About Bryce Canyon
Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) exist on every continent, but here is the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, the park's high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geological wonders that defy description.
Things to do: Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · RV Camping · Food · Dining · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Navajo Loop Trail1.9 mi
- Queens Garden Trail1.4 mi
- Rim Trail5.5 mi
- Fairyland Loop Trail8.0 mi
- Under-the-Rim Trail23.0 mi
- Peekaboo Loop Trail5.5 mi
- Figure 8 Trail11.0 mi
Camping
Approximately 218 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (May – September).
Best time to visit
Peak season: May – September. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Due of its high elevation climate, weather at Bryce Canyon through autumn, winter, and spring can be highly variable. From October to May temperatures fall below freezing nearly every night. The park typically experiences its coldest and snowiest periods from December through February. Spring storms in March and April can still produce heavy snowfall that may impact travel in the region.
Summer highs are typically in the 70s-80s F and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants.$35
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$30
- Entrance - Per Person — Admits one individual with no car to the park - typically used for bicyclists and walk-ins. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.$20
- Nonresident — Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Bryce Canyon National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.$100
Annual Entrance - Park: $70. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: St. George, UT. Park center: 37.570°, -112.180°.
From the North: Take I-15 south to UT-20 (exit 95). Travel east on UT-20 to US-89. Follow US-89 south to UT-12. Travel east on UT-12 to UT-63. Take UT-63 south to Bryce Canyon NP. From the South through Zion National Park: Take I-15 north to UT-9 (exit 16). Follow UT-9 east through Zion National Park to US-89. Travel north on US-89 to UT-12.
Go east on UT-12 to UT-63. Take UT-63 south to Bryce Canyon NP. From the East Travel west on UT-12 to UT-63. Take UT-63 south to Bryce Canyon NP.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $35. Entrance - Motorcycle: $30. Entrance - Per Person: $20.
When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon?
Peak season is May – September. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Due of its high elevation climate, weather at Bryce Canyon through autumn, winter, and spring can be highly variable. From October to May temperatures fall below freezing nearly every night. The park typically experiences its coldest and snowiest periods from December through February. Spring storms in March and April can still produce heavy snowfall that may impact travel in the region.
Can you camp in Bryce Canyon National Park?
Yes — about 218 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Bryce Canyon National Park?
St. George, UT is the nearest major city. From the North: Take I-15 south to UT-20 (exit 95). Travel east on UT-20 to US-89. Follow US-89 south to UT-12. Travel east on UT-12 to UT-63. Take UT-63 south to Bryce Canyon NP. From the South through Zion National Park: Take I-15 north to UT-9 (exit 16). Follow UT-9 east through Zion National Park to US-89. Travel north on US-89 to UT-12.
What are the best hikes in Bryce Canyon?
Popular trails include Navajo Loop Trail (1.9 mi), Queens Garden Trail (1.4 mi), Rim Trail (5.5 mi), Fairyland Loop Trail (8.0 mi). The park has roughly 15 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.