9 Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique parks in the US, because it’s home to a large concentration of colorful hoodoos (stone pillars). The park itself is relatively small so you can see a lot in one day, but there’s enough to do if you want stay and explore for 2-3 days too! There are more things to see, but these are the highlights of the park.

9 THINGS TO DO IN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

1. Visit Bryce Point

Get up early and catch sunrise at Bryce Point. The morning light catches the hoodoos and gives it a beautiful orange glow. It’s a short walk to the viewpoint and is one of the highest overlooks along the rim.

2. Get inspired at Inspiration Point

Follow a short trail to upper Inspiration point to get panoramic views of the amphitheater.

3. Hike the Navajo Loop Trail

This moderate 3 mile hike begins at Sunset Point and takes you down into the amphitheater. The views are completely different down here. You’ll get a chance to see large Douglas-fir trees, stand right next to the hoodoos, and see the gorge called Wall Street.

4. See the Natural Bridge

An easy pull-off gives you close-up views of this natural arch. It sits 85 feet long and 125 feet high.

5. Views from Agua Canyon

This is one of the best views in the park. You see three layers of beauty, hoodoos in the front, Pink Cliffs behind them, and the Navajo Mountain in the horizon.

6. Stop at Rainbow Point

The final stop through Bryce Canyon is Rainbow Point. You get panoramic views of Southern Utah.

7. Join a night hike with their Ranger Program

Check the visitor center for the most up-to-date information. They offer ranger programs like Astronomy and Full Moon hikes where they give a short presentation. You get a closer look through telescopes.

8. Hike the Peek-A-Boo Trail

Add this to the Navajo Loop to get a 8.6 mile trek that takes you to the Wall of Windows, the Cathedral , and the Three Wise Men formations.

9. Under-the-Rim Trail

Get an intimate look of Bryce with this one-way 23-mile hike over two days. You will have to get a backcountry permit and arrange a ride at the end, but it’s the best way to see everything from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point.

In the winter, you can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or sledding. Don’t forget to check out the other ranger guided activities.

In case you are there to explore even more, here’s a list of the other viewpoints and hikes. Several of the viewpoints are connected to each other, where you just get a slightly different perspective of the same view. If you’re strapped for time, it’s not necessary to visit them all.

Other viewpoints in Bryce Canyon

Sunrise Point
Sunset Point
Paria View
Swamp Canyon
Priacy Point
Fairview Point
Ponderosa Canyon
Black Birch Canyon
Yovimpa Point

More Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

Mossy Cave (0.8 Mile, easy)
Rim Trail (11 Miles, easy)
Bristlecone Loop (1 Mile, easy)
Queens Garden (1.8 Miles, easy)
Tower Bridge (3 Miles, moderate)
Hat Shop (4 Miles, moderate)
Swamp Canyon (4.3 Miles, moderate)
Fairland Loop (8 miles, strenuous)
Riggs Spring Loop (8.5 miles, strenuous)

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center

4.5 miles south of the intersection of Hwy 12 & Hwy 63
Spring Hours (April): 8AM-6PM
Summer Hours (May-Sept): 8AM-8PM
Fall Hours (Oct): 8AM-6PM
Winter Hours (Nov-Mar): 8AM-430PM
435.834.5322

Entrance Fees

$35 per vehicle ($30 for motorcycles)
$20 per person if entering by foot, or bicycle
Admission is for seven days and includes unlimited use of the Shuttle
$40 Bryce Canyon National Park Annual Pass
$80 Annual Pass to National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands (we have this!)

Campgrounds

There are two campgrounds near the Visitor Center that have restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water. Daily rates start at $15. During the summer, there are coin-operated laundry and shower facilities. There are no hook-ups, but there is a dump station for RV users at the North Campground.

Best Places to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park

All accommodations listed have Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and has at least 4 stars.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (luxury) – It’s more a lodge / cabin than a luxury hotel or resort. You’re mainly paying a premium for the location inside the park.
Canyon Country Lodge, Escalante (mid-range) – 50.6 mi, 1 h away, map
Canyons Boutique Hotel, Kanab (mid-range) – 77 mi 1 h 25 min away, map
Mountain View Lodge, Parowan (budget) – 73.5 mi away, 1 h 20 mins away, map

Where else have you seen hoodoos? Which of these would you want to see most?