Welcome sign on the roundabout toward Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is one of the most unique and visually stunning destinations in the United States. Known for its spectacular amphitheaters filled with vivid red and orange hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires that rise from the desert floor—Bryce Canyon offers an otherworldly landscape unlike anything else on Earth. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys immersing yourself in natural beauty, Bryce Canyon has something for everyone.
My trip to Bryce Canyon consisted of a 2-day stay in Tropic, Utah. Our airbnb was an old farmhouse with a couple of apple trees growing in the backyard. The neighbors owned the property and made sure to come by and make sure we had all our questions answered.
Bryce canyon was a National Park I really enjoyed. I though that the park was very accessible. All of the destinations could be reached by car, unlike parks like Zion National Park where you have to take a shuttle into and out of the park.
READ: 6 Epic Things to do in Zion National Park
This guide will cover some of my favorite, and most popular, destinations within Bryce Canyon NP such as Sunrise Point, Fairyland Trail, Bryce Ampitheater, and more. Keep reading to learn about all of the spectacular things this park has to offer.
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Introduction to Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park was established in 1928 and covers over 35,000 acres. Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not a canyon but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
What makes Bryce so unique is the concentration of its hoodoos—irregular rock spires formed by erosion over millions of years.
Among the landscape in Bryce Canyon are thousands of Hoodos – irregular columns or rocks with beautiful orange and tan hues. Bryce canyon has the largest concentrations of hoodos on earth.
At elevations ranging from 8,000 to over 9,000 feet, Bryce Canyon offers panoramic views of dramatic red and orange cliffs, along with the green forests below.
Bryce Canyon is part of the Grand Staircase, including Zion and Grand Canyon NP. The staircase features colorful sedimentary rocks and extends over 100 miles in the Southwest United States.
It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Hiking the Queens Garden Loop
Best Time to Visit
While Bryce Canyon is open year-round, the best times to visit are during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
The spring brings blooming beauty to Bryce Canyon, with new flowers and wildlife being born. The temperatures in the area range from 40 to 70 degrees. This makes it the best time to hike foot trails, bike, or horseback.
Summer brings warmer weather, but also more visitors. Because of its high altitude, Bryce Canyon boasts pleasant temperatures, alpine lakes, and shaded hiking trails that offer protection from the summer heat. Temperatures hover around 70 to 80 degrees.
Winter, though cold and snowy, transforms the park into a wonderland with far fewer crowds and opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Bryce Canyon is considered a high desert with a semi-arid climate. The rain shadow, formed by the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the west, acts as a barrier to the moist air and storms coming from the Pacific. This is how the park gets its unique temperatures and weather patterns.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon
To make the most of your trip to Bryce Canyon, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
• Altitude: Bryce Canyon is located at a high elevation, so it’s important to acclimate to the altitude and stay hydrated, especially if you’re planning to hike.
• Weather: Temperatures can vary significantly in Bryce Canyon, with hot days and chilly nights, even in the summer. Be sure to dress in layers and check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Crowds: Bryce Canyon can get crowded, especially during peak season. To avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The park is also less busy in the winter, when the snow adds an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.
• Safety: Bryce Canyon’s trails can be steep and rocky, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and take your time on the descents. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and be mindful of the weather, as thunderstorms can develop quickly in the summer.
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Sunrise Point
If you only have a short amount of time in Bryce Canyon, visiting Sunrise and Sunset Points should be at the top of your list. These two viewpoints are located near the Bryce Amphitheater and are known for their breathtaking views of the hoodoos at dawn and dusk.
Sunrise Point is the northernmost of the four major viewpoints that overlook the Bryce Amphitheater.
As the name suggests, this is one of the best places to catch the first light of day illuminating the hoodoos. The soft morning light brings out the vibrant reds, oranges, and pinks in the rock formations, creating a surreal and magical landscape.
Trail sign on Sunrise Point
Sunset Points
Sunset Point offers equally stunning views as the sun sinks below the horizon, casting long shadows across the amphitheater and turning the hoodoos a deep, fiery red. It’s the perfect spot for evening photography or simply relaxing after a day of hiking.
This area also boasts an almost 360-degree view of the valleys of Bryce Canyon, making it a great choice for stargazing
Both points are easily accessible and close to the visitor center. They also mark the start of several of the park’s most popular hiking trails.
Bryce Amphitheater
Bryce Amphitheater is the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park and the most iconic part of the park’s landscape.
It’s a massive natural bowl filled with thousands of hoodoos, some of which rise over 200 feet tall.
The amphitheater can be viewed from several different points along the Rim Trail, but for the best experience, try hiking down into the amphitheater via one of the park’s scenic trails.
The amphitheater is most beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the lighting enhances the vibrant colors of the rock formations.
Many visitors spend hours here, either hiking or just soaking in the views from the various lookout points.
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes in Bryce Canyon. It stretches for 11 miles along the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater, offering panoramic views of the hoodoos, cliffs, and forests below.
The trail is mostly flat, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
For a shorter hike, consider walking the 0.5-mile section between Sunrise and Sunset Points, or the 1.5-mile stretch from Sunrise Point to Bryce Point.
For a longer adventure, you can hike the entire Rim Trail from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, a 5.5-mile trek one way.
This is a great option if you want to take in all the major viewpoints along the amphitheater.
A colorful Hoodoo stands along the Rim Trail
Queen’s Garden Trail
The Queen’s Garden Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon. It’s a relatively short, 1.8-mile round-trip trail that takes you down into the Bryce Amphitheater, winding through a forest of towering hoodoos.
The trail is named for a rock formation that resembles Queen Victoria, and you’ll find the “queen” at the end of the trail, standing proudly among her hoodoos.
This trail is rated as easy to moderate, making it suitable for families and hikers of most skill levels.
It’s a great introduction to Bryce’s unique geology and offers a close-up view of the stunning rock formations that dominate the park.
Navajo Loop Trail
For a more challenging but equally rewarding hike, consider the Navajo Loop Trail.
This 1.3-mile loop descends steeply from Sunset Point into the amphitheater, passing through a section known as Wall Street, where towering cliffs surround the narrow trail.
The switchbacks on the way down are steep, but the views are worth the effort.
One of the highlights of the Navajo Loop is the famous Thor’s Hammer, a massive hoodoo that stands alone at the edge of the amphitheater.
The trail can be combined with the Queen’s Garden Trail for a longer, 3-mile hike that offers a full experience of the Bryce Amphitheater.
Bryce Point
Night Photography at Bryce Point
Bryce Point is one of the highest viewpoints in the park, sitting at over 8,300 feet in elevation.
From here, you’ll get a sweeping, panoramic view of the entire Bryce Amphitheater, with its maze of hoodoos stretching as far as the eye can see.
The early morning light is particularly stunning at Bryce Point, as the sun rises over the hoodoos, casting a warm glow on the rock formations.
For those looking for a great sunrise spot or a place to take in the vastness of Bryce Canyon, Bryce Point is a must-visit.
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point offers three levels of viewpoints, each providing a slightly different perspective of the Bryce Amphitheater.
The views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking, with layers of hoodoos and cliffs extending in all directions.
While the upper viewpoint requires a bit of a climb, the effort is well worth it for the unparalleled views of the amphitheater.
This is one of the most dramatic spots in the park and is a favorite among photographers, particularly during the golden hour when the light is soft and warm.
Wall Street
The Wall Street Trail is a spectacular and unique hike that takes you deep into the heart of the park’s iconic hoodoos.
This trail is part of the Navajo Loop Trail and is especially famous for its dramatic descent into a narrow slot canyon, flanked by towering orange and pink rock spires. As you descend, you’ll wind through a series of switchbacks that allow for panoramic views of the canyon’s layered, colorful rock formations.
View from the Wall Street Trail
The trail’s highlight is the surreal Wall Street section, where sheer sandstone walls rise high on either side, creating a labyrinthine pathway through the ancient rock.
You’ll pass alongside twisted pine trees that have managed to take root in the narrow canyon floor, reaching upwards in search of sunlight.
This section of the hike offers cool shade and a quiet, almost otherworldly atmosphere that contrasts with the sunlit rim above.
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Wildlife Watching
While Bryce Canyon is best known for its rock formations, the park is also home to a variety of wildlife.
Mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and mountain lions are some of the larger mammals you might spot, while smaller animals like chipmunks and marmots are more common.
Birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy, with species like peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and ravens frequently spotted soaring above the cliffs.
A tiny chipmunks nibbles on a pretzel in Bryce Canyon
Night Sky Program
Bryce Canyon is renowned for its dark skies and incredible stargazing opportunities. The park offers ranger-led night sky programs, where you can learn about the constellations, planets, and other celestial objects visible in the park’s clear night sky.
On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even distant galaxies with the naked eye.
The night sky program is a must-do for astronomy enthusiasts or anyone who wants to experience the magic of Bryce Canyon after dark.
Scenic Drive
If you prefer to take in the beauty of Bryce Canyon from the comfort of your car, the park’s scenic drive is a great option.
A all arch seen from the Bryce Canyon scenic road
The 18-mile road takes you to several overlooks, each offering a unique perspective of the park’s landscape.
The drive begins at the visitor center and passes through a variety of landscapes, from the colorful cliffs of the Bryce Amphitheater to the dense forests of the park’s higher elevations.
The southernmost viewpoint, Rainbow Point, offers a sweeping view of the Grand Staircase, a series of colorful cliffs that stretch across southern Utah.
Mossy Cave Trail
The Mossy Cave Trail is a short, easy hike located outside the main amphitheater area, near the park’s northern boundary.
This hike is a great one to do after the park has been hit with rain, as the waterfalls and streams tend to increase their flow, giving a more dramatic look to the trail.
This 0.8-mile round-trip trail follows a small stream to a mossy cave and a seasonal waterfall. It’s a great option for families or those looking for a short, scenic walk.
The trail offers a unique contrast to the hoodoos and desert landscape of Bryce Canyon, as it follows a lush stream surrounded by greenery.
The cave is especially beautiful in the winter when icicles form on its roof.
Waterfall along the Mossy Cave Trail
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Conclusion
Bryce Canyon National Park is a place of unparalleled beauty and wonder.
Its otherworldly landscape of hoodoos, cliffs, and canyons offers something for everyone, whether you’re a hiker, a photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature.
With so many incredible places to explore, from the iconic viewpoints of Sunrise and Sunset Points to the challenging trails of the Peekaboo Loop, Bryce Canyon is a destination you’ll never forget.
So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to discover one of America’s most unique and stunning national parks.
