vibrant colors, soft daylight, fog, and a moody ambiance, making it an ideal season for photography.
Although it is advised to invest a day in Bryce and at minimum one day in Zion, you can tour Bryce and Zion in a single day, hiking one trail in each of the parks. In fact, this is without question, one of the most prevalent Las Vegas excursions.
It takes around an hour and a half to travel from Bryce to Zion, though keep in mind the sole approach to enter Zion National Park is by parking in Springdale and taking a complimentary shuttle that runs through the trails within the national park. You can find here some recommendations for exploring Zion Canyon.
Do not miss our Guide to Zion Canyon
HOW TO GET TO BRYCE CANYON FROM THE GRAND CANYON
There is a distance of 280 miles between Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Village (the most popular section of the Grand Canyon`s southern rim), requiring around 5 hours of travel.
I do not propose making visits to Bryce and the Grand Canyon on the same day since it takes quite some time. Still, I suggest exploring other points of interest along the route. For instance, you could devise an itinerary that goes through Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Page (Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend), Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, then back to Las Vegas. For tours to Grand Canyon save one or two days.
Do not miss our Guide to the Grand Canyon
Best things to do IN BRYCE NATIONAL PARK
The most key thing to see in Bryce are the rock formations identified as “ Hoodoos”. These distinguishing rock formations set Bryce apart from any other landscape you’ve seen prior.
To uncover these unique shapes, you can take a scenic drive to enjoy the best viewpoints of Bryce or hike one of the trails that will take you from the Hoodoos to an enchanted world.
We can divide Bryce Canyon primarily into two locales: the amphitheater-like Bryce Amphitheater area, featuring easier access and more tourism as well as a higher density of Hoodoos arranged in an amphitheater formation; and the more remote southern section of Bryce Canyon with decreased tourist numbers and scenery of various separated Hoodoos.
At the conclusion of this article, there will be a detailed Bryce Canyon map showing all points of interest that will be mentioned: Bryce lookouts, primary trails, hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park, campsites, and backcountry campsites.
BEST VIEWPOINTS IN BRYCE CANYON
The best viewpoints in Bryce Canyon from North to South are as follows:
- Fairyland Point: This vantage point is the solitary one situated to the north of the Bryce Amphitheater. One of the most intriguing trails originates from here.
- Sunrise Point: One of the primary viewpoints within the Bryce Amphitheater, best for taking in and photographing the sunrise in Bryce.
- Sunset Point: Very near Sunrise Point, it could be the finest vantage point of the Bryce Amphitheater. Visiting both places is recommended to enjoy the sunrise and sunset in Bryce.
- Inspiration Point: This location in the amphitheater also presents amazing views, especially at dawn. For us, it was a must visit attraction in Bryce.
- Bryce Point: It is the final viewpoint located in the Bryce Amphitheater, offers very beneficial views from the southern region.
- Paria View: From Bryce Point there exists a less busy road to reach this less visited vista of Yellow Creek and the distant Paria River valley.
- Swamp Canyon: If we move farther from the Bryce Amphitheater towards the south, we can find a series of more scattered viewpoints in a dispersed formation. The first one is Swamp Canyon with a perspective full of flora.
- Farview Point: From this outlook, you will see groupings of striking variably hued Hoodoos in the distance, as well as Willis Creek forming a slim canyon that can be explored downstream.
- Piracy Point: From the previous viewpoint, we are able to walk to Piracy Point where there are good views looking northward.
- Natural Bridge: From the next viewpoint we can see a sandstone arch that frames a beautiful pine forest. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most unique and photogenic views in Bryce.
- Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, and Black Birch Canyon: These three overlook areas are quite near each other so they offer comparable views: ravines, Hoodoos along with pine woods in the distance.
- Rainbow Point: The road concludes at this viewpoint facing east, offering an interesting view toward the northeast.
- Yovimpa Point: A ten-minute walk through the forest to reach this last lookout that offers even more remarkable views.
Within this map, you will locate the positioning of each of these perspectives. If you are only likely to tour Bryce in a single day, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point are the three indispensable perspectives that you should not miss in Bryce Canyon. Appreciate them particularly at sunrise and sunset when the light starts to magically paint the Hoodoos in beautiful red and orange shades.
THE BEST HIKES IN BRYCE CANYON
There are numerous hiking trails in Bryce Canyon. You would need a full week minimum to experience them all. This section outlines the primary routes and day hikes to include in your itinerary.
FAIRYLAND LOOP
The Fairyland loop is the most popular of the strenuous hikes. If you are a hiking enthusiast with adequate time, this trail is for you.
The hike begins from the Fairyland Point and overlaps with the Rim Trail, passing through Sunrise Point along the way . This trail involves multiple changes in elevation along the 8 miles until the end. It usually requires between 4 to 5 hours to complete the loop.
In addition to different Hoodoos, we will come across a truly unique rock formation known as “ Tower Bridge” along the trail. A large stone wall of hoodoos organized in straight lines calls to mind the London Bridge and Great Wall of China.
QUEENS GARDEN TRAIL
This path at Bryce Canyon originates from Sunrise Point and is deemed one of the simpler routes within the national park. Travelers will descend amidst the amphitheater`s Hoodoos, finding the renowned “Queen Victoria” rock formation along the way at some stage.
The hike spans 1.5 miles one-way until reaching a four-way intersection where three other trails conclude (Navajo Loop on Wall Street, Navajo Loop on Two-bridges, and Peek-A-Boo).
NAVAJO LOOP
One of the popular trails in Bryce Canyon National Park, the Navajo circuit trail begins at Sunset Point and takes visitors to the Bryce Amphitheater.
This region is susceptible to rockfall from the cliffs, so remain alert along your journey.
Along this 1.2-mile trail, we will find one of the most popular Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, “ Thor’s Hammer”, as well as the incredible “ Two-bridges” formation.
On the last section, we will go through what is known as the “ Wall Street”, a steep curved path surrounded by tall hoodoos that takes us back to the starting point.
QUEENS GARDEN + NAVAJO LOOP
Nonetheless, Bryce Canyon’s best trek is the combination of Queens Garden and Navajo Loop.
For this route, we will start at Sunset Point and hike a segment of the Rim Trail until reaching Sunrise Point. From here, we will continue on the Queens Garden Trail passing through Queen Victoria, up to the intersection of four trails, where we will then take the Navajo Loop section that passes through Wall Street and end at Thor’s Hammer.
If you only have one day to tour Bryce Canyon and want to visit the most impressive landmarks of the park, we strongly advise this combined trail.
PEEK-A-BOO LOOP
This trail is not as popular despite extraordinary views that can be found of the Hoodoos, both nearby and in the distance. Additionally, it crosses some wooded sections which make this trail one of the most distinctive inside the park.
Accessible from the intersection where Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail merge or simply from Bryce Point, this trail attracts visitors.
There are many slopes along the route, and the total distance covered on the trail is 5.5 miles (we should also take into account the distances if we begin this trail after the Navajo Trail or the Queens Garden Trail). It is viewed as one of the most strenuous treks in Bryce Canyon National Park.
RIM TRAIL
This trail follows the canyon edge offering impressive vistas of the natural amphitheater. It goes from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point covering 6.2 miles passing through Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point.
The path is very effortless, particularly between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point where the road is paved, creating it accessible for wheelchairs.
UNDER THE RIM TRAIL
If you plan to visit Bryce for various days and favor venturing into the hinterlands, Under the Rim Trail is a 21.7 mile hike between Bryce Point and Rainbow Point.
There are 8 backcountry camping sites along the route, plus three extra entries to the trail via Swamp Canyon, Whiteman Bench, and Agua Canyon. So you can do just a section of the trail if you choose.
If you decide to embark on this trek, you can find more data here.
HAT SHOP TRAIL
One of the busiest stretches of Under the Rim Trail is the section between the prominent viewpoint known as Bryce Point and the famous natural formation called the ” Hat Shop“, where numerous mushroom-shaped Hoodoos congregate. From Bryce Point, visitors can descend to this collection of Hoodoos along a steep 2-mile portion. The main difficulty lies in climbing back up to Bryce Point, and this small segment is regarded as moderate to challenging.
RIGGS SPRING LOOP TRAIL
Another trail in the area permits hikers to traverse over successive days, starting at Yovimpa Point and ending at Rainbow Point, featuring 4 backcountry sites along the route as well as various natural water springs.”
Along with this 8.6-mile path, the slopes are steep and is considered an extremely difficult trail.
Most sections of the hiking trail pass through forested areas with terrain that is less impressive, but there are also intriguing vistas. And, you will likely be alone, away from the large crowds gathered at the amphitheater.
BRISTLECONE LOOP TRAIL
This brief one-mile trail commences at Rainbow Point where we would eventually arrive at the highest elevation in Bryce Canyon National Park at 9114 feet.
There will be a diversified forest of White Spruce, Douglas Fir, and Blue spruce along the way where we can also find different types of birds, including grouse, woodpeckers, and owls. Following this section, the forest ends in various Bristlecone pines where we can enjoy a magnificent panoramic vista. On the return journey, we can see part of the Promontory, an isolated summit with rock formations similar to those found in the amphitheater.
TIPS FOR VISITING BRYCE CANYON
Following all the data provided about the best activities to engage in at Bryce, we will offer you some tips to make the most of your visit to Bryce Canyon, which is fundamentally important especially if you visit Bryce in one day.
MOVING AROUND BRYCE CANYON
Parking in Bryce Canyon National Park is very limited, so to reduce traffic congestion, the National Parks Service provide free shuttle buses.
Whilst utilizing Bryce shuttles is not obligatory since you can always enter the park with your own automobile, it is advised to use them so fewer parking areas would be constructed, as it harming Bryce Canyon’s natural surroundings.
There are two means of transportation:
BRYCE CANYON SHUTTLE
The Bryce Canyon Shuttle picks up passengers outside the park and stops at the major points of interest around the Bryce Amphitheater, such as the visitor center, Bryce Canyon Lodge (the only hotel in the park), as well as these viewpoints: Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.
Buses leave approximately every 15 minutes, making it extremely convenient, particularly considering that only 1 in every 4 cars that enter the park manage to find a parking spot during the peak season.
RAINBOW POINT SHUTTLE
Additionally, if you wish to explore the scenic points located south of the natural amphitheater utilizing public transportation, you are able to enroll in the complimentary guided excursion that travels to Rainbow Point.
This guided tour is offered twice a day (at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) and lasts for 3.5 hours.
Advance booking of the visit, up to 7 days prior, can be made by calling 435-834-5290 or directly at the Shuttle office. If any spaces are available at the time of departure, they will be filled according to guest arrival order.
If you don’t want to take the full guided tour and only want to use the shuttle to get off at one of the viewpoints, you just have to aware of the scheduled pickup times and places.
BRYCE CANYON SCHEDULE
Bryce Canyon National Park has no closing time, so you should have no problem driving in at any hour. However, if visiting Bryce Canyon by bus, note that buses run every 15 minutes only per the Bryce Canyon Shuttle schedule:
| Public Transportation Schedule for Bryce Canyon National Park in 2018 |
| April 13 – May 17 | 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. |
| May 18nd – September 30th | 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. |
| October 1 – October 22 | 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. |
Also, if you plan to do one of the extensive hiking trails involving camping in the remote wilderness, you will need a permit which can be collected up to one hour before the visitor center closes its doors.
You can find the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center schedule below:
| Bryce Canyon Visitor Center |
| Summer | May – September | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Fall | October | The hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Winter | November – March | Operational hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Spring | April | The hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
BRYCE CANYON ENTRANCE FEE
Public transportation running through Bryce is free of charge. However, whether entering by bus or vehicle, a park entrance fee is still required.
The entrance fee to Bryce is $20 per person or $35 per vehicle for up to a maximum of 5 people. However, if you have purchased the America the Beautiful National Parks annual pass for $80, access to this park and others will be included.
The sole thing not covered by the annual pass is the additional $5 backcountry camping permit.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BRYCE CANYON
Bryce`s climate is warm during summer and very frigid in winter with frequent snowfall. Road and trail closures are common during winter and sometimes into spring due to weather.
The optimum time to visit Bryce is between May and October. However, if choosing when to visit, I`d suggest the period from June to September when temperatures are warmer and fewer visitors are around, making it better for exploring any US national park.
HOW MANY DAYS TO VISIT BRYCE CANYON
There is no minimum suggested time period for a visit to Bryce Canyon. Even within just one morning you can view the most interesting regions and admire the incredible rock structures from the viewpoints. However, I would propose spending no less than 1 full day at Bryce Canyon if you want to hike along the primary trails.
It is also crucial to take into account the complete length of your trip. For example, if you are taking a 10-day excursion along the West Coast of the USA, allotting 24 hours in Bryce would be suitable; however, if your journey through the Western USA spans over 20 days, then scheduling two or even three days in Bryce would be sensible.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BRYCE CANYON
While you`ve clearly decided to experience Bryce`s extraordinary panoramas firsthand, you may wonder about the geological processes leading to its distinctive rock formations or what exactly defines the striking columns known as hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon was molded after disintegration brought by wind, water, and ice. It was not disintegration originating from a central water source, as it occurs in other canyons like the Grand Canyon. In reality, there were hundreds of streams carved through various amphitheaters where the Hoodoos are situated, better known as fairy chimneys.
In addition to the famous Hoodoos, another distinctive yet oft-overlooked feature of Bryce Canyon National Park is its night sky. Due to its considerable distance from cities and other populated areas, Bryce experiences no light pollution. What`s more, situated at a high elevation, Bryce Canyon National Park represents one of the prime locations to observe the stars along the west coast and across the United States.
Our visit took place coincidentally at the same time as the Perseid meteor shower, a unique chance to appreciate the night skies of Bryce in all its magnificence.
Though a distinctive location, it sees the fewest visitors of any national park in Utah, since Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon are more readily accessible. However, there is no doubt that visiting Bryce Canyon is one of the best things to do in Utah.
WHERE TO STAY IN BRYCE CANYON
As we told you in our guidance on accommodations in Bryce Canyon,there is only one hotel, two regular campgrounds and twelve backcountry campgrounds in Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Bryce Canyon Lodge: This is the only hotel inside Bryce Canyon National Park, so it is advisable to book it approximately one year in advance. It offers 114 rooms, but being just one step away from Bryce Amphitheater means it is constantly complete in high season and nearly impossible to book if you do not plan your trip well ahead of time.
- Northern Campground: This camping site is located in front of the Bryce Visitor Center, in the northern region of the national park. Some spots can be reserved in advance, while others are available on a first-arrived first-served basis. Tent sites cost $20 each night, and RV sites are $30 per night.
- Sunset Campground: This camp is located near Sunset Point, and similar to the previous one, has areas for tents and RVs. It is smaller and often full as it is even closer to major attractions. However, unlike the North Campground, showers are not provided here.
- Backcountry Campgrounds: At the conclusion of this article you will locate a map with all Backcountry Campgrounds in Bryce demarcated in black. They are generally positioned near the “Under-the-Rim” Trail and Riggs Spring Loop. Before embarking on your multi-day hike in Bryce, remember that acquiring a backcountry camping permit is required from the visitor center for $5. You can find all relevant information here.
If you travel by camper van, you can find here the best tips for RV Rental in the USA.
However, as we said in that article, the best place to stay in Bryce Canyon is in one of the best hotels in Bryce town near a shuttle bus that will take travelers around Bryce Canyon without cost:
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK MAP
Here you can check the Bryce Canyon National Park map detailing viewpoints, hikes, trails, lodging, campsites, and unmissable Hoodoos during your visit.
If you want to utilize this map of Bryce Canyon National Park offline on your mobile device:
- Download the Mapswithme app on your mobile phone.
- Acquire and safely stash the accompanying KML record in your Dropbox.
- Open the Dropbox file on your mobile device, receiving a dialog to select opening with the Mapswithme app (Maps.me).
You now have nearly everything needed to start your trip. Only travel medical insurance remains to purchase for visiting the USA, as healthcare costs can be quite high there and traveling tends to increase vulnerability. The best travel medical insurance for USA travel is suggested.
Here I provide the travel protection that I advise.
The camera rental company located in Sydney called CameraHire has a more conventional approach. Options like pickup and drop-off, in addition to same day shipping, are accessible for patrons in the Sydney metro area while overnight delivery is available across Australia.
