Bryce Canyon National Park: Everything You Need To know
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of America’s most beloved National Parks yet somehow it only sees a fraction of the visitors that Zion does - around 2 million per year. The park is huge so I’m sharing everything that you need to know to have an amazing trip to Bryce!
How do I get there?
The closest major international airports to Bryce are McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both are equidistant from the park with drive time at around 4 hours.
If you’re driving from Antelope Canyon or the Page, Arizona area, driving time will be about 3 hours. If you’re visiting other Utah National Parks then drive time from Arches or Canyonlands will be about 4 hours. If you’re already in the area, Grand Staircase - Escalante is 25 minute drive away and Zion National Park is a 1.5 hour drive away.
Where do I stay?
Like Zion, Bryce Canyon has one lodge on site, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon. If you’re planning to stay at the lodge, you’ll need to book many months in advance, especially if you’ll be visiting the park during the summer.
The closest gateway towns are Bryce Canyon City and Tropic. There are a variety of places to stay in both towns but Ruby’s Inn is my favorite. Its charm and proximity to the park make it the perfect place to stay.
How do I get around the area?
There is one way in and one way out of the park via an 18-mile road. Unlike Zion, Bryce’s free shuttle system operates from mid-April through late October but isn’t mandatory.
The park is easily accessible by car and necessary for getting to and from the park itself, though you can opt to use the shuttle once inside the park. Should you choose to drive through the park, you can stop at many of the designated pullouts along the way. During the summer, a lot of time can be lost circling for parking or waiting in line for a parking spot.
What do I need for a day in the park?
For clothing, you should wear or bring layers including a rain jacket and good hiking boots. The temperature can vary greatly from day to night and rain can come unexpectedly. For sun protection, bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
As far as food and water goes, it is recommended that you bring a few bottles of water with you or a hydration system like a CamelBak - you should be drinking half a liter of water per hour of hiking. There are a few places to eat within The Lodge at Bryce Canyon but keep in mind that most of the food is near the park entrance.
What do I absolutely have to see in the park?
The network of trails within Bryce is expansive. There are easy hikes, strenuous hikes, adventure hikes, family hikes, etc.
The most difficult but rewarding trails are Fairyland Loop, Peek-A-Boo Loop and Riggs Spring Loop - all of which take several hours to complete. For more moderate hikes that offer some pretty jaw-dropping views check out Queens Garden, Tower Bridge and Bristlecone Loop. Be wary of trail closures, depending on seasonal storms.
Safe travels,
V.