Traveling Utah means you must Visit Bryce Canyon National Park – One of America’s Secret Natural Highlights. A must see for anyone who loves the natural wonders of the world. Boasting huge rock formations that are unexplained and spam for miles.
The perfect destination for those who love hiking, picture taking and nature. There is something for everyone so enjoy and relax in nature.
Panoramic View of Bryce Canyon – Photo credit: That Traveling Chick
Bryce Canyon National Park
Named after Ebenezer Bryce who settled in the area in the 1850’s. Bryce Canyon is situated in the south of Utah. Receiving National Park status in 1928, the park is around 55 square miles of breathtaking natural rugged beauty. Although smaller and quieter than other Utah national parks. Bryce Canyon is a park that has much to offer in terms of original natural features. In particular, viewing the hoodoos – which can reach heights of 200 meters – and the vibrant color of the natural landscape are worth the visit and admission price. If geology interests you, this is a must do on your travel itinerary if you are traveling through this part of Utah.
Bryce Canyon Overlook – Photo Credit: That Traveling Chick
Where is Bryce Canyon National Park
Simple answer, it’s in Utah. Long answer – it is located in the southern part of Utah near the city of Bryce. You can get to Bryce Canyon by car if you fly into Las Vegas, Salt Lake city or St George. Close to Zion National Park as well.
A short hour and twenty minutes from Zion National Park and a very beautiful drive. Lots of mountain and beauty to see. If flying into St. George Airport it is a two hour and forty minute drive. Using a direct flight from many cities will bring you to Salt Lake International and the drive from there is four hours. Another option is flying into McCarran airport and it is also a four hour drive from there. Check out Booking.com for your pricing and travel booking.
Overlooking Bryce Canyon – Photo Credit: That Traveling Chick
Entering Bryce Canyon National Park
Upon arriving at the visitor center, you can watch a short film which is a great introduction to the park. The visitor center is located 1.5 miles inside the park and is open year round at these times.
- Spring (April): 8am – 6pm
- Summer (May – September): 8am – 8pm
- Fall (October): 8am – 6pm
- Winter (November – March): 8am – 4:30pm
Check the website to see if the fee booth will be open on holidays. You can also call the number – 435-834-5322
Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance – Photo Credit: That Traveling Chick
Cost to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Most national parks and state parks have fees to enter them. Bryce Canyon is no different. Buying passes enables you access to the park for seven consecutive days.
- Private vehicle: $35
- Motorcycle: $25
- Person entering by foot or bicycle: $20 (under 15 is free of charge)
Vacationing and wanting to hit up more than just on national park? Check out these passes that admit the pass owner and accompanying passengers to all U.S. national parks (including Bryce Canyon) and federal recreational lands:
- Annual National Park Pass: $80
- 4th Grade Annual Pass: free
- Military Annual Pass: free
- Lifetime Senior Pass (62 and older): $80
- Annual Senior Pass (62 and older): $20
- Lifetime Access Pass (available for those with a permanent disability): free
- Bryce Canyon Annual Pass (Bryce Canyon only): $35
Backcountry permits are issued from 9 am- 6 pm at the Visitor Center 48 hours in advance.
Visitor Center at Bryce Canyon
At the visitor center check out if there are any ranger programs that you can take part in that day. You can also just hike/drive around and enjoy the spectacular views from the many observation points throughout the park.
While the park is open all year round and 24 hours a day, the weather might be something to consider when planning a visit. The roads are plowed and sanded after storms. But, take it from me, late January it is very cold and windy there.
Things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park
Those who enjoy winter sports have opportunities for snow shoeing or cross country skiing. During the warmer months, there are horseback riding tours that last between 2-4 hours. Check with the park in advance to check if you are able to reserve a place on any specific activities you’d like to do.
Do you enjoy wandering around and learning from exhibits, current displays in the museum include geology, wildlife and star gazing. There is plenty of that to do. For anyone interested in the geology of Bryce Canyon, there are frequent geology talks in the park.
Make sure you do some hiking at some of the more popular hiking trails. Navajo Loop, Fairyland Loop, Sunset Point, Bristlecone Loop, and Mossy Cave.
Bryce Canyon – Utah – Photo Credit: That Traveling Chick
More fun at Bryce Canyon
ATVing, mountain biking, backpacking, tours, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Adventure is endless! Even stopping for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants local to Bryce Canyon. Check out Ebenezer’s Bar and Grill, Bryce Canyon Pines, The Pizza Place, Valhalla Pizza and even Bryce Canyon Coffee Company.
Do lovers can also bring their dogs to the park. Dogs must be leashed and are only allowed in these areas of the park.
- On the paved shared path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point.
- The trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point
- Also on paved roads and viewpoint areas
- In parking lots
- At campgrounds
Do not bring your dogs on any unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings or on public transportation vehicles. You must clean up after your dogs and keep them leashed at all times. Service animals are allowed anywhere in the park.
Fun in the Park
Check out this snow angel someone made on one of the hiking trails to the top of Bryce Canyon. Pretty clever, right?
Snow Angel in Bryce Canyon – Photo Credit: That Traveling Chick
More adventure
Bryce Canyon may not be as expansive as Grand Canyon, but it has a rugged charm of its own and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Most tourists make their way to the Grand Canyon, or nearby Zion National Park. On our travels we took Byway 12 from Torrey to Bryce Canyon. Stayed a night in Escalante so my hubby could stop freaking out from the hogsback and steep grades of Byway 12. It was beautiful, but scary in a 40ft diesel pusher RV towing a truck and motorcycle.
If ever you make your way to Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is a must see and do!
Bryce Point Elevation – Photo Credit: That Traveling Chick
Lodging around Bryce Canyon
There are many places in and around Bryce Canyon National Park that you can lay your head for a night or more. Click the banner below to search for the perfect home away from home for your trip.
Keep up with That Traveling Chick as we cover all things Utah over the next couple months. Posts about Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Moab, Utah, and all the fun we had on our travels around Utah.
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