Explore Bryce Canyon National Park
Hike the Hoodoos of the eroding Paunsaugunt Plateau which Bryce Canyon National Park is built upon. The crimson rock spires of America’s most unique National Park will not disappoint. These striking forces of nature are both beautiful and educational so be sure to plan for time in the Visitors Center before you wander in awe among the hoodoos.
How Many Days Do I Need At Bryce Canyon National Park?
I think this really depends on what you plan to accomplish while visiting the park. We spent four nights and three whole days in Bryce Canyon National Park; we hiked 3 major trails, explored every viewpoint, and enjoyed our downtime in the park as well.
You could easily see the whole park in two days if you planned on a morning and afternoon hike/sightseeing combination. If you’re looking to complete one solid hike and check out the viewpoints, one day is all you would need. If you’re only going to hike one trail at Bryce, I suggest the Queens/Navajo Combination Loop.
Where Should I Stay Near Bryce Canyon?
There are two campgrounds right after the entrance to the park; North campground, with walk-up sites, and Sunset campground, for group sites. North Campground has a few different loops and we were lucky enough to grab a site on very edge of the last loop. Surrounded by Manzanita, it was quiet, quaint, and beautiful at sunset. I suggest a mesh top tent for the most unbelievable stargazing; count shooting stars instead of sheep during your stay at Bryce Canyon if you’re sleeping outside!
If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, check out the Historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon. The architecture is flawless and the lodge provides a variety of different accommodation options. Its close proximity to the Lodge Restaurant and the delicious Valhalla Pizzeria is an added bonus. Additionally, you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs inside the gift shop at the main entrance of the lodge; the gifts here are much different than the Visitor Center! If the lodge is booked up or simply not in your price range, just outside the park entrance there are a number of hotels (and teepees!) to choose from as well. Whether you are staying at the lodge or not, I would pay the historic building a visit for lunch, a shopping trip, or to simply walk around!
What Should I Hike at Bryce Canyon National Park?
There are so many amazing viewpoints along the 18-mile scenic drive and a number of trailheads. Most of the trailheads descend down into the ‘canyon’ below and provide a really amazing perspective of Bryce! I highly suggest gearing up and taking on the challenge of Hiking the Hoodoos as well.
What is the Hike the Hoodoos Challenge At Bryce Canyon?
The Hike the Hoodoos Challenge was developed as a fun way to get park visitors out and exploring multiple trails in Bryce Canyon. This hiking challenge is a bit of a scavenger hunt as well!
To earn your prize (a sticker for us!) visitors must hike at least 3 miles on specially-marked trails and find “Hike the Hoodoos” benchmark survey markers along the way. You can either take a photo with the benchmark or snag a rubbing of the benchmark to prove you’ve hiked the trail.
Although you’re only requires to hike three miles for the challenge, there are nine “Hike the Hoodoos!” benchmarks located along eight different hiking trails in the park. Some visitors, like ourselves, are opting to visit all nine benchmarks for their challenge. This means they’ve hiked a total of 18.4 miles. Quite an accomplishment!
TRAIL: Bristlecone
DIFFICULTY: Very Easy
DESCRIPTION: This short one-mile loop will bring you through Blue Spruce, Douglas-fir, and White Fir, providing a great ecological tour with beautiful views.
TRAIL: Rim Trail
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DESCRIPTION: 0.5 to 5.5 miles one way. A popular trail above Bryce Canyon that spans the rim of the amphitheater and connects all the scenic overlooks from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point with less than 200 feet of elevation gain. You can access many of these viewpoints after parking in a lot and completing a short jaunt to the overlook.
TRAIL: Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DESCRIPTION: This is a combination of two loops among the hoodoos! At about 2.9 miles and 600 feet of steep elevation gain, this hike can definitely have its tough moments. Hiking through the HooDoos is a real treat; between Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street, you will often find yourself in awe. Don’t forget to take the ‘Hike the Hoodoos’ Challenge and snap a photo with each marker to earn yourself a special surprise upon sharing your photos at the visitor center!
TRAIL: Fairyland Loop
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
DESCRIPTION: This loop can be accessed from outside of Bryce Canyon National Park at Fairyland Point or inside the park just north of sunset point. See the Chinese wall, tower bridge, and a number of spectacular hoodoos on this significantly less crowded trail. Be sure to bring your water in the summer months! There is a lot of ascending and descending once you make your way into the canyon. Be aware, parking at Fairyland Loop can be very limited! Start your hike early.
TRAIL: Riggs Springs Trail
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
DESCRIPTION: This trailhead begins at Yovimpa Point/Rainbow Point and travels through spruce, fir and bristlecone forests. Red cliff breaks and Quaking Aspen groves are scattered along the eastern side of the trail, allowing for beautiful vistas. There are a few washes where it might be easy to lose this eight and a half mile backcountry trail. Don’t expect to see very many people; we only saw one overnight camper on the whole trail. We started our trip at sunrise which provided truly stunning skies and perfect temperatures!
TRAIL: Under the Rim Trail
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
DESCRIPTION: A 22.5 mile, point-to-point trail located ‘under the rim’ of Bryce Canyon National Park. It runs from Rainbow Point to Bryce Point. This adventure could be broken up into sections, or completed as an overnight hike if you obtain a permit; utilizing the shuttle system is the best way to get to your starting point. Please be smart out there!
What Views Can’t I Miss at Bryce Canyon National Park?
Like many National Parks, there are a lot of drive-up viewpoints that you truly should not miss!
- RAINBOW POINT: Make a point to drive to the very end of the road for sunrise and enjoy the way the Hoodoos dance alive in the morning light among a sea of spruce and fir. The color chan
- NATURAL BRIDGE: Although this landform is inaptly named, it still is a beautiful sight to see. Bridges are formed by the steady erosion of streams or rivers while arches are largely attributed to weather erosion; Natural Bridge is actually one of Bryce’s several natural arches which have been created through frost wedging, dissolution, and gravity. I love it because it reminds me of a sandcastle!
- BRYCE POINT: Known as the most scenic vistas of the full amphitheater, this overlook will have you in true awe of these fire spires. Stop by in early morning to watch the tops of the hoodoos set alight as if by fire from the first rays of the rising sun for one of the most glorious sunrises you might ever experience.
Why Should I Visit Bryce Canyon?
- Incredibly Unique Landscape
The amphitheater is so neat! It’s awesome to learn the science behind the landscape as well. - Something for Everyone!
Between the many view points, calm hikes around the rim, and strenuous hikes down into the canyon, there is truly something for every kind of explorer. - Serious Stargazing
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its wonderful stargazing opportunities. - Welcoming Summer Temperatures
Due to the elevation, temperatures on the plateau are a tad more doable than some of the other recreation areas in Utah. I for one, really appreciated this in the summer heat.
Bryce been one of my favorite National Parks thus far! We scored an awesome campground and found ourselves among the hoodoos without very many hiking companions. Between the general store ($8 showers! yay!) and Valhalla Pizza we were well fed and fairly clean; enjoying s, pizza, soda, fresh fruit was a real treat after eating dehydrated meals for almost a week prior. Be sure to plan ahead and try to arrive on an off day to secure a ‘walk-up’ campsite if you’re unable to reserve one in advance. Have so much fun and as always, Leave No Trace!
This is amazing. Bryce points are so awesome. Loved the pics. Moreover, I like the idea of the historic lodge. I would like to go to this place 😀
It’s a beautiful park! I would highly suggest it.
This looks like such a great place to visit. It’s been a long time since I did any camping, maybe it’s because I am so scared something might happen lol”thanks to movies I watch”. I should reconsider doing it again.
definitely reconsider! I am constantly camping and LOVE every second of it.
This seems like a perfect place to go hiking as the views look amazing. I also adore your photo at the end of the post!
I’m a traveler so reading this post is so cool. It looks like the kind of place I’d visit. Maybe in the next future. Thanks for inspired me 🙂 – Paolo
The park is huge so there is much to see. Everything is so pretty and it’s all about the rocks. So amazingly beautiful. Several easy to walk trails too.
I hadn’t heard about this particular park before! It looks like a great set of hiking trails throughout this area. I am not much of a camper but I wouldn’t mind checking out one of the easier trails! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! This is very informative. Gives me an idea which one to go and avoid. But everything is beautiful though.
O these photos are breathtaking! I would love this visit this park and see everything that it has to offer!
Such gorgeous views. I get a little chicken being up high, but I appreciate the views from those who don’t. 😉
This just reminds me I need to get back to Bryce Canyon. I haven’t been there in years but I remember how beautiful it was. So many great pictures here.
Beautiful. After getting back, you may find yourself wanting to do more Bryce Canyon Tours
may!? I need to go back.