Pack your bags and head out for adventure! When forming a bucket list of must-see places across the United States, be sure to include Bryce Canyon National Park, which is found in Utah! This astonishing national park has some of the most beautiful sights to see, with amazing rock formations and fun hiking trails! Don’t miss out!
About The Park
Bryce Canyon is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and causal sightseers alike! These canyons are adorned with spectacular hoodoos, which are tall, thin rocks that have been shaped by erosion. Bryce Canyon boasts the largest collection of hoodoos of anywhere in the world! These sit in the amphitheater, and can be viewed at lookouts at Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point! The unforgettable vistas and fun activities make Bryce Canyon the perfect place for a vacation of a lifetime, no matter the season!
Bryce Canyon charges a $30 entrance fee per private vehicle to the park, which grants seven days of admission, and allows unlimited use of the shuttle, which transports guests to various lookout points throughout the park! Bryce Canyon National Park is open year round, excluding certain holidays, so you can experience the splendor in any weather!
Things To Do
There are several fun activities for all different seasons for you to partake in while visiting Bryce Canyon National Park!
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Bryce Canyon, as there is a lot of beauty to take in! Trails are available for hikers of all skill levels, and all provide great views of the landscape! The Queen’s Garden is the easiest trail that takes you into the canyon and gives you a great view of hoodoos! Another must-see trail is the Navajo Trail, which takes you down into the main amphitheater, and can be combined with the Queen’s Garden for a longer hike! Peek-A-Boo Loop is a challenging, yet rewarding, hike! You’ll enjoy the gorgeous arches of the Wall of Windows! Backcountry hiking is also available for avid adventurers!
Winter Activities
Bryce Canyon National Park is a stunning sight to see in the winter months as well! Snowshoeing, hiking, limited sledding areas are fun experiences! Explorers must wear appropriate foot gear in order to use trails in the winter, as they are not plowed and can be dangerous. The park also offers occasional winter astronomy classes, ranger-guided full moon snowshoe hikes, while the nearby town holds a winter festival!
Festivals
Bryce Canyon and its surrounding area hold fun festivals throughout the year to celebrate this unique and wonderful area! A nearby inn holds the annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, with plenty of fun activities and classes for all ages, including ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, craft classes, yoga, archery, and more!
GeoFest 2016 is a great event held to explore and explain the surrounding geological area as they guide guests! The fun and educational Annual Astronomy Festival is a gathering of local astronomy societies and Bryce Canyon’s Astronomy Rangers, where guests can learn about the natural wonders of space, and get some amazing views of the stars! These festivals are great for families, so plan accordingly!
Wildlife
Several species of plants and animals call this great park home! While on your visit, it won’t be uncommon to see several species of birds, lizards, small woodland animals like chipmunks, and the highly-respected prairie dog! On rare occasions, you could spot animals like mountain lions, black bears, mule deer, and coyotes! Always be respectful of the surrounding wildlife and leave the landscape the way you found it!
Camping
There are a few great options for camping right within Bryce Canyon National Park! You can stay close to all the fun, so you can explore every aspect that this park has to offer!
North Campground
North Campground is a great choice for camping accommodations! It is located near the visitor’s center, which you can visit for current conditions and more information on the park! This campground is surrounded by tall ponderosa pines for shade and comfort! The general store also sits nearby, which offers coin-operated laundry and showers in the summer season. This campground is open all year, although only one loop remains open in the winter months. There are 13 RV sites available for reservation, along with 86 RV and tent sites available on a first come, first served basis! RV sites are $30 per night, while tent sites are $20. A nearby dump station is also available in summer months only! You can make your reservations here!
Sunset Campground
A second campground is available within Bryce Canyon National Park, featuring 80 RV and tent sites, and 20 tent-only sites! This campground is close to popular hiking trails near Sunset Point! This campground is not open during the winter months, but is perfect for enjoying summer activities in the park! Rates for this campground are also $30 for RVs, and $20 for tents! Amenities include drinking water and restrooms with flush toilets! Make your reservations here!
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is available in limited areas of the park, if you’d prefer a more secluded and quiet camping experience! There are 12 sites total available, and backcountry camping is only permitted on these sites. The cost is $5 per person ages 16 and up! No advance reservations can be made, however you can make reservations in-person, only 48 hours in advance! A permit is required for backcountry camping, which can be purchased at the visitors center!
Make the beautiful Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce, Utah your next road trip destination! There will be picturesque sights and unforgettable opportunities to have family fun you’ll cherish for years to come! Share your favorite memories of Bryce Canyon National Park, or what you look forward to most about visiting in the comments!
