Why Go to Bryce Canyon National Park
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Bryce Canyon looks like something from another world. In southwestern Utah, a series of giant natural amphitheaters is carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, filled with thousands of orange, pink and cream-colored rock spires called hoodoos. Bryce has more of them than anywhere else on Earth, along with windows, fins and narrow canyons sculpted by rain, ice and erosion.
Walk the rim trail at sunrise or sunset, when the colors glow, or hike down among the hoodoos on trails like the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden for a completely different perspective. The park reaches elevations above 9,000 feet, and on a clear day you can see for more than 100 miles. After dark, it's one of the best places in the country for stargazing; Bryce is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and the Milky Way here is unforgettable.
Bryce is a highlight of any Utah national parks road trip, and it pairs perfectly with Zion, about two hours away. I'll plan your route, book lodging near the park and time your visit for the best light.
BEST FOR
Hikers, photographers, families and national-park explorers
BEST MONTHS
May–September for most hiking; winter for snow-dusted scenery
EXPLORE
Bryce Amphitheater contains the best-known viewpoints; Sunrise and Sunset Points are close together; Bryce Canyon City lies just outside the entrance.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Bryce Canyon National Park
North America › Southwest › USA › Utah
Otherworldly red hoodoos and high-country panoramas
Desert & Arid
Hiking
Photography
Geology
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Plan Bryce Canyon's main viewpoints around sunrise, when the hoodoos can glow in warm light. The park sits at high elevation, so carry layers even in summer, check trail conditions after snow or storms, and give yourself more time than a quick roadside stop if you want to hike.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Arrive early for sunrise light and bring warm layers; the rim is high in elevation.
Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point overlooks the Bryce Amphitheater and its densely packed orange and pink hoodoos. It is a memorable place to appreciate the landscape at the start of the day.
Check National Park Service alerts before descending: the Wall Street and Bryce Connector routes have had storm-damage closures. Follow the signed open route and prepare for icy or unstable trail conditions.
Sunset Point
Sunset Point frames the amphitheater’s colorful rock spires and connects to popular rim and canyon trails. The overlook is rewarding even without a strenuous hike.
Use the rim overlooks to compare perspectives and avoid exposed trails during storms.
Bryce Amphitheater
The Bryce Amphitheater contains a spectacular concentration of hoodoos shaped by freeze-thaw weathering and erosion. Scenic overlooks offer different perspectives on the formations.
Check the National Park Service's current trail alerts before hiking Navajo Loop. Wall Street has been subject to storm-damage closure, and routes may change with rockfall or freezing conditions.
Navajo Loop Trail
The Navajo Loop descends among sculpted rock walls and hoodoos below Sunset Point. Sections can be steep and seasonal routes may close for safety.
Wear sturdy shoes and carry water; ask rangers about current trail conditions.
Queens Garden Trail
The Queen’s Garden Trail winds below the rim past intricate hoodoo formations and a rock feature associated with its name. The descent means a substantial uphill return.
A historic seasonal lodge within the national park, near the Bryce Amphitheater rim. An ideal location for early scenic overlooks; verify seasonal dates and room or cabin availability.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Inside Bryce Canyon National Park
Family
A longstanding Bryce Canyon gateway hotel convenient for park sightseeing and visitor services. Check room category and shuttle availability for your dates.
Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn
Bryce Canyon City / Near Park Entrance
Family · Value
A full-service hotel in Bryce Canyon City, offering an alternative to the more rustic in-park lodge. Confirm seasonal facilities and road conditions during colder months.
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Bryce Canyon City / Near Park Entrance
Value
A straightforward motel-style property in Bryce Canyon City, useful for early starts into the national park. Review accommodation inclusions and current shuttle arrangements.
Bryce View Lodge
Bryce Canyon City / Near Park Entrance
Value
A motel-style property on the Highway 12 approach to Bryce Canyon, suitable for travelers with a rental car who prefer a quieter roadside base. Check the driving route and winter conditions.
Bryce Canyon Pines
Highway 12 / West of Bryce Canyon City
Value
Safari-tent glamping under dark skies close to the park.
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
Near Bryce Canyon City
Family
A good-value lodge near the park entrance.
Bryce Canyon Resort
Bryce Canyon City
Value
Upscale cabins and suites with views toward the park.
Stone Canyon Inn
Tropic
Boutique
Simple, good-value cabins in the small town of Tropic.
Bryce Canyon Inn
Tropic
Value
Family-friendly cabins with a quiet, rural setting near the park.
Bryce Country Cabins
Tropic
Value · Family
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Bryce Canyon National Park
High 45°F · Low 19°F · Rain 1.1 in
Cold weather returns, and the first snows dust the hoodoos.
May–September for most hiking; winter for snow-dusted scenery. Verify conditions, local schedules and reservation policies when arranging your trip.
Best Times to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
WHEN TO GO
06
Regional Transfers
Bryce Canyon is remote from major airports. Plan driving time, weather contingencies and fuel stops.
05
Trailhead Access
Many hikes descend steeply below the rim. Allow adequate time and carry water for the climb back.
04
Rental Cars and Scenic Drive
A vehicle provides flexibility for more distant overlooks when roads are open. Ice and snow can restrict access.
03
Park Shuttle
A seasonal shuttle serves some park viewpoints and trailheads. Confirm current operation, stops and parking.
02
Local Transportation
A car is useful to reach the park; a seasonal park shuttle serves popular stops when operating.
01
Arrival and Regional Access
Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are major flight gateways with long onward drives.
A car is useful to reach the park; a seasonal park shuttle serves popular stops when operating.
Getting Around Bryce Canyon National Park