Bryce Canyon National Park
Hoodoos, Starry Skies, and Desert Dreams
Featured Experiences
Bryce Canyon can feel overwhelming at first sight, but guided tours make it approachable. Local experts share the Paiute stories of the hoodoos, guide you safely down steep trails, and take you to the best overlooks for sunrise or sunset. With a guide, you won’t just see Bryce — you’ll understand its geology, culture, and wildlife.
Guided experiences range from easy rim walks to horseback rides into the amphitheater, from scenic drives to ranger-led night sky programs. Stargazing tours connect you with constellations above the desert, while photography workshops help capture the magic of Bryce’s light.
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3 Day Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef & Goblin Valley
Explore Bryce, Capitol Reef & Goblin Valley in luxury with... More
- 3 Days • From Salt Lake City UT
- Luxury SUV Transport
- Stargazing in Dark Sky Parks
- 2 Nights Lodging Included
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Hiking: Bryce Canyon National Park
Discover Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos on a full-day guided hike.... More
- 7 Hours • Bryce Canyon UT
- Private Guided Adventure
- See Hoodoos & Rim Views
- All Ages Welcome
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Cowboy’s Tour
Private 3-hour scenic tour of Bryce Canyon’s lower... More
- 3 Hours • Bryce Canyon UT
- Private Scenic Tour
- Customizable Hiking
- Water & Snacks Provided
Suggested Itineraries
Bryce Canyon is compact compared to many national parks, but its beauty is concentrated in unforgettable ways. You don’t need weeks to experience its magic — even a single day among the hoodoos can leave a lasting impression. With more time, you can mix short hikes, scenic drives, horseback riding, and stargazing. These sample itineraries show how to pace your trip so you can enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.
1 Day Itinerary
Day one is for the amphitheater — hike the Rim Trail, Navajo Loop, and Queen’s Garden, then join a ranger talk at the Visitor Center. On day two, explore further afield with horseback riding into the hoodoos and a drive to Rainbow Point. Save day three for cultural experiences and quieter trails — Fairyland Loop offers solitude, while ranger programs bring Paiute history to life.
👉 Balanced mix of hiking, riding, and culture.
3 Day Itinerary
Spend your first day exploring the alpine world of Hurricane Ridge with short hikes to meadows and viewpoints. On day two, head to the Hoh or Quinault Rain Forests for trails through lush green cathedrals of moss and ferns. On your final day, explore the coast — Rialto or Ruby Beach for tidepooling and photography, or Shi Shi Beach if you’re up for a longer hike.
👉 Balanced mix of mountains, forests, and coastlines.
Weeklong Adventure
With a week, you can savor Bryce at a slower pace. Alternate days of hiking and scenic drives with evenings of stargazing. Try multiple trails — Fairyland Loop, Peekaboo Loop, and Tower Bridge each reveal new perspectives. Dedicate a day to nearby attractions like Kodachrome Basin or Grand Staircase–Escalante. Spend time in the gateway towns, meeting locals and enjoying small-town hospitality.
👉 Best for travelers wanting full immersion in Bryce and its surrounding landscapes.
Permits, trail conditions, and high-elevation weather can make Bryce tricky to plan. Tell us your travel dates and favorite activities, and we’ll help design a trip that balances hoodoo hikes, scenic overlooks, and star-filled nights.
What to Expect Each Season
Every season paints Bryce in a different light.
Bryce Canyon is a high-desert park perched at 8,000 feet and above, which means the seasons are dramatic and shape every experience. Summer brings warm days and busy trails, while spring and fall are cooler, colorful, and less crowded. Winter transforms the hoodoos with snow, creating one of the park’s most magical — and least-visited — times of year. Knowing what to expect helps you plan the right clothing, activities, and pace for your trip.
Spring (April–June)
Wildflowers bloom, days are mild, and trails open as snow melts. Crowds are lighter than in summer.
Best for: Hiking, photography, and cool-weather walks among hoodoos.
Summer (July–August)
Warm days and long evenings bring peak visitation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but sunsets are spectacular.
Best for: Scenic drives, stargazing, and ranger-led programs.
Fall (September–October)
Cool air and golden aspens make fall a magical season. Crowds thin, and the hoodoos glow in softer light.
Best for: Photography, hiking, and horseback riding.
Winter (November–March)
Snow blankets the hoodoos, creating a surreal landscape. Trails may be icy, but solitude abounds.
Best for: Snowshoeing, winter photography, and peaceful overlooks.
Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
View All Bryce Canyon Tours & Activities
From rim walks at sunrise to horseback rides among hoodoos and stargazing under the desert sky, Bryce Canyon offers a variety of guided experiences. Tours make it easy to enjoy the park’s highlights while learning its stories.
Sightseeing Tours
See Bryce’s highlights without strenuous hiking. Vehicle-based tours cover major overlooks, the Bryce Amphitheater, and the scenic drive to Rainbow Point.
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Cowboy’s Tour
Private 3-hour scenic tour of Bryce Canyon’s lower... More
- 3 Hours • Bryce Canyon UT
- Private Scenic Tour
- Customizable Hiking
- Water & Snacks Provided
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Combination Tour
Private 4-hour Bryce Canyon hike combining two scenic trails.... More
- 4 Hours • Bryce Canyon UT
- Private Guided Hike
- Two Trails Combined
- Water & Snacks Included
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Daily Scenic Tour
Discover Bryce Canyon’s most iconic views on a 3-hour scenic... More
- 3 Hours • Bryce Canyon UT
- Small-Group Scenic Ride
- 4–6 Iconic Stops
- Snacks & Water Included
Hiking Tours
Guided hikes bring you into the hoodoos safely, while photography tours help capture Bryce’s changing light and colors.
-
Hiking: Bryce Canyon National Park
Discover Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos on a full-day guided hike.... More
- 7 Hours • Bryce Canyon UT
- Private Guided Adventure
- See Hoodoos & Rim Views
- All Ages Welcome
-
Bryce Canyon Day Hike
Discover Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos on a guided day hike with... More
- 6–8 Hours • Bryce Canyon UT
- Red Canyon Scenic Drive
- Navajo Loop Trail
- Shuttle & Park Fees Included
Visitor Centers At The Park
Bryce Canyon may be compact, but its visitor centers are the heart of orientation. They connect you to rangers, exhibits, and programs that bring the geology, ecology, and culture of the hoodoos to life. Stop here first for trail conditions, maps, and stories that deepen your understanding of the landscape.
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
The main hub at the park entrance, with exhibits on geology, wildlife, and Paiute culture. Rangers here provide maps, permits, and daily trail updates, and the bookstore offers guides and souvenirs.
Tip: Stop in early to learn sunrise and stargazing recommendations from rangers — they know the best current spots.
Rainbow Point Information Station
At the far end of the scenic drive, this small station helps visitors navigate the high-elevation trails and overlooks. It’s also a quieter spot to talk with rangers and get insight into less-visited areas.
Tip: Even in summer, pack a jacket — Rainbow Point sits above 9,000 feet and temperatures can be brisk.
Visiting On Your Own
Bryce is compact compared to other Utah parks, but its elevation and terrain require preparation. Most visitors focus on the Bryce Amphitheater, where four main viewpoints — Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points — are connected by trails and shuttle stops. Driving the 18-mile scenic road adds additional overlooks.
Entrance fees are $35 per vehicle for 7 days, or $80 for the America the Beautiful pass. A free shuttle runs April–October, connecting Bryce Canyon City with major viewpoints. Parking at Sunrise and Sunset Points fills early — take the shuttle for convenience.
Tips:
Start hikes early to avoid midday heat or thunderstorms.
Pack layers — mornings are cold even in summer.
Bring plenty of water; the high desert is deceptively dry.
Download maps offline; cell service is spotty.
The Magic Of the Hoodoos
An Incredible Visual Representation
Park Information & Details
Food & Drink
Dining inside the park is limited to the lodge restaurant and small cafés. Nearby, Bryce Canyon City and Tropic have restaurants and diners.
Tip: Pack snacks — options are limited once you’re on the trails or scenic drive.
What to Bring
Layered clothing for cold mornings and warm afternoons, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection. A camera and binoculars are must-haves for both hoodoos and stargazing.
Tip: Even in summer, nights drop near freezing — bring a jacket.
Safety Tips
Stay on marked trails — hoodoo terrain is fragile and steep. Afternoon storms bring lightning; avoid open areas during storms.
Tip: Carry more water than you think you’ll need — high elevation dehydrates quickly.
Shuttle / Transport Info
The free shuttle makes exploring stress-free, running frequently between Bryce Canyon City and park viewpoints. Driving is allowed year-round, but parking is limited at peak times.
Tip: Leave your car in town and ride the shuttle to skip parking hassles.
Staying Safe In The Park
Situations & Tips For Your Adventure
Visiting Using The Park Shuttle
Free Into The Park To Avoid Traffic
Accessibility For All
Bryce Canyon’s hoodoo terrain is steep and rugged, but the park has worked to make many of its most iconic views accessible. Visitors of all abilities can enjoy rim overlooks, paved paths, and ranger-led programs that bring the amphitheater’s magic within reach.
Viewpoints: Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points have wheelchair-accessible overlooks that provide some of the best vistas in the park.
Rim Trail (partial): A paved section between Sunset and Sunrise Points offers a level, scenic walk along the canyon rim.
Visitor Center: Fully accessible with exhibits, restrooms, and ranger programs.
Shuttle Buses: The free shuttle system (April–October) is wheelchair accessible and stops at all major viewpoints and trailheads.
Amphitheater Trails: While most trails descending into the hoodoos are steep, short accessible pathways and overlooks still provide dramatic perspectives without the climb.
Tips:
Ask rangers about current accessibility conditions — weather, snow, and ice can limit access in winter and spring.
Even on paved paths, the elevation (8,000+ feet) makes walks feel more strenuous. Pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Combine shuttle use with accessible rim walks for the easiest way to see the amphitheater.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Getting Around The Park
Be Safe Out There
Difference Between Traction & Non-Traction
Teaching Children About The National Park
Explore The Park With A Cartoon
Maps Of The Park & Region
Bryce may be smaller than nearby Zion or Grand Canyon, but maps are still essential. They help plan shuttle use, scenic drive stops, and trail connections.
Area Overview 3D Map
Overall Park Map
Park Services Map
Park Gateway Towns
Where you stay shapes your Bryce Canyon experience. The park is compact and easy to explore in a day or two, but your base will determine how relaxed — or adventurous — your visit feels. Bryce Canyon City puts you right at the entrance, Tropic and Cannonville add small-town charm, while larger hubs like Kanab or Las Vegas make Bryce part of a bigger Southwest loop. Whether you want convenience, quiet nights, or a road trip base, the gateway towns set the tone for your Bryce adventure.
Bryce Canyon City, UT
Right at the park entrance, with hotels, campgrounds, and dining. The shuttle begins here, making it the most convenient base.
Tropic, UT
Just 15 minutes from the park, with motels, cabins, and restaurants. Popular for families and those wanting more dining options.
Cannonville, UT
A quieter option east of the park, Cannonville offers campgrounds and access to Kodachrome Basin State Park.
Cannonville, UT
A quieter option east of the park, Cannonville offers campgrounds and access to Kodachrome Basin State Park.
Kanab, UT
About 90 minutes south, Kanab is a vibrant hub for the Grand Staircase–Escalante region. With more lodging and dining, it’s perfect for travelers combining Bryce with Zion or Lake Powell.
Orderville, UT
A small community along US-89, Orderville is about an hour from Bryce and an easy stop between Zion and Bryce. Rustic inns and cabins make it a quiet, practical base.
Mount Carmel Junction, UT
Where US-89 meets the east entrance of Zion, Mount Carmel Junction is a crossroads community about an hour from Bryce. A good base for road-trippers linking multiple Utah parks.
Las Vegas, NV
Though four hours away, Las Vegas is a major starting point for Southwest road trips. Many tours to Bryce Canyon and Zion depart directly from The Strip.
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah’s capital and largest airport hub, about four hours north of Bryce. It’s often where travelers begin or end their Utah national park journeys.
What Visitors Say About The Park
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
