The Ultimate Bryce Canyon National Park Guide (2025) | Best Hikes, Viewpoints & Travel Tips
- Matt Tannenbaum
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
Bryce Canyon National Park, is one of the Big 5 National Parks in Utah. The park is located in southern Utah, and famous for its hoodoos, the towering rock spires carved by wind and water over millions of years. Unlike a single canyon, Bryce is a collection of natural amphitheaters, each offering breathtaking, ever-changing colors throughout the day.
Bryce Canyon National Park Quick Facts:
Location: Southwestern Utah, USA
Established: 1928
Size: 35,835 acres
Known For: Hoodoos, sunrise and sunset viewpoints, world-class stargazing
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round, with each season offering a unique and new experience:
Spring (April–May): Mild weather, blooming wildflowers, lighter crowds
Summer (June–August): Warm temperatures, busier trails, great for long hikes
Fall (September–October): Cool, crisp air, vibrant fall foliage
Winter (November–March): Snow-dusted hoodoos and peaceful trails
This is one of the best Utah National Parks to visit in the Summer as the higher elevation means much more cooler temperatures. You will still find great temperatures for hikes in the summer compared to the excessive heat you will encounter in nearby Zion National Park, Moab, or Las Vegas.
Pro Tip: No matter which season you plan to visit Bryce Canyon National Park, be sure to experience the sunrise golden hour for the best light and fewer people. The low angle of the sun in the early morning creates a much more beautiful scene in the canyons.
How to Get to Bryce Canyon
If you’re mapping out how to get to Bryce Canyon, driving is easiest and pairs perfectly with a Southern Utah road trip. Bryce Canyon is most easily reached by car and often paired with trips to Zion National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante / Lake Powell.
Closest Airports:
St. George Regional Airport – 2.5 hours
Salt Lake City International Airport – 4 hours
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport – 4.5 hours
Pro Tip: Don't forget there is a time zone change when driving from Las Vegas so plan accordingly! You may arrive an hour later than you are expecting!
Nearby Drive Times:
Zion National Park – 1.5 hours
Kanab - 1.5 hours
Capitol Reef National Park – 2.5 hours
Page, AZ (Antelope Canyon) – 3 hours
Entrance Fees & Passes
The best way to get in to Bryce Canyon National Park is with the America the Beautiful yearly National Park Pass because you can have unlimited access to the park and other National Parks.
7-Day Pass: $35 per vehicle
Annual Bryce Pass: $70
America the Beautiful Pass: $80 (all U.S. national parks for 12 months)
Top Things to Do
The best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is to take in teh unforgettable and unique views.
Sunrise Point – Panoramic morning views over the hoodoos
Sunset Point – Iconic formations like Thor’s Hammer and switchbacks
Navajo Loop Trail – Must-do hike into the heart of the hoodoos
Queens Garden Trail – Easy, family-friendly trail into the canyon
Bryce Point – Epic sunrise location with sweeping vistas
Inspiration Points – best sunrise view and doesn't require a hike
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon
Easy
Mossy Cave Trail – 0.8 mi round trip, waterfall views (seasonal)
Queens Garden Trail – 1.8 mi one way, gentle descent among hoodoos
Moderate
Navajo Loop Trail – 1.3 mi round trip, famous Wall Street switchbacks
Peekaboo Loop Trail – 5.5 mi, fantastic for photography
Strenuous
Fairyland Loop Trail – 8 mi, fewer crowds, expansive views
Best Photo Spots
Best Sunrise: Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, Bryce Point
Best Sunset: Sunset Point, Inspiration Point
Night Photography: Bryce is an International Dark Sky Park making it perfect for Milky Way shots (May–Sept). The Wall Street switchbacks and Sunset Point make for perfect locations for astrophotography and they are close to the parking lot and require minimal walking in the dark.
Pro Tip: I actually prefer Sunset Point over Sunrise Point! You will also encounter way fewer people here for some of the best views and photo op locations since most people will naturally start at Sunrise Point.
Best Places to Stay near Bryce Canyon National Park
Inside the Park
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon – Historic and steps from major viewpoints
Outside the Park
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn – Closest hotel to the entrance
Bryce Canyon Pines – Cozy cabins and motel rooms
Camping: North & Sunset Campgrounds (book early in peak season)
Glamping: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon - enjoy the great outdoors more comfortably
There are actually two Best Western hotel properties that are across the street from eachother. The Best Western Ruby's Inn is a great spot as there is a large market located inside for groceries or snacks as well as a store for clothing and memorabilia.
The Best Western Plus has a very nice pool if you are planning a longer stay especially in the warmer months. Either way, neither of these properties are luxurious but offer a great place to sleep minutes from the park's entrance.
Suggested Itineraries
1 Day Itinerary:
Sunrise Point → Navajo Loop → Scenic Drive → Sunset at Inspiration Point
2 Day Itinerary:
Day 1 itinerary + Stargazing at Bryce Point
Day 2 – Fairyland Loop, Mossy Cave
3 Day Itinerary: Combine above + take a mid day excursion to nearby Kanab
Travel Tips
Altitude: Rim elevation over 8,000 ft so hydrate and pace yourself for longer hikes
Weather: Layers are essential; conditions change fast
Crowds: Visit early morning or late afternoon
Shuttle Service: Runs late spring–early fall, free with entry
Pair a Bryce Canyon visit with other Utah Parks
Bryce Canyon is part of Utah’s Mighty 5 so be sure to make an epic Utah Road Trip and combine this visit with the other amazing National Parks:
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