Bryce Canyon National Park

The basics

Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world come to experience Bryce Canyon—one of Utah’s most popular natural attractions—for hiking, camping, horseback rides and stargazing beneath its dark night skies.

Many visitors stop here as part of a multi-day tour of the region’s national and state parks, including Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Those with limited time can see the park’s highlights on a day trip from Las Vegas, Ogden, or Salt Lake City.

Things to know before you go

• This national park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.

• The national park provides little shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

• Due to the distance involved, day trips from Las Vegas can last upwards of 12 hours.

How to get there

The closest major airports to Bryce Canyon are in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City—both are about 270 miles (435 kilometers) from the park entrance. No public transportation runs to the park, so the easiest way to visit, especially if you don’t want to rent a car, is to join a guided tour.

When to get there

Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, though some park roads may close temporarily during and after winter snow storms. While brief afternoon showers are common in the summer, daytime temperatures tend to be pleasant. Temperatures often fall below freezing at night between October and May due to the park’s high elevation.

Points of interest in Bryce Canyon

Perhaps the best view of the spectacular hoodoo-filled Bryce Amphitheater is from Inspiration Point; from there, head south up a small rise on the Rim Trail for an even better vantage point. To fully appreciate the canyon, you also need to get down in it. From Sunset Point, combine Navajo Loop with Queen’s Garden Trail, a hike that will take you past Thor’s Hammer, the steep rock formations of Wall Street, and the impressive Queen Victoria, a hoodoo that resembles royalty.

Ways to explore

Bryce Canyon National Park attracts visitors from all over the world and is popular for hiking by day and camping and stargazing by night. The park is open year-round, and you must pay an entrance fee—prices vary depending on whether you arrive by vehicle or on foot, and whether you buy a standard pass or an annual pass.

Some visitors come on day trips from Las Vegas, and self-guided app tours make it easy to experience the park independently. Many come to Bryce on multi-day tours of the region’s national and state parks, including Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.

Accessibility

Visitor centers, parking areas, some lodging options, and Bryce Canyon shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. Most trails are not, save for a 0.5-mile (0.8-km) section of the Rim Trail. Viewpoints have varying levels of accessibility, and comprehensive guidance is offered for each on the National Park Service website. Service animals are welcome if recognized by the ADA.

Age limits

None; those aged 15 and under enter for free.

What to pack

Sunscreen, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Dress for the activities you’re planning. If hiking, walking boots are essential, as well as clothing that suits the weather and season.

Not allowed

Drones, fireworks, campfires (when burn bans are in effect), feeding or interfering with wildlife, alcohol

Amenities

Restrooms, visitor center, campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, free Wi-Fi at the Visitor Center, shops, water refill stations, picnic areas

Address

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwest Utah, close to Zion National Park (some people visit both parks on the same day). Cedar City Regional Airport is the nearest airport, but many people fly into Vegas instead.

Driving

It takes about four hours to drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park, and most of the drive is a straight shot on Interstate 15. Zion National Park is about one hour and 45 minutes away. Parking lots are located around the park.

Public transportation

No public transportation runs to the park. If you don’t want to rent a car, the easiest way to visit is to join a tour or book a seat on a private shuttle bus.

Best times to visit

Arrive before sunrise to avoid crowds and high temperatures, or around sunset when conditions have started to cool.

Best days to visit

Bryce gets crowds no matter when you visit, but weekdays are usually a safer bet than weekends.

Best months to visit

Spring and early fall are the best times to visit, when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold. The park’s high elevation means it can get winter snow.

Special events

Special events range from ranger-led hikes to an Astronomy Festival, which typically takes place in late June.