Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Travel Guide
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Bryce Canyon beyond the main overlooks?
This southern Utah park holds the highest concentration of hoodoos on Earth, stretching from the fiery red Bryce Amphitheater to bristlecone pines nearly 2,000 years old at Rainbow Point.
A single scenic road connects nearly every major viewpoint, making it easy to see the whole park in one drive, though the real magic happens when you get out and walk among the hoodoos themselves.
Top Things to Do
1. Drive Highway 63 through the park—A scenic road connecting nearly every major overlook in Bryce Canyon.
2. Walk the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points—An easy, paved path with stunning views of the Bryce Amphitheater.
3. Hike the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail—Walk down among the hoodoos through a narrow slot called Wall Street.
4. Watch sunrise or sunset from Bryce Point—The best spot in the park to see the amphitheater light up in orange and red.
5. Visit Rainbow Point—The highest point in the park, home to bristlecone pines over 1,800 years old.
6. See Natural Bridge—A red rock arch spanning 85 feet, carved by rain and frost rather than a river.
7. Stargaze after dark—Bryce Canyon is a certified dark-sky destination, one of the best stargazing spots in the National Park System.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Bryce Canyon's Stone Stories Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour covering 19 stops along Highway 63. Most visitors spend 3 to 5 hours exploring the full route with stops.
Free Things to Do
1. Fairyland Point—A quieter overlook away from the main crowds, free to visit.
2. Bryce Canyon Visitor Center—Free exhibits on the park's geology and history.
3. Sunset Point & Inspiration Point—Free viewpoints overlooking the Bryce Amphitheater.
4. Rim Trail—A free, paved walking path between Sunset and Sunrise Points.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance—About $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
2. Guided horseback tours—Available seasonally near Sunrise Point, priced separately from park admission.
Food!
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant
A historic dining room inside the park, known for elk chili, buffalo sirloin, and a large stone fireplace.
Ruby's Inn (Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room)
A longtime Bryce Canyon City institution just outside the park, known for full-service buffet dining.
Stone Hearth Grille
An upscale restaurant in nearby Tropic, known for grass-fed steaks and sweeping views toward the park.
Where to Stay
Luxury
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon—a historic lodge inside the park itself. Roughly $250–$400/night.
Moderate
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Ruby's Inn—both just outside the park entrance. Roughly $150–$250/night.
Budget
Bryce Trails Bed and Breakfast—a short drive from the park. Roughly $100–$180/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Bryce Canyon's Stone Stories Driving Tour, starting at the Sinclair Gas Station and Mini Mart.
Afternoon: Stop at Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point, then walk part of the Rim Trail.
Evening: Finish at Rainbow Point for sunset, then dinner at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Add a second day to hike the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail, or drive the scenic route toward Zion National Park.
FAQ's
1. What is Bryce Canyon best known for?
Bryce Canyon is best known for its hoodoos, tall spires of red rock, and for having the highest concentration of them anywhere on Earth.
2. Is there a park entrance fee?
Yes, about $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, paid to the National Park Service.
3. Is Bryce Canyon good for a day trip?
Yes, a full day covers the main overlooks, and two days lets you add hiking among the hoodoos.
4. Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
No. Highway 63 through the park is fully paved and suitable for any vehicle.
5. Is Bryce Canyon family-friendly?
Yes, with easy paved trails and viewpoints suitable for all ages, plus more challenging hikes for older kids and adults.
6. What's the best time of year to visit?
Summer offers the mildest weather, though the park is busiest then. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
7. How far is Bryce Canyon from Zion National Park?
About 84 miles, roughly a 2-hour drive via Highway 12 and US-89.
8. How much time should I plan for Bryce Canyon?
A half to full day covers the main overlooks; two days lets you add hiking and stargazing.
Recommended Tours
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