Although Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos — it boasts the largest number of these formations on earth — you’ll also see fluted cliffs, columns, spires, windows, and arches when you visit. You don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate these features. The awe-inspiring vistas in this gem in the National Park System attracts more than two million visitors each year.
Planning Your Visit
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Most visitors arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park during the months of May through September. The high elevation climate means that weather conditions are variable in autumn, winter, and spring. The coldest and snowiest part of the year is between December and February. You can expect road closures during that time of year. The good news is that summer, when kids are out of school or you have some vacation time, is a good time to visit. Daytime highs rarely reach above the 80s in July and August, making Bryce Canyon a respite from the summer heat.
The Magical Hoodoos
Many visitors describe the view of hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater as magical because it is truly a sight to behold. But behind the mystique, hoodoos are pinnacles, spires, or rocks that are left standing after millions of years of weathering and erosion, primarily by ice and rain. What is now a huge stand of these odd-looking formations was once a low-lying area devoid of these wonders. Streams coursed through the area stripping away particles of rocks and, as the water froze between cracks in the rocks, it caused the rocks to break apart. Little by little this process broke the edge of the plateau into individual hoodoos.
Things to Know
Reservations are not required to enter Bryce Canyon National Park. There is a park admission fee, but if you have an Annual, Access, or Lifetime Pass, simply present that at the entry point and start your journey.
The elevation in Bryce Canyon National Park averages around 8,000 feet with some areas reaching up to 9,000 feet. If you’re not used to high elevations, you can get winded easily. As with all of these outdoor destinations, be sure to pack water, even on a short hike, and wear sunscreen and a hat.
As with Arches National Park, dogs are not allowed on unpaved hiking trails but they can accompany you on paved surfaces including some trails such as the Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. They are also welcome in the campgrounds.
Accommodations are available at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, which has 114 rooms including suites, motel rooms, and cabins. If you plan to stay there, make reservations well in advance of your arrival. The lodge also has a restaurant. Campers are welcome at one of two campground locations, the North and Sunset Campgrounds.
Things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park
Instead of being one large canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park consists of several basins, often referred to as amphitheaters. These were carved out along the rim of a high plateau. The first stop for most visitors is the Bryce Amphitheater where you’ll see the largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth!
After taking in that amazing view, you might enjoy driving the Southern Scenic Drive where there are nine scenic overlooks and pull outs that offer views of different geological formations and wildlife. If you don’t want to drive, you can utilize the park’s shuttle service, which transports guests to all four observation points.
Also, the park is open 24 hours a day, so stay up late and enjoy the night sky. In 2019 the park received the designation of a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park.
Beyond admiring the magnificent geological formations, enjoy activities like hiking, biking, camping, and horseback riding during your visit. Hiking trails range from gentle to strenuous and cyclists can enjoy five miles of vehicle-free travel on the shared use path. Don’t forget to stop at the Visitor Center and Museum where you’ll find exhibits, books, and souvenirs.
How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park
The airports in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada, are both about 270 miles from Bryce Canyon. You can either rent a car and be on your way from either of these places, or catch a flight to smaller airports that are closer such as the one at Cedar City, Utah (80 miles away), or St. George, Utah, (125 miles away). If you’re traveling by car in the Four Corners rRegion, the entrance is off US -89. Bryce Canyon is one of the stops along the Grand Circle.
