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Bryce Canyon National Park 2024 Visitor Guide

Entrance area to Bryce Canyon National Park in southern UtahEntrance area to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in the southwestern section of Utah, south of Utah Scenic Byway 12.

The park features the largest collection of hoodoos, odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion, in the world.

Every visitor to the park should spend at least some time marvelling at its four main viewpoints, all found within the first few miles of the park: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.

Other viewpoints are found all along the park's 18-mile main road which travels from park's only entrance in the north along the plateau rim to its highest elevations in the south (over 9,000 ft / 2,743 m).

Many visitors take part in a ranger program, whether it be a daily geology talk, rim walk, evening program, night sky viewing, or full moon hike. There is also a Junior Ranger Program. Concessionaire-provided horseback rides are another way to experience Bryce Canyon during the summer season.

Due of its high elevation climate, weather conditions at Bryce Canyon through autumn, winter, and spring can be highly variable. Snowstorms in October are not unusual, yet there are also many sunny and pleasant autumn days during the month. From October to May temperatures fall below freezing nearly every night. The park typically experiences its coldest and snowiest periods from December through February. Spring storms in March and April can still produce heavy snowfall that may impact travel in the region.

In summer the days tend to be pleasant, with daytime highs in June typically in the high 60s to low 70s (F), high 70s to low 80s in July and August, while September is similar to June. The rainy season occurs in July and August with frequent, usually brief, afternoon thunderstorms which produce heavy rain and frequent lightning.

Spend a day, or more, and enjoy and explore Bryce Canyon National Park in 2024!

 

Arch over Utah Scenic Byway 12 at Red Canyon, a recreation area managed at the U.S. Forest Service ... 13 miles west of the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park
Arch over Utah Scenic Highway 12 at Red Canyon, a recreation area managed at the U.S. Forest Service ... 13 miles west of the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park

 

Lodging Options in/near the Bryce Canyon Area

Bryce Canyon offers two campground sites (one in winter) and lodging is available at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon during the summer season. During winter, hotel rooms are available in the park at the Sunset Hotel. Several surrounding towns offer a variety of hotels and other lodging options.

Hotels Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Lodge at Bryce Canyon ... TripAdvisor reviews, photos, reservations

TripAdvisor Reviews

Lodging in Panguitch

Lodging in Cannonville

Lodging in Escalante

Lodging in Kanab


How to Get to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Shuttle ServiceBryce Canyon Shuttle Service

The park is located in southern Utah, roughly between the towns of Panguitch and Escalante. Utah Scenic Byway 12 runs east-west, and is accessible from U.S. Highway 89. From Utah Highway 12, turn south on Utah 63 to the park. The visitor center is located 1 mile inside the park boundary.

The closest major airports are in Las Vegas (LAS), Nevada and Salt Lake City (SLC), Utah, each approximately 270 miles from the park. There are smaller airports in Cedar City (CDC), Utah (80 miles) and St. George (SGU), Utah (125 miles).

The free Bryce Canyon Shuttle Service takes visitors to the park's most popular viewpoints, trails and facilities. Using the shuttle is encouraged but not required. Shuttle bus schedule is subject to change.

 

The park is open year-round. Roads are plowed and sanded after heavy snowstorms. Some roads may be temporarily closed during and immediately following winter storms, but the park is always open.

Bryce Canyon is located about 73 miles northeast of Zion National Park.

Interactive Map of the Bryce Canyon Area

 

A "must see" destination for visitors to Utah ... Bryce Canyon National Park
A "must see" stop for visitors to Utah ... Bryce Canyon National Park


Magnificent overlook at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah during Winter (Photo by Matt & Agnes Hage, Hage Photo, courtesy of Visit Utah)
Magnificent overlook at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah during Winter
Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah


What to See and Do in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon has attractions and things to do for all ages, and interests, year-round. Some of the popular attractions include the following:

  • Hike the Hoodoos ... Navajo Loop at Bryce Canyon National ParkHike the Hoodoos ... Navajo Loop at Bryce Canyon National Park
    Bryce Amphitheater
  • Natural Bridge
  • Hoodoos
  • Bryce Point
  • Inspiration Point
  • Sunset Point
  • Sunrise Point
  • Ranger programs
  • Geology talks
  • Rim Walk
  • Astronomy Programs
  • Hiking trails
  • Camping

Scenes around Bryce Canyon National Park

Incredible vista for miles ... at Bryce Canyon National Park
Incredible vista for miles ... at Bryce Canyon National Park

Ponderosa Point

Ponderosa Point at Bryce Canyon National Park ... Elevation 8,904 feet

Ponderosa Point at Bryce Canyon National Park ... Elevation 8,904 feet

 

 

The Agua Canyon Connecting Trail
The Agua Canyon Connecting Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park


More Information about Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park official website at NPS

The address of the park is P.O. Box 640201, Bryce, UT 84764. Phone 435.834.5322

Bryce Canyon National Park at Utah.com

Bryce Canyon National Park at VisitUtah.com

Utah Scenic Byway 12