Bryce Canyon is one of the most unique and beautiful parks in the National Park system. Even if you don’t know what a hoodoo is, I guarantee that you will be an official hoodoo lover when you leave this park! From hiking through the hoodoos to scenic drives and overlooks, this park has a little something for everyone.
Here is everything a Savvy Sojourner needs to know about visiting Bryce Canyon National Park!
Bryce Canyon is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks along with Zion, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. It is located near the town of Bryce Canyon in Southwestern Utah between Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. Bryce Canyon is famous for its large amphitheater filled with unique rock formations called hoodoos. As a certified International Night Sky location, Bryce Canyon is an amazing place to stargaze!
Do the Junior Ranger Program! (Everyone, not just the kids!)
Don’t let the name fool you, Junior Ranger programs are for visitors of ALL AGES! Junior Ranger is one of my favorite activities to do at any National Park Service site. Junior Ranger books have different activities to complete during your visit which usually include attending a Ranger Program. You learn so much more from these programs than you would visiting the park on your own. As an added bonus the Junior Ranger badge you earn is a free souvenir! I challenge you to see how many Junior Ranger badges you can earn!
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
One main road takes you from the main entrance to wherever you want to go in Bryce Canyon. I strongly recommend taking this scenic drive all the way to the end at Rainbow Point. Along the way, you will find turnouts and parking lots for several viewpoints. You can see the amphitheater from every angle possible!
Savvy Sojourner Tip: During the summer months, these parking lots fill quickly. The park’s shuttle system is a great alternative to driving yourself. You can see all of the sights without fighting for a parking spot!
Visitor Center and Ranger Programs
Bryce Canyon has more to offer than just beautiful scenery! I strongly suggest getting the most out of your visit by planning to attend at least one Ranger Program and stopping at the Visitor Center. The exhibits in the Visitor Center do an excellent job teaching the interesting history of Bryce Canyon from the perspective of Mormon pioneers and the Paiute people. Ranger Program topics include everything from geology talks to astronomy programs.
For more information about Ranger Programs click here!
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park
Hiking in Bryce Canyon is one of the best ways to experience the geology of the park. This is where you get to experience the famous hoodoos up close. Here are my favorite hiking trails in Bryce Canyon:
Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop: (3 miles)
This is my FAVORITE hike in Bryce Canyon and is not to be missed! If you only do one hike while visiting Bryce Canyon make sure it is the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop. This 3-mile hike takes you into the amphitheater where you hike among the hoodoos. You will also get to see Thor’s Hammer and the famous Wall Street.
Click here for everything you need to know about hiking Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop!
Mossy Cave Trail: (0.8 miles)
If you are looking for a short trail to end your day or just need to stretch your legs this is the trail for you! Mossy Cave Trail is 0.8 miles of gradually uphill sandy trail. You walk along a small river to Mossy Cave. In the summer you will hear the soothing dripping of water off of the moss. In the winter you may even find the cave full of icicles. Hoodoo formations surround this area and give you a different perspective of Bryce Canyon National Park. At the end of the trail, you will find a small but beautiful waterfall.
Click here for everything you need to know about hiking Mossy Cave Trail!
Bristlecone Loop Trail: (1 mile)
This trail starts at Rainbow Point, located at the end of the main road through the park. Rainbow Point is a beautiful place for a picnic lunch after driving the main road and stopping at all of the overlooks! The Bristlecone Loop Trail is easy and flat. It has several small paths that take you to overlooks along the canyon rim. You are able to walk off your lunch and get some great pictures in one place!
Food & Lodging Near Bryce Canyon National Park
Just outside of the park is the tiny town of Bryce Canyon, Utah which consists of a few hotels, restaurants, gas stations and shops. Many of the restaurants are buffet-style eating to accommodate large tour groups. Ruby’s Inn General Store has a small grocery store and a large selection of gifts and souvenirs. During the summer you can even find a local rodeo four nights a week!
For food inside the park, there is a restaurant at Bryce Valley Lodge food is available at the General Store. There is one lodge inside the park for non-campers. There are also two campgrounds for tent and RV campers.
For more information about food and lodging options in the park click here!
RV Park Recommendation
If you are a fellow RV traveler, I recommend staying at Bryce Valley Ranch RV and Horse Park near the town of Cannonville, Utah. This RV park is a short drive from Bryce Canyon and is convenient if you are planning on visiting Capitol Reef or parts of Grand Staircase Escalante. It is a newer RV park with nice amenities and clean facilities. The staff is friendly and they are a helpful resource for recommending restaurants and activities in the area.
To read my review of this RV park and others click here!
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to traveling my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Travel is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. So make sure to look around, fall in love with the hoodoos, and soak in your surroundings! Trust me, you won’t want to miss a minute of Bryce Canyon National Park!
Want more travel planning tips?
Click here for 5 Steps to Planning a Successful Trip
Happy Sojourning!
Meghan
