How Long Do You Need In Bryce Canyon?

In order to determine how much time to spend in Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll need to consider not only the park’s highlights, but also your interests and activity levels.

1 Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Aerial view of different huge rock formations in Arches National Park

In one day, you can see most of the park’s highlights and even fit in a hike into the canyon. The main area of the national park, with the largest concentration of hoodoos and the four most famous and popular viewpoints is Bryce Amphitheater. If you only visit one part of Bryce Canyon National Park, this should be it.

The four main viewpoints are Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point. You can catch a free shuttle between them or walk part of the Rim Trail between two or more of them. Try to visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light.

READ MORE: Best Bryce Canyon Viewpoints

The other main area of the park that you shouldn’t miss (unless it’s closed for snow if you’re visiting in the winter months) is the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. Drive 18 miles to the end of the road at Rainbow Point, then stop off at several viewpoints along the way on your return trip.

If you like to hike, if you’re OK with a long day, you can squeeze in a hike as well. The most popular hike in the park is the Queens Garden – Navajo Loop Trail. This goes down below the rim to the bottom of the canyon. There are expansive views of the hoodoos as you go down to Queens Garden, and narrow switchbacks on the return up either side of the Navajo Loop.

If you have just one day in Bryce Canyon, it is really important to have a plan. Without one, you won’t get the most out of your limited time. Your best option is to get my 1 day itinerary for Bryce Canyon.

It has a detailed hour-by-hour schedule with alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and everything else you need to make the most of your day in Bryce Canyon.

>> Get a 1-Day Bryce Canyon Itinerary here

2 Days in Bryce Canyon National Park

View of hoodoos surrounded by trees under the blue sky in Bryce Canyon National Park.

If you can arrange the time, it’s much better to spend two days in Bryce Canyon National Park.

In two days, you can visit Bryce Amphitheater and see the four main viewpoints there, plus the 18-mile scenic drive. Plus, you can add in some more hikes and even do some other activities.

With this much time, you could either do the Queens Garden-Navajo Loop Hike or extend it and hike the full Figure 8 Loop Trail.

This extra day also gives you time to visit Fairyland Point and hike the Fairyland Loop Trail. Fairyland Canyon has been described as Queen’s Garden on steroids. It’s a younger part of the park than the main Bryce Amphitheater, so the hoodoos are a little less formed, but no less spectacular. And a lot fewer people go there!

You will also have time to visit Mossy Cave and can even add in an additional activity like horseback riding into the canyon or cycling around the area at the top of the canyon.

READ MORE: Best Things To Do In Bryce Canyon

I recommend spending at least two days in Bryce Canyon. This will give you time to see and experience the highlights of the park.

If you have just two days in Bryce Canyon National Park, it’s really important to have a plan. Without one, you won’t get the most out of your limited time. Your best option is to get my 2 day itinerary for Bryce Canyon National Park.

>> Get a 2-Day Bryce Canyon Itinerary here

3 Days in Bryce Canyon National Park

View of James holding a camera at Rim Trail facing the rock mountains and hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.

If you have even more time, you could easily spend three or more days in Bryce Canyon National Park. Although you can see all the highlights in two days, if you have three or more, you can do more hikes and more activities.

With this much time, you don’t need to decide which trails to take – hike them all. Add in some additional activities like horse-back riding and cycling and you will have a truly amazing vacation!

Travel Insurance for Bryce Canyon National Park

In addition to deciding how long to stay in Bryce Canyon, you will also need get travel insurance for your trip. Whether it’s for unexpected trip cancelation, emergency repatriation or medical help, or to replace something lost or stolen, having travel insurance will give you piece of mind and help you when you need it.

A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy Bryce Canyon National Park!

As you’re planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, in addition to deciding how long to visit Bryce Canyon for, you might also want to read:

>> Itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park
>> Bryce Canyon National Park Guide
>> Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
>> Best Airports for Bryce Canyon National Park
>> How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park
>> Fun Facts About Bryce Canyon National Park

Did this help you decide how much time to spend at Bryce Canyon National Park? I’d love to hear. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).

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How Long You Need in Bryce Canyon

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About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.