Bryce Canyon is without doubt one of the Mighty 5 Nationwide Parks in Utah. Its amphitheatre of vibrant hoodoos is to not be missed. Right here’s learn how to spend one-day in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park and see all the perfect sights.
LAST UPDATE: 19 Jan 2024
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Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is a geological marvel. Beautiful amphitheatres are crammed with row upon row of towering spire-shaped rock formations referred to as hoodoos. These hoodoos are a vibrant mixture of reds and oranges, pinks and whites. Within the early morning mild, they appear to be they’re on fireplace.
Hoodoos come is all sizes and styles, shaped by nature into figures that resemble cultural icons together with Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria.
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is just not that huge, and the highlights could be comfortably explored in sooner or later on a number of achievable hikes within the space.
Right here’s our sooner or later in Bryce itinerary, it captures all the perfect views and visits the strangest rock formations. There’s a map of the world and recommendations on the place to remain.
HOW MANY DAYS IN BRYCE CANYON?
In the future is the proper period of time in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. Plan your itinerary properly and you’ll see all the perfect viewpoints and hike to probably the most attention-grabbing components of the amphitheatre.
Avid hikers could need to spend longer, however with a lot else to see in Utah we advocate following our 2-week highway journey itinerary and heading on to Zion Canyon Nationwide Park or Grand Staircase Escalante Nationwide Monument.
BRYCE CANYON LAYOUT
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is comparatively small. One principal highway runs from north to south with viewpoints stretched alongside its size. It solely takes about half-hour to drive from one finish to the opposite.
Essentially the most dramatic a part of the park is the principal amphitheatre which sits slightly below the rim between Bryce Level and Dawn Level.
MAP | BRYCE CANYON
The map under reveals the structure of the principle amphitheatre space and contains our favourite viewpoints and climbing trails.
- Rim Path from Sundown to Dawn Level – brown.
- Navajo Loop Path – orange.
- Queen’s Backyard Path – pink.
- Peekaboo Loop Path – purple.
Learn how to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the listing of areas, then click on on the areas to show additional data. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to save lots of to your Google Maps.
SUNRISE AT BRYCE CANYON
Daybreak in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is magical. Because the solar rises over the horizon it step by step lights up all of the hoodoos within the amphitheatre. The marginally boring browns turn into a shimmering of pinks, oranges, and reds.
The very best viewpoint at dawn is (not the misnamed Dawn Level) however Bryce Level. From right here you get a view of the complete sweep of the amphitheatre because the solar lights it up.
It might probably get busy, so it’s price arriving 15 to half-hour earlier than the solar comes up. There’s a big car parking zone subsequent to the perspective which is a 10-minute drive from the guests’ centre.
Breakfast – For those who fancy breakfast after the early begin, Bryce Canyon Lodge serves breakfast from 7 am to 10 am (April to October) and has a selection of buffet or à la carte. They don’t take reservations, so you’ll be able to simply flip up.
MORNING IN BRYCE CANYON
Straight after breakfast is the perfect time to hit the paths earlier than it will get too scorching. With solely sooner or later in Bryce Canyon, it’s best to give attention to exploring the principle amphitheatre between Bryce Level and Dawn Level. There are hikes for all talents, so choose the one which fits you most.
1. RIM TRAIL
The Rim Path is an nearly solely flat stroll alongside the sting of the canyon rim. Wanting down on the hoodoos you’ll be capable to make out a few of the unusual shapes like Thor’s Hammer. The views step by step change as you arc across the amphitheatre. It’s a very simple hike and you’ll choose the size you need to full.
- Sundown to Dawn Level (brown on map) – 0.5 miles | 20 minutes
- Inspiration to Dawn Level – 1.2 miles | 40 minutes
- Bryce Level to Dawn Level – 2.7 miles | 1 hour half-hour
Shuttle buses run on the highway behind the rim, so you’ll be able to stroll a technique and get the bus again.
2. NAVAJO LOOP TRAIL
The Navajo Loop path begins at Sundown Level. It drops simply over 500 toes down the canyon by way of sharp switchbacks between slender partitions. Alongside the way in which it passes the well-known hoodoo referred to as Thor’s Hammer and Douglas Fir timber that distinction fantastically with the orange rock.
The loop has two sides: Two Bridges and Wall Avenue. The park authorities advocate climbing down Wall Avenue and up Two Bridges. The hike is just one.3 miles however with 500 toes of ascent and descent it could actually take 1 hour to 90 minutes. (Marked in orange on map above)
Sadly, the stroll can’t be accomplished in winter as Wall Avenue closes. It was additionally closed in fall 2023 resulting from path harm, so test the newest data earlier than you set off.
3. QUEENS AND NAVAJO COMBINATION LOOP
That is the preferred hike in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. It heads alongside the Rim Path (brown on map) between Sundown and Dawn Level, drops down into the canyon by way of Queen’s Backyard Path (pink on map) and climbs again as much as the rim utilizing the Two Bridges part of the Navajo loop (orange on map).
It’s an awesome contrasting mixture of trails. The Rim path gives grand views over the canyon, the Queen’s Backyard Path sweeps gracefully across the hoodoos, whereas the Two Bridges part is wedged between the slender canyon partitions.
The stroll is 2.9 miles lengthy with 625 toes of ascent and descent. It takes about 2 – 3 hours.
4. FIGURE 8
For those who’re an avid hiker, we advocate the Determine 8 path. It combines the Queen’s Path and Navajo Loop above with the Peekaboo Loop. The Peekaboo loop is a bit harder than the others, however the rewards are fewer folks and nice views over the Wall of Home windows and Cathedral.
It begins at Sundown Level, follows the Rim Path to Dawn Level (brown on the map), drops down into the canyon utilizing Queen’s Backyard Path (pink), completes the Peekaboo loop (purple on map), and reconnects with Navajo loop (orange) to climb as much as the rim.
The complete hike is 6.4 miles with 1,575 toes of ascent and descent and takes 4-5 hours. Half-way round there are pit bathrooms (summer season solely).
LUNCH IN BRYCE CANYON
There are a number of choices for lunch within the park, however they’re often solely open from Might to October. For those who take one of many longer hikes (just like the Determine 8) it’s a good suggestion to deliver a packed lunch and loads of water.
- The Lodge at Bryce Canyon – Lunch is served within the wood-panelled eating room from 11:30 to 3pm on a first-come-first-served foundation.
- The Normal Retailer – Positioned subsequent to Dawn Level, it serves seize and go cold and hot meals like soup and sandwiches.
- Valhalla Pizzeria & Espresso Store – Reverse Bryce Canyon Lodge it gives pizzas, salads, and drinks.
Water-filling stations are at Sundown Level restrooms, and the Normal Retailer close to dawn level (Might-October).
AFTERNOON IN BRYCE CANYON
The temperatures rise within the afternoon so it’s time to get in your automobile (or use the shuttle bus) to discover the opposite viewpoints within the Nationwide Park. You must have already seen Sundown and Dawn Factors on the hike, however right here’s our choose of the others to see on a one-day Bryce itinerary.
INSPIRATION POINT
Inspiration factors is a three-level viewing platform wanting over the principle amphitheatre. The view in the direction of Sundown Level with the hoodoos backed by Boat Mesa is great. (5-minute drive from the guests’ centre)
BRYCE POINT
For those who didn’t get right here for daybreak, head to Bryce Level within the afternoon. It gives the perfect sweeping views over the complete amphitheatre. (10-minute drive from the guests’ centre).
RAINBOW & YOVIMBA POINTS
On the very southern finish of the park (a 30-minute drive from the guests’ centre), these two viewpoints usually are not as dramatic as the principle amphitheatre, however they do supply good views of the Grand Staircase. The Grand Staircase are a sequence of vibrant rock layers that rise like a staircase from Grand Canyon North Rim to Bryce.
At Yovimba you might be standing on the Pink Cliffs, wanting down on the Gray Cliffs. Within the distance you’ll be able to see the White Cliffs and beneath these the Pink Vermilion cliffs. A lot of this excellent surroundings could be explored in close by Grand Staircase Escalante Nationwide Park.
FAIRYLAND POINT
Many guests neglect to cease at Fairyland Level. North of the guests’ centre and down a wooded observe, it gives a beautiful view of youthful hoodoos overlooking Fairyland Canyon. In our opinion, it’s the greatest viewpoint not on the principle amphitheatre. (8-minute drive from the guests’ middle)
To drive and cease in any respect the above viewpoints takes about 2 hours to 2 hours half-hour. For those who don’t have that a lot time skip Rainbow & Yovimba Factors.
SUNSET AT BRYCE CANYON
Sundown at Bryce Canyon is nowhere close to as spectacular as dawn. The primary amphitheatre is dealing with the unsuitable method and many of the hoodoos are within the shade. It will be no crime to depart Bryce Canyon within the late afternoon and head off to your subsequent vacation spot.
Nevertheless, if you wish to add sundown to your one-day itinerary in Bryce, head again to whichever is your favourite viewpoint. We’d go for Bryce Level.
WHEN TO VISIT BRYCE NATIONAL PARK?
The very best time to go to is from Might-June and September-October, when the temperatures are good for exploring and the paths are much less busy.
At 8,000 toes in altitude Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is cooler than different Nationwide Parks in Utah, however it could actually nonetheless attain 80°F (26°C) in summer season, and a mighty chilly 14°F (-10°C) in winter.
In summer season the climate situations are nonetheless good, however the summer season holidays make the park quite a bit busier. In winter lots of the park services are closed and the paths typically coated in snow.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR BRYCE CANYON
There’s just one lodge within the park, but it surely’s straightforward (and cheaper) to remain simply outdoors and drive in (the park is open 24 hours) to go to all of the sights at Bryce Canyon.
OUR PICK
TROPIC
BRYCE CANYON LOG CABINS
Cute, well-decorated, good-value log cabins within the city of Tropic. A superb place to spend the evening between Bryce and Escalante. It’s a 15-minute drive from the guests’ centre.
BRYCE CANYON
THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON
The one lodging contained in the park, this historic constructing may be very atmospheric and only a brief stroll from the rim. It’s not low-cost however is nice for simply pottering outdoors for dawn and sundown.
WHERE NEXT AFTER BRYCE CANYON
Bryce Canyon is without doubt one of the Mighty 5 Nationwide Parks in Utah. All could be explored on a beautiful 2-week US highway journey that features Las Vegas, Grand Canyon & Monument Valley.
Listed here are our suggestions on learn how to see all of it:
