Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the American Southwest. Bryce is renowned for its fanciful geological formations known as hoodoos—spires of orange, pink, and red sandstone that rise dramatically from the base of natural amphitheaters carved along the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. An average elevation of over 8,000 feet gives Bryce Canyon National Park a pleasant, cool climate for hiking during much of the year.
To make the most of your upcoming outdoor vacation packages to Bryce Canyon, here are 7 tips to transform your visit into a truly adventurous experience amid the park's breathtaking wilderness.
Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
As one of Utah's most popular national parks with over 2.5 million annual visitors, Bryce Canyon can get crowded, especially in the summer and during major holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend. Getting an early start allows you to visit top sites like Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and the Navajo Loop Trail before crowds arrive after 9 a.m. You'll also beat the heat for hiking and potentially spot wildlife like mule deer or pikas.
Join a Ranger-Led Activity
From spring through fall, Bryce Canyon's knowledgeable park rangers lead a variety of free educational programs and tours that highlight the park's cultural history and geology. Sign up for a moonlight hike under the stars or attend a Night Sky astronomy program. Special tours like the 3.5-hour Rainbow Point Shuttle or Geology Talk let you experience Bryce Canyon in unique ways. Check the online calendar or visitor center for activities.
Hike Epic Trails Below the Rim
With over 50 miles of trails, Bryce Canyon offers hikes for all ability levels. Experienced hikers will relish the challenge of the 8-mile Fairyland Loop Trail or connecting the Navajo Loop, Queen's Garden, and Peekaboo Loop into an amazing 8-mile Figure 8 trek. Hike below the rim amid soaring canyon walls on the Peekaboo Loop's famous Wall Street section. For breathtaking views, tackle the tough hike to Bryce Point for sunrise or sunset when the rocks glow brilliant shades of orange and red.
Ride Horses into the Amphitheaters
For an immersive experience, take a private or group wrangler-led horseback ride into the heart of Bryce Canyon's amphitheaters. Bryce's authorized guide service, Canyon Trail Rides, offers 2-3-hour rides that zigzag downward past the park's iconic hoodoos on select trails below the rim. Riders must be at least 7 years old for mule rides and 10 for horseback tours.
Go Stargazing at Night
With some of the darkest night skies in North America unaffected by artificial light, Bryce Canyon is considered one of the world's premier spots for stargazing. Attend free astronomy programs offered by the park and partner organizations where you can gaze at planets, stars, and galaxies through telescopes while learning ancient stories behind the constellations. For an optimal experience, camp overnight at Bryce Canyon to stargaze until dawn.
Stay at the Bryce Canyon Lodge
Skip the hassle of shuttling into Bryce Canyon daily by booking one of the park's 70 cozy lodging cabins at Bryce Canyon Lodge. Situated close to both sunrise viewpoints and the visitor center, the lodge's rustically elegant cottage rooms place you steps away from the amphitheater’s hoodoos. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, general store, and stables. Book at least 6–12 months out for peak season dates.
Explore Bryce Canyon Area Lodging
Just beyond the national park, communities like Tropic, Panguitch, and Cannonville offer additional Bryce Canyon National Park lodging options, including hotels, RV parks, quaint cabins, and B&Bs. Bryce Canyon City and Tropic sit only 10 miles from the park entrance. Recommended properties near Bryce Canyon include Best Western Ruby's Inn with shuttles to the visitor center, the elegant Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel near the park entrance, and quiet cabins at Bryce Canyon Pines.
With its vibrantly colored rock spires, outstanding hiking trails, and superlative night skies, Bryce Canyon promises beautiful outdoor adventure and geological wonders that will leave you in awe. Use these 7 tips to avoid crowds, see key sites, and fully experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind national park on your next Utah travel journey.
