The Paiute people of Utah tell the fable of the ‘legend people’ – animal spirits dressed in human form who once roamed the area which today is Bryce Canyon National Park and which were governed by the trickster god Coyote. At a certain point the legend people went corrupt, and as punishment Coyote turned them to stone, thus creating the famous stone spires for which the area is known today. Today these spires are referred to as Hoodoos (a general term for erosion caused stone spires). Modern geologists provide a more scientific explanation for the formation this unique landscape, laying the blame on frost weathering for the hoodoos’ shape and minerals found in land sedimentary rocks for their colors. Early settlers named the place after Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish Mormon pioneer who settled in the region at the end of the 19th century.
Located at the southwestern part of the state, Bryce is the smallest national park in Utah, at only about 16 miles long and less than five miles wide. The park attracts fewer visitors than Zion and the neighboring Grand Canyon, and this despite the fact that it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Although called one, Bryce Canyon is not an actual canyon, but rather a plateau slope from which the colorful stone spires erect.
Hiking along the beautiful Fairlyland Loop Trail
When to visit Bryce Canyon National Park:
Bryce Canyon National Park is open to the public year-round. Due to the park’s high altitude, the best time to visit it is from May to October. Below is a breakdown of the weather in the park in the different seasons:
Spring (March-May): Early spring might still be snowy, and very cold weather is possible. The park’s roads may close during snowstorms. Temperatures rise as the season progresses and late spring is a great time to hike in the park. Early spring is too cold to camp in the park.
Summer (June-August): Summer is the most popular season to visit the park. Days are hot and dry and nights are cold. July is the warmest month, with average temperatures at noon can reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If planning on hiking long trails its best to start early in the day when temperatures are cool. Late summer sees after noon thunder and lightning storms, as part of the Southwest Monsoon season. Summer is a great season to camp throughout the park.
Autumn (September-November): Early autumn is a good season to visit the park. Temperatures are cool and fewer visitors visit the park. The weather is goo for both camping and hiking .That said, autumn in the park is short and the transition to winter is fast, and mid October might already see the pleasant temperatures drop suddenly to below freezing.
Winter (December-February): Winter temperatures are extremely low, well below freezing, and the park is usually covered with snow. The park’s main road can sometimes close down. The skies are usually clear and the view of the snow covered spires is stunning. Thus, while it is not recommended visitng the park in winter, it can still be enjoyable. In addition to the short hikes and driving to lookout points, winter visitors can also go snowshoeing and cross-countrying.
The maze formed by the park’s iconic spires
Location and arival directions:
The two major cities closest to Bryce are Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Both are a four hour drive from the park.
For how long to visit and where to go:
You should dedicate at least one full day for your visit to the park., focusing mainly on the park’s central part, namely Sunset, Sunrise, Inspiration, Paria and Bryce viewpoints. On this day you can walk a section of the Rim Trail, for example from the Sunset to Sunrise viewpoint. It’s also worth hiking at the canyons bottom to get a closer look at the spires and the different rock formations, on the Queens Garden or Navajo Loop trails (or on the great trail which combines them). If you visit the park for two days, on the extra day you can travel to the park’s south where there are many beautiful observation points. You can combine this day with a hike on the Bristlecone Trail in the park’s south or Mossy Cave Trail in the north. Another recommendation for more experienced hikers is to hike the impressive Fairyland Loop trail. In the evening, you can enjoy some of the activities offered by the park staff, such as moonlight hiking and star gazing.
A map of the park’s north (top) and south (bottom) sections, with the aforementioned sites marked in yellow:
Road opening schedule and shuttles:
Most of the roads in Bryce National Park are open year round, but may close temporarily during winter snow storms, especially the roads south of the junction leading to Inspiration Point. The road to Paria Point is closed during winter. RVs are not permitted on the roads to Bryce and Paria Viewpoints year round.
A free shuttle line operates during summer, making several stops throughout the park. The park’s road are also open to private vehicles, but parking is limited for large RVs, making the shuttle service useful. If travelling with an RV of over 25 feet, you can park it at the shuttle station near the park’s entrance or at the Overflow Parking Lot near the visitors center. You can get up to date information about parking and shuttles at the visitor center. the shuttle stops at the park’s campgrounds, so there is no need to move your vehicle if camping.
Where to stay in Bryce Canyon National Park:
Click here for a list of recommended hotels in Bryce
Camping – two campgrounds, North Campground and Sunset Campground operate within the park. Both are mainly on a first come first serve basis (North Campground operates on a reservation basis from late May to October). Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground, a large private campground is located near the park’s entrance.
Lodging- Visitors of the park can stay at the Bryce Canyon Lodge (availability is limited) or at one of the hotels near the park’s entrance. The town of Tropic is a 20 minute drive from the park and has several hotels. Lodging availability in the park is especially limited, so be sure to book your stay ahead of time.
For a map of Bryce Canyon National Park click here.
Read about more destinations in the American Southwest.
For all 50 national parks in the lower 48 ranked by beauty click here.
See here some Bryce activities suggestions:
Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
The famous Bryce Amphitheater, in the area north of Bryce Viewpoint and east of Sunrise, Sunset and Inspiration Viewpoints
Queen’s Canyon Trail, which leads to the heart of the Bryce Canyon
