Created in 1928, Bryce Canyon National Park spans 35,835 acres in southern Utah, four hours from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. This "Canyon" is actually not a canyon at all but a series of amphitheaters located on the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Next door to this national park, you will find the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, part of the "Grand Circle" of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, along with Bryce Canyon.
Native Land Acknowledgement
This unique place near the town of Tropic, Utah, is home to the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos, and Núu-agha-t?v?-p?? (Ute) Native tribes. The National Park Service (NPS) manages Bryce Canyon sees close to 3 million visitors annually. This guide will break down some FAQs, notable features, and favorite hikes at this world-renowned hoodoo haven.
Bryce Canyon National Park Map: The Park's Most Popular Landmarks
Mossy Cave
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If you are visiting in the winter months, one of the only accessible trails is the Mossy Cave Trail. This exciting hike is rated as "easy" and is a total distance of 1 mile. Starting either at Sunset or Sunrise Point, Mossy Cave gives hikers the rare opportunity to walk through snow-capped hoodoos as well as see a waterfall.
The Rim
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Pick a point on the Rim Trail or hike the entire 11 miles from the trailhead at Bryce Point to Fairyland Point. This scenic trail offers many stopping points with overlooks and prime photo shoot areas.
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point
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A tremendous 1-mile walk with the whole family is the Sunset to Sunrise Point hike. A part of the larger Rim Trail, this small tour is paved and provides a beautiful vista of the Bryce Amphitheater.
Navajo Loop & Queen's Garden
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We have combined two of the most famous hikes in the park, the Navajo Loop and the Queen's Garden Trail. This "must-do" adventure takes you deep into the Bryce Amphitheater and through a "slot canyon" so you can see the legendary hoodoos close up! For this combined journey, it is suggested to complete each loop clockwise for a less intense hike.
Tower Bridge
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Trek through Bristlecone pines and the China Wall on this pleasant hike to the Tower Bridge.
Bristlecone Loop
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Take the Rainbow Point trailhead at the park's southern side and walk through an incredible forest at the highest point in Bryce Canyon. Some of the Bristlecone pine trees are 1,800 years old! This trail that reaches over 9,100 feet features some epic views of the Four Corners region (Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico).
Tips & Suggestions
Check out the Bryce Canyon National Park Map for more details. With all hikes, be sure to follow all posted signage, bring plenty of water, wear the correct shoes, and follow the suggested guidelines of the area you are hiking in. Find more information and other hikes here:
The park has four main viewpoints that are all found relatively close to one another: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point. Drive or take the shuttle on the 18-mile scenic road to discover even more amazing views! Check here to learn about the park's fees, reservations, and passes required to enter.
Staying Overnight in Bryce Canyon
Campers looking to stay overnight can choose from the Sunset Campground or the North Campground. The North Campground is located near the visitor center and open year-round (no group sites of hookups available). The Sunset Campground is located near the Bryce Canyon Lodge and Sunset Point (closed from mid-October to mid-April, one group site).
Hikers looking to go backpacking the park in the backcountry should consider the Under-the-Rim Trail (23 miles throughout the majority of the park) or the Rigg Springs Loop Trail (9 miles in the southern section of the park). Each trek requires a $5 backcountry permit purchased at the visitor center. These permits must be bought in person up to 48 hours in advance.
Those who do not want to rough it at the park can stay at the Ponderosa Ranch Resort, the Best Western Plus (also known as Ruby's Inn), or the Bryce Canyon Lodge. Note that many lodging options near the park are closed in the winter. You can also check vacation rental sites such as Airbnb or VRBO.
Getting Around the Park
The National Park has a beautiful complimentary Bryce Amphitheater Shuttle system to reduce congestion and road traffic in peak season. This shuttle stops at designated spots every 10-15 minutes and is an excellent option for doing loop-trail hikes.
Another option is the Rainbow Bus Tour, which leaves twice daily and travels throughout the 18-mile Park Road. To schedule your tour up to 48 hours in advance, call (435) 834-5290. Both of these services run from April to October. The other suggested modes of traveling through Bryce Canyon National Park are using a third-party service or your own vehicle.
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