Bryce Canyon is one of the most striking National Parks I have ever been. We stopped by last summer after visiting Zion National Park. Though the park is stunning, it is small and you won’t need more than a few days to fully explore it. Though we visited in July, we experienced hot days and cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings. Although I hear the hoodoos are beautiful covered in snow, keep in mind that many restaurants and accommodation are only open for the peak season in the summer.
1-2 days
Best Time to Visit: May-September for the best weather and activities, April and October are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds
Getting Around: Rental Car
Currency: US Dollars
Tip: Most National Parks have a $25-$30 entrance fee each time you enter the park. If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks in one year, I recommend purchasing an annual pass for $80.
Where to Stay
Bryce Canyon Inn Cabins – quaint, basic cabins located along the main street in Tropic, Utah – one of the closest towns to Bryce Canyon.
Lodge at Bryce Canyon – the only lodging within Bryce Canyon National Park, conveniently located between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point. The structure was built in 1925 and the rooms are rustic. Prepare to fully unplug because the wifi is spotty at best.
Camp – North Campground has sites for tents and RVs, though the sites don’t have water, sewer, or electrical hookups. All campsites have fire grates, and the campground has flushable toilets, but no showers. It is open year-round, except during holidays. Sunset Campground also has sites for tents and RVs, and also has a group site. The Sunset Campground is closed during the winter season, from the beginning of November to the end of April. Tip: If the campgrounds within the park are full, try Red Canyon Campground or the Kings Creek Campground, both right outside the park boundary.
Where to Eat
The Pizza Place – hand-tossed, customizable pizzas across the street from Bryce Canyon Inn Cabins.
Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. – get your coffee fix at this full espresso bar set in a log cabin with a patio. You can also pick up baked goods and smoothies here.
Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop – located inside the park at Bryce Canyon Lodge, this casual cafe serves up artisanal pizzas and other Italian fare. Note that this restaurant is only open from mid-May to mid-October.
Stone Hearth Grille – one of the few white-tablecloth dining experiences in the area. Treat yourself to the seared scallops with mushrooms and spinach risotto after a long day on the trails.
Where to Hike
Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail – this 3.5 mile trek is often ranked as one of the best day hikes in world. The trail is rated moderate and takes most people about an hour to an hour and a half to complete.
Fairyland Loop – for those looking for a longer adventure, this 7.8 mile hike offers scenic views of hoodoos and the surrounding southern Utah landscape.
Peekaboo Loop – this loop will have you gain 1,453 feet of elevation in 5.2 miles while showcasing the geological wonders of Bryce Canyon.
What to Do
Watch the Sunrise from Sunset Point. It may seem counterintuitive, but you’ll get an even better view of the morning light hitting the hoodoos from Sunset Point.
Take a scenic drive to Inspiration Point. One of the best viewpoints in the park for taking in the awe-inspiring scenery.
Walk from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point. This pleasant, .5 mile stroll (also known as the Rim Trail) along the rim of Bryce Canyon allows you to connect two of the best viewpoints within the park.
