Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Nestled in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological wonderland famous for its unique rock formations, colorful landscapes, and breathtaking views. Unlike any other national park, Bryce Canyon is renowned for its amphitheaters filled with hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that create a surreal landscape.
Whether you’re a hiker, stargazer, photographer, or road tripper, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you in this park.
Here are the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park
1. Sunrise at Sunrise Point
Start your day with a jaw-dropping view. Sunrise Point offers one of the most iconic vistas in the park. As the sun rises, it casts golden and pink hues over the hoodoos, creating a magical glow that photographers and nature lovers won’t want to miss.
2. Hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail
This combined trail is often considered the best hike in Bryce Canyon. The loop takes you down into the amphitheater, past famous rock formations like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street, and up through Queen’s Garden. It’s a moderately strenuous 3-mile round trip, but the views are absolutely worth it.
3. Scenic Drive to Bryce Point and Inspiration Point
Take the 18-mile scenic drive through the park with stops at Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Rainbow Point. Each overlook offers panoramic views of the park’s amphitheaters and the vast landscape beyond. Bryce Point, in particular, provides dramatic vistas ideal for both sunrise and sunset.
4. Stargazing
Bryce Canyon is a Certified International Dark Sky Park, which means it’s one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way, shooting stars, and distant planets with the naked eye. The park also hosts astronomy programs during peak season.
5. Attend a Ranger Program
Ranger-led programs include geology talks, full moon hikes, and night sky presentations. These are great for families and curious visitors who want to learn more about the park’s unique landscape and history from knowledgeable guides.
6. Explore Bryce Canyon on Horseback
Experience the Old West by riding a horse or mule down into the canyon. Guided horseback tours offer a unique perspective of the hoodoos and trails, especially for those who prefer not to hike the steeper paths.
7. Visit Mossy Cave and Waterfall
Just outside the main park entrance along Highway 12, Mossy Cave Trail is a short, family-friendly hike leading to a small waterfall and a mossy grotto. It’s less crowded and provides a nice contrast to the hoodoo-heavy areas of the main park.
8. Winter Activities
Bryce Canyon in winter is a snow-draped dreamland. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter photography offer a completely different experience compared to summer. The hoodoos covered in snow create a stunning contrast against the blue sky.
9. Visitor Center & Bookstore
Start your visit at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center to get maps, trail updates, and tips from rangers. The center also features educational exhibits and a bookstore where you can pick up field guides, maps, and souvenirs.
10. Picnic with a View
Several picnic areas throughout the park—like at Sunset Point or Rainbow Point—offer scenic spots for lunch. Pack your meal and enjoy it with some of the best views in Utah.
Final Tips:
- Altitude: The park sits at over 8,000 feet—drink water and pace yourself.
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers the best weather. Winter visits are also beautiful but come with snow.
- Crowds: Arrive early for sunrise or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
Conclusion
Whether you’re marveling at the hoodoos, hiking through otherworldly canyons, or gazing at a sky full of stars, Bryce Canyon National Park is a place that leaves a lasting impression. It’s not just a destination—it’s an experience. Be sure to bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and plenty of memory space—you’ll need it.
