Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking Travel Guide
Southern Utah has 5 national parks and one of those is Bryce Canyon. There is a story saying that a farmer came upon it while chasing a stray animal one day. I did not really know how it was possible to just happen upon a canyon, but I understood after visiting. The land scape changes so suddenly and it is amazing. A great park, offering fantastic hiking, I feel that Bryce Canyon can be forgotten when there is other parks like Zion and Arches not too far away, but it should not. You must experience and hike through the Hoodoos!
How to get there:
The main way to get to the park is from driving. When I visited, we drove over from where we were staying near Zion. The drive is very pretty and around two hours. Close airports include: Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Saint George, and Salt Lake City. All of them are gonna have a few hours drive from them to reach the park, but worth it.
Where to stay:
If you are not wanting to drive too far to get to the park, the nearby towns of Bryce, Tropic, and Cannonville, offer many types of accommodations. There are camping and RV sites located within these towns and within the park itself. If you are wanting to stick to hotels, the towns are where you need to look. There are not many but there are bespoke options like glamping too. There is also the Lodge at Bryce Canyon if you want to stay in the park at the historic structure.
Cost of going:
The most costly part of your trip will probably be your accommodations. Relatively speaking, this trip can be very affordable. Other things like guided activities will cost, but they are reasonable. Food and things are priced normally. There is an entrance fee to the park of $30 for a car of 1-6 people. If you plan on going more than one day, consider getting an annual pass for the park or an interagency pass.
How long and when to go:
You could easily spend a few days at the park doing many of the hiking trails. I would suggest two to six days, but can be longer or shorter. Since the park is at a higher elevation the weather can be a little unpredictable in the fall, winter, and spring. Snowstorms are a possibility in fall, but mostly in the winter. There are still many good days to hike during this time. Rain is most likely in July and August. Bryce is known for being cooler because of the elevation, so the summer can actually be pleasant. It is also in the desert so temperatures can change drastically from day to night, so watch out for freezing nights.
What to bring:
Of course, hiking gear is the main thing you want to bring. Make sure you pack the correct clothes for the season as it can change. Water is very important for this park if you go in the summer. It is very much the desert and offers little shade on trails even if it is cooler. You must stay hydrated and be ready for an emergency. This park is less visited and we did not see as many people here. Sunscreen is also good to have. We did not see a single cloud while there, plus little shade. Snow shoes are needed in the winter because of snow.
My Top hiking gear
Other Tips:
Make sure to check the website before going for trail closures, festivals and activities happening, and weather conditions. This unique park offers much to those who go, but planning is need in many situations, so be ready. There is less people on the trails, but I like that about it. The seasons are very different, so pack accordingly.
Best Hiking Trails:
Sunset to Sunrise
A paved path along the Rim trail. One of the easiest trails with scenic views of the Bryce amphitheater. This trail also allows you to bring your pet, if you have it with you. Great for if you have small children with you and you don’t want to carry them. Also is paved, so no major hiking gear is need to complete it, but you still get the views.
Stats:
Distance: 1 mile / 1.6 km
Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 34 ft / 10 m
Level: Easy
Bristlecone loop
A nice hike if you need something with a little more shade. Walk through a spruce-fir forest. Where you can see the bristlecones that the trail is names after. It also have views of the park that can be scene from lookouts. A little more difficult of a trail but still doable for children.
stats:
Distance: 1 mile / 1.6 km
Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 200 ft / 61 m
Level: Easy
Navaja Loop
This trail is shorter but is a little steeper than the rest of the moderate trails. You are also able to see some of the parks most famous monuments including: Thor’s hammer, Two Bridges, and the bottom of Wall Street. A quick one that offers sights. If you go in the winter, be aware that it is not a loop then because of closures and conditions. Can also be combined with Queen’s Garden and is one of the most popular trails to take.
stats:
Distance: 1.3 miles / 2.2 km
Time: 1-2 hrs
Elevation: 550 ft / 168 m
Level: Moderate
Tower Bridge
Along this trail you can see bristlecones and the Chinese Wall. It is a portion of the Fairyloop trail. There is a nice 1/4 mile shaded spur trail to the bridge. It offers many sights and a good amount of elevation for someone who wants a little more of a challenge.
stats:
Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km
Time: 2-3 hrs
Elevation: 802 ft / 245 m
Level: Moderate
Fairyland Loop
One of the longest trails within the park and offering many sights with less people. This hike also has some of the most elevations change in the parks, so only for those who can do the distance and the climbs. See many different features of this part of the park and tons of hoodoo clusters. My friend and I did this hike for our day at Bryce and we were amazed at the views provided. We were exhaused by the end and were thankful for the store a little over half way through the trail.
stats:
Distance: 8 miles / 12.9 miles
Time: 5 hrs
Elevation: 1716 ft / 523m
Level: Hard
Peekaboo Loop
A moderate length trail but with steep points. It offers views through the heart of the park and a view of the Wall of Windows. The trail does require you to go in a Clockwise direction. It can also be combined with the Navajo and/or Queen’s Garden trails to make longer and add more sights to see.
stats:
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 3-4 hrs
Elevation: 1581 ft / 482 m
Level: Hard
Other Activities:
Snowshoeing/Full Moon Hikes: offered by the guides during the winter months (nov-mar) when snow is over 12’’.
Cross Country Skiing: Only allowed on the rims, but still fantastic views of the red rocks covered in snow.
Sledding: a winer favorite and great for kids and adults alike.
Astronomy Festival: Annually held and fantastic with the night sky sanctuary within the park.
Geology Festival: held at the location with the most hoodoos in the world, there is so much to learn about the amazing landscape.
Horseback Riding: offered April through October, a unique way to see this unique canyon.
Red Canyon/Dixie National Forrest: Near by and offers other activities for their parks.
Bryce Canyon is a beautiful, unique landscape that will be enjoyed by an outdoor enthusiast. The hikes are like no other and a different experience from summer to winter. I went in the summer when I visited and I would love to go back within the winter or during the Astronomy festival to see the sky at night. Walking through the hoodoos and seeing the amazing monuments is something every hiker should add to their bucket list.