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Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

• Go snowshoeing in winter

  
  

  Winter transforms Bryce Canyon into a snowy wonderland, and snowshoeing is a great way to explore it. The Bristlecone Loop Trail, near Rainbow Point, is particularly beautiful in winter. The snow-covered hoodoos create a striking contrast with the deep blue sky, and the park is much quieter than in peak summer season.

  The park offers guided snowshoe hikes where they provide the snowshoes and teach you the basics if you're new to the activity. As you crunch through the snow, you'll learn about how the park's plants and animals adapt to the harsh winter conditions. Keep an eye out for animal tracks in the snow - you might spot evidence of elk, coyotes, or even mountain lions. The crisp winter air and the serene snowy landscape make for an invigorating and peaceful experience.

  
  

• Red Rocks and Outlaws: Horseback Adventure in Red Canyon

  
  

  Saddle up for an epic ride through the stunning Red Canyon, where crimson cliffs and towering hoodoos create a landscape straight out of a Western movie. This 3-hour trail ride takes you deep into Dixie National Forest, following the twists and turns of the Losee Canyon trail. As your horse picks its way along the path, you'll be treated to up-close views of the area's famous red rock formations and fragrant ponderosa pines.

  Your guide will share stories about the region's colorful past, including tales of Butch Cassidy's exploits in these very canyons. You'll even pass by an old outlaw hideout, giving you a real sense of the Wild West history that unfolded here. The ride is suitable for all levels, so don't worry if you're new to horseback riding – the experienced wranglers will make sure you're comfortable in the saddle before hitting the trail.

  As you climb higher into the canyon, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and unique rock formations. The contrast between the deep red stone and the green pines creates a striking backdrop for photos. By the time you return to the stables, you'll have gained a new appreciation for this beautiful corner of Utah and the frontier spirit that still lives on in Red Canyon.

  
  
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• Cruising Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos by E-Bike

  
  

  Imagine gliding effortlessly through Bryce Canyon's otherworldly landscape on an electric bike, the smell of butterscotch pines in the air. This 3.5 hour guided e-bike tour takes you along paved paths to some of the park's most iconic viewpoints without the hassle of finding parking. You'll cruise from the Bryce Wildlife Adventure museum all the way to breathtaking Inspiration Point, with plenty of stops to marvel at famous hoodoo formations like Snoopy, Thor's Hammer, and The Lizard.

  Your local guide isn't just there to show you the way - they'll share fascinating insights about the park's unique geology, plants, animals and human history that will deepen your appreciation for this incredible place. The e-bikes make tackling the 300-foot elevation gain a breeze, allowing riders of various fitness levels to enjoy the 16-mile round trip journey. Just be prepared for some seriously epic views as you pedal along the canyon rim!

  This small group tour is limited to just 5 people, creating an intimate experience perfect for asking questions and soaking in the surroundings. While you do need to be comfortable on a bike and at least 5'2" tall, the electric assist takes care of the hard work so you can focus on the stunning red rock scenery all around you. It's a fantastic way to cover more ground than you could on foot while still feeling connected to Bryce's magical landscape.

  
  
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• Bryce Canyon Wonders: Guided Tour of the Hoodoos

  
  

  Experience an engaging journey through Bryce Canyon National Park with this three-hour guided tour. The excursion begins at Fairyland Canyon, where a short walk leads to remarkable views of the park’s signature hoodoos and a chance to see a Bristlecone Pine, one of the oldest living species on the planet. The landscape offers a striking introduction to the park’s unique geological features.

  Traveling in a comfortable minivan, guests visit several of Bryce Canyon’s most iconic sites. With commentary from a knowledgeable local guide, the tour makes stops at Natural Bridge, Inspiration Point, and Wall Street. At each location, there is time to step out, take photographs, and enjoy short, accessible walks that bring visitors closer to the natural beauty of the area.

  Highlights include Thor’s Hammer, an impressive rock formation that rises prominently from the canyon floor, as well as the Silent City, a dense collection of towering spires. Another notable stop is Queen Victoria, a rock formation said to resemble the British monarch. With snacks, water, and umbrellas provided, this tour offers a convenient and enriching way to explore the best of Bryce Canyon National Park in a limited amount of time.

  
  
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• Hike the Queen's Garden Trail

  
  

  The Queen's Garden Trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Bryce Canyon. This moderate 1.8-mile round trip hike takes you down into the heart of the park's famous hoodoos. As you descend, you'll feel like you're entering a different world, surrounded by towering rock formations in shades of orange, pink, and white.

  The trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. Keep an eye out for the rock formation that looks like Queen Victoria – that's how the trail got its name! The hike isn't too challenging, but remember that what goes down must come up. The climb back to the rim can be a bit strenuous, especially in the heat of summer.

  
  

• Explore Mossy Cave Trail

  
  

  For a quieter experience away from Bryce Canyon’s main amphitheater, the Mossy Cave Trail offers an easy 0.8-mile round trip walk. The trail follows a gentle stream leading to a small grotto and waterfall, providing a cool and refreshing stop, particularly during the warmer months.

  Along the way, visitors can observe hoodoos and fins from a different vantage point while learning about the role water has played in shaping the area. The stream itself was originally part of an irrigation project completed by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s. With the contrast of red rock formations against the greenery, it is a scenic spot for photography, especially in late spring or early summer when wildflowers are in bloom.

  
  

• Hike the Navajo Loop Trail

  
  

  The Navajo Loop Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon, and for good reason. This 1.3-mile trail takes you down into the heart of the park's famous hoodoos, those otherworldly rock formations that make Bryce so unique. As you descend into the canyon, you'll feel like you've stepped onto another planet, surrounded by towering orange and red spires.

  The trail features some steep switchbacks, but the views are worth every step. You'll pass through narrow slot canyons and stand in awe beneath massive Douglas fir trees that somehow thrive in this harsh environment. The loop brings you back up to the rim, offering panoramic views of the amphitheater. It's a moderate hike that gives you a taste of everything Bryce has to offer in a relatively short distance.

  
  

• Visit the Natural Bridge

  
  

  Don't miss the chance to see the Natural Bridge, one of Bryce Canyon's most impressive features. This massive arch isn't actually a bridge (it wasn't carved by flowing water), but it's an amazing sight nonetheless. Spanning 85 feet, the reddish-orange arch stands out beautifully against the green pine trees and blue sky.

  You can't hike to the Natural Bridge, but there's a great viewpoint right off the main park road. It's about a 12-mile drive from the visitor center, but the scenic route is worth it. You'll pass several other viewpoints along the way, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

  The best time to photograph the Natural Bridge is in the late afternoon when the sun lights up the underside of the arch. But really, it's stunning at any time of day. Just remember to stay behind the railings – the drop-offs here are no joke!

  
  

• Stargaze at Rainbow Point

  
  

  Bryce Canyon is known for its incredibly dark skies, making it a paradise for stargazers. Rainbow Point, the highest elevation in the park at 9,115 feet, offers an unbeatable spot to take in the night sky. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way stretching across the sky, and even distant galaxies with the naked eye.

  The park often hosts ranger-led stargazing programs, where you can learn about constellations and use telescopes to get an even closer look at celestial objects. Even if you're not an astronomy buff, the experience of standing under such a vast, star-filled sky is nothing short of magical. Just remember to bring warm clothes, as temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at this elevation.

  
  

• Sunrise at Inspiration Point

  
  

  Watching the sunrise at Inspiration Point is a must-do experience in Bryce Canyon. As the first light of day hits the hoodoos, the entire amphitheater comes alive with color. The rock formations change from deep purples to bright oranges and reds, creating a breathtaking display that seems almost too beautiful to be real.

  Inspiration Point offers three levels of viewpoints, each providing a different perspective on the canyon. The highest point gives you a sweeping view of the entire amphitheater, allowing you to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of Bryce. It's worth getting up early and braving the chilly morning air for this spectacular show. Don't forget to bring a camera, but make sure to take some time to simply soak in the view with your own eyes too.

  
  

• Take a scenic drive along the park's main road

  
  

  The 18-mile scenic drive along Bryce Canyon's main road is a fantastic way to see the park, especially if you're short on time or not up for strenuous hiking. The road takes you past the park's main viewpoints, each offering a different perspective on the canyon and its unique rock formations.

  Starting from the visitor center, you'll pass by Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points, among others. Each stop has a parking area and viewing platforms, making it easy to hop out and take in the views. The drive ends at Rainbow Point, the highest elevation in the park. Along the way, you'll see not just the famous hoodoos, but also vast forests and meadows. Keep an eye out for wildlife too - you might spot mule deer, pronghorns, or even a golden eagle soaring overhead.

  
  

• Go on a full moon hike

  
  

  Experiencing Bryce Canyon under the light of a full moon is an unforgettable adventure. The park offers ranger-led full moon hikes on the Queen's Garden Trail, one of the most popular trails in the park. As you descend into the canyon, the moonlight casts eerie shadows among the hoodoos, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.

  The hike is about 1.8 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours. Along the way, the ranger will point out interesting features and share stories about the park's history and geology. The soft moonlight brings out different colors and textures in the rock formations that you might not notice during the day. It's a completely different way to experience the park, and one that relatively few visitors get to enjoy. Remember to bring a flashlight just in case, and dress warmly as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

  
  

• Try your hand at night sky photography

  
  

  Bryce Canyon's dark skies make it an ideal location for night sky photography. Bryce Point, with its expansive views of the amphitheater, is a popular spot for capturing the Milky Way arching over the hoodoos. Even if you're new to night photography, the results can be stunning.

  The park often offers night sky photography workshops where you can learn techniques from experts. They'll teach you how to set up your camera for long exposures, how to focus in the dark, and how to compose your shots. Even with just a smartphone and a tripod, you can capture some impressive images. The juxtaposition of the starry sky with the silhouetted hoodoos creates truly otherworldly scenes. Don't forget to take some time to simply enjoy the view with your own eyes too - it's a spectacle you won't soon forget.

  
  

Where to stay in Bryce Canyon National Park

Best hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park:

• Clear Sky Resorts (resort)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Clear Sky Resorts near Bryce Canyon offers a one-of-a-kind experience for stargazers and nature lovers. The resort features unique dome-shaped accommodations with large skylights, perfect for admiring the night sky from the comfort of your bed. During the day, you can take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows.

  The domes are spacious and well-appointed, with modern amenities like air conditioning, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes in some units. Outside your dome, you'll find plenty of places to relax and soak in the scenery, including patios and outdoor seating areas. The on-site restaurant serves up tasty meals, and there's even live music some evenings to entertain guests.

  Located just a short drive from Bryce Canyon National Park, Clear Sky Resorts makes an ideal base for exploring the area's natural wonders. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a unique family vacation, this place offers an unforgettable stay under the stars.