Located in the high desert of southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological wonder renowned for its captivating and otherworldly landscapes. The park’s main attraction is the Bryce Amphitheater, a vast natural amphitheater filled with thousands of spire-shaped hoodoos. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and white in the rock formations add to the park’s visual allure. Popular viewpoints like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunset Point offer breathtaking panoramas of the amphitheater. Beyond the hoodoos, the park features a network of trails that wind through pine forests and offer opportunities to explore the diverse ecosystem.
Fun Facts about Bryce Canyon National Park
- President Warren G. Harding established Bryce Canyon as a national monument on June 8, 1923. On June 7, 1924, it was established as Utah National Park and was later renamed to Bryce Canyon National Park on February 25, 1928.
- The historic Bryce Canyon Lodge, built in the 1920s, is one of the oldest national park lodges still in operation.
- The park is famous for its distinctive hoodoos, which are tall and thin spires of rock formed by erosion. These hoodoos are the result of frost weathering and the erosional forces of wind and water.
- Bryce Canyon features a series of natural amphitheaters, the most famous being Bryce Amphitheater. It contains the largest concentration of hoodoos in the park and is a popular spot for viewing the sunrise and sunset.
- Within the park, you can find ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of which are over 1,600 years old. These hardy trees thrive in the high-altitude and harsh conditions of the region.
- One of the popular hiking trails in the park is the Queen’s Garden Trail, where you can see rock formations that resemble Queen Victoria and her garden.
- The park is home to various wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorns, foxes, and a variety of bird species. The open landscapes provide opportunities for wildlife viewing.
A Quick Look at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Best time of year to visit. Most people visit between June and September, but October through May is also a good time to visit the park, especially to see it with snow.
- How long to stay. The park can easily be visited in as little as two days, but I recommend at least for to get a good view of its backcountry side.
- How to get there. The closest airport is Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC). If you prefer larger international airports, then Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) are some further options. The park only has one entrance.
- Places to Stay. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is an excellent place to rent a room. Otherwise, you can stay at the North Campground or the Sunset Campground.
Things to Know Before Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park is in bear country. Carrying bear spray is highly recommended when hiking or staying in bear country or any areas that are homes to potentially dangerous wildlife. Bear spray is a specialized type of pepper spray that is proven to be effective in deterring aggressive wildlife in the event of close encounters. In addition to being effective, bear spray is also a non-lethal option, is quick and easy to use, provides safety for both humans and wildlife, and creates peace of mind while in the wilderness.
- Cell phone reception is limited in most of the park. Before you head to the park, I highly recommend that you download and have offline copies of any reservation details, directions, or permits. In my earlier days of traveling, there have been many times where I found myself driving unnecessary distances to areas with service just so I could access information that I should have already had saved.
- Have offline access to hiking trail maps. Unless you are skilled in using topographical maps, I highly recommend that you have downloaded versions of any trail that you plan on hiking. If you do not have access to a fancy GPS with tracking and SOS messaging in the case of an emergency, you should download the AllTrails app and upgrade to AllTrails+ for $35.99 a year. This upgrade lets you download topographical, satellite, and other varieties of offline trails, shows you where you are, how far you have gone, and how much longer you must go, as well as your elevation gain, speed, and estimated burned calories. I use it for every non-overnight hike that I do.
- Pack essential items and proper clothing. Some very basic, but essential items that should always be carried while hiking include a navigation system, a flashlight or headlamp, sun protection, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a knife, matches, a lighter, or a fire started, extra food and water beyond the minimum expectation, and extra clothes such as a rain jacket, wind breaker, and warmer layers. Some of these items may feel unnecessary at first glance but it is better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
- Bryce Canyon National Park charges an entry fee. These fees usually cost $35 and grant you a week of additional access to over 425 sites that are also run by the National Park Service. If you plan on visiting three or more parks within a year, then I recommend you purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass. This pass will make entering parks a bit quicker, much easier, and provides you with access to the same number of parks that the week-long pass does, but for an entire year.
Eight Amazing Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
1. Lower, Mid, and Upper Inspiration Points
- Length: 0.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 134 feet
The first trail on my list takes you to three spectacular viewpoints, including the Lower, Mid, and Upper Inspiration Points, and is a perfect first hike in the park. Collectively these viewpoints offer a tiered panorama of the mesmerizing Bryce Amphitheater, each providing its own unique perspective on the dramatic landscape. Starting with Lower Inspiration Point, you are treated to a stunning view of the amphitheater’s intricate hoodoos and vivid rock formations. As you ascend to the Mid Inspiration Point, the vantage point widens and reveals a more expansive view of the iconic Bryce Canyon scenery. Finally, at the Upper Inspiration Point, the panorama reaches its peak and offers a breathtaking overlook of the entire amphitheater, including the famous Silent City and the distant Paunsaugunt Plateau. These viewpoints create a visual spectacle that showcases the unparalleled beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park.
2. Navajo Loop Trail
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 515 feet
The next trail on the list is the Navajo Loop Trail and it is another great way to get familiar with the park. This trail is a captivating journey into the Bryce Amphitheater and offers an immersive experience among the mesmerizing hoodoos. The Navajo Loop Trail descends into the amphitheater and leads you through sheer canyon walls that rise dramatically on both sides of the path. With its stunning vistas and a moderate level of difficulty, the Navajo Loop Trail is a favorite among those seeking a memorable and visually stunning adventure in Bryce Canyon.
3. Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail
- Length: 3.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 643 feet
The Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail is a dynamic exploration through the surreal beauty of the Bryce Amphitheater. The trail descends into the canyon of hoodoos, where the towering rock formations create an enchanting environment. Wall Street, a narrow slot canyon surrounded by soaring canyon walls, provides a thrilling passageway. Continuing through the Queens Garden section, you will encounter unique hoodoos, including the famous Queen Victoria rock formation. The loop showcases a kaleidoscope of colors, from the warm hues of the rock formations to the vibrant plant life along the trail. Offering a blend of geological wonders and scenic beauty, this trail is a must for anyone wanting an immersive and memorable experience in the captivating landscapes of Bryce Canyon.
4. Bryce Point Trail to Sunset Point
- Length: 5.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 725 feet
Taking the Bryce Point Trail to Sunset Point offers a captivating hike through the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater. You will certainly be treated to breathtaking views of the iconic hoodoos and rock formations that define the canyon. As the trail descends, the landscape transforms and reveals a closer look at the intricacies of the hoodoos and the unique geological features of the park. Sunset Point provides a perfect vantage point to witness the ever-changing hues of the canyon. Taking the Bryce Point Trail to Sunset Point is not only a scenic adventure but also an opportunity to experience the magical play of light on the vibrant rock formations that make Bryce Canyon a must-visit destination.
5. Peekaboo Loop Trail
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,528 feet
This trail serves as another mesmerizing adventure through the park’s famed amphitheater and offers additional up-close encounters with its hoodoos. The trail descends into the intricate maze of towering hoodoos and provides an immersive experience in the captivating landscapes. As the trail winds through narrow passages and opens to expansive vistas, the ever-changing play of light on the vibrant rock formations create visual spectacles. With its moderate difficulty level and stunning scenery, the Peekaboo Loop Trail stands as one of the premier hikes in Bryce Canyon and shows a unique perspective of this geological wonderland.
6. Fairyland Loop Trail
- Length: 7.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,555 feet
This trail offers a magical journey through an enchanting landscape of hoodoos and other vibrant rock formations. The Fairyland Loop Trail leads you on a captivating journey that unveils the ethereal beauty of the Bryce Amphitheater. As you traverse the trail, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the intricately carved hoodoos, showcasing a variety of shapes and colors that seem almost otherworldly. The trail weaves through other expansive amphitheaters, deep canyons, and open meadows. With less crowded conditions compared to other popular trails, Fairyland Loop provides a more secluded and immersive experience, making it a captivating adventure for those seeking the mesmerizing wonders of Bryce Canyon.
7. Rim Trail
- Length: 10.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,587 feet
The Rim Trail is an immersive exploration along the edge of the stunning Bryce Amphitheater and provides a continuous feast for the eyes. Numerous overlooks showcase the intricate hoodoos, spires, and canyons that define the park’s unique terrain. The Rim Trail not only offers unparalleled views of the amphitheater but also provides a front-row seat to the ever-changing colors of the landscape during sunrise and sunset, making it one of my favorite routes in the park and an excellent way to experience the mesmerizing beauty of Bryce Canyon.
8. Under the Rim Trail
- Length: 22.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 4,366 feet
The Under the Rim Trail offers a backcountry adventure that winds through the mesmerizing landscapes beneath the iconic hoodoos and along the rims of several canyons. As you traverse the Under the Rim Trail, you will delve into dense forests of ponderosa pine and fir, encounter serene meadows, and witness the subtle changes in the park’s geology. With numerous access points, this challenging trail allows you to customize the length for a hike or do it in its entirety for a more secluded and immersive experience over multiple days. The Under the Rim Trail provides opportunities for solitude and connection with the diverse ecosystems that thrive beneath the dramatic rock formations of Bryce Canyon.