You’ve decided to go to the home of hoodoos, but aren’t sure how to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Not to worry.
I’m James Ian and I’m a national park expert, with extensive knowledge of Bryce Canyon. And I’m here to share my top tips for your first visit to Bryce Canyon, based on my experience and expertise.
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If you are planning to visit Bryce Canyon National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1- and 2-day itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park at include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.
Check out the two Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary options
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1. Start Your Day Early
Getting an early start at Bryce Canyon National Park is the best way to experience the park’s beauty without the crowds. The soft morning light offers a magical glow on the hoodoos, and the cooler temperatures make for perfect hiking conditions.
Plus, you’ll find that parking is much easier, and you can enjoy the silence and solitude that comes with being one of the first on the trails.
Additionally, starting early helps you avoid the midday heat, which can be intense in the summer months. This is particularly important if you’re planning to hike, as the high elevation means the sun’s rays are stronger here than at lower altitudes.
2. Focus on the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater if your visit is short
I recommend at least two days in Bryce Canyon National Park, but if your time is limited, make the most of it by heading straight to the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater.
This natural arena is where you’ll find the most dense and iconic collection of hoodoos in the park. The famous viewpoints here, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point, offer stunning, expansive views that are easy to access and perfect for those who want to experience the park’s grandeur without venturing too far from the main area.
The amphitheater is also the starting point for several awe-inspiring trails that descend into the canyon, giving you an up-close look at the intricate rock formations. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, this area of the park will give you a memorable experience and plenty of photo opportunities.
3. Take the Scenic Drive
If you have a little more time, Bryce Canyon’s 18-mile Scenic Drive is a must-do, offering access to the park’s high-elevation areas and a series of viewpoints each more breathtaking than the last.
I recommend driving the full length to Rainbow Point at the far end of the road, the highest part of the park, and then stop at various overlooks on the way back.
Each stop presents a new perspective of the park’s unique geological features.
The drive is not only convenient, but it also allows you to see a large portion of the park from the comfort of your vehicle, making it ideal for those who prefer not to hike or are short on time.
Remember to pull over at the turnouts to take in the views safely and consider bringing along a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated areas.
Read my Guide to the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive for more details.
4. Hike the Park’s Trails
If you have the time and mobility, hiking among the hoodoos is magical.
There’s a variety of trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Two of the most popular trails are the Navajo Loop and the Queen’s Garden Trail. These trails take you down into the main amphitheater, allowing you to wander among the towering hoodoos and experience the park’s surreal landscape up close.
The Navajo Loop is known for its famous Wall Street section, a narrow switchback trail running between sheer cliffs, while the Queen’s Garden Trail is the least difficult path into the canyon and offers a look at the whimsical rock formations known as the Queen’s Garden.
For details of these and other hiking trails, read my guide the Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park.
5. Use the Free Shuttle Service
Bryce Canyon’s free shuttle service is a convenient way to explore the main part of the park without the hassle of parking and driving.
The shuttle runs along a route that stops at the most popular viewpoints and trailheads, making it easy to hop on and off as you please. By using the shuttle, you’re also helping to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the environmental impact on the park.
The shuttle service typically operates from mid-spring through fall. Check the current timetable, pick up a map, and plan your route to make the most of this service. It’s an efficient and eco-friendly way to enjoy Bryce Canyon’s splendors.
6. Watch the Sunrise and/ or Sunset
One of the most breathtaking experiences in Bryce Canyon is watching the sunrise or sunset paint the hoodoos with vibrant colors.
The natural amphitheater’s orientation makes it a perfect stage for the sun’s daily show, casting dynamic shadows and illuminating the rock spires in hues of orange, pink, and red.
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are aptly named for these events, but almost any high vantage point along the rim will provide a memorable experience.
For sunrise, arrive early to find your spot and watch the darkness fade as the day begins.
For sunset, join the quieting world as the sun dips below the horizon and the stars begin to twinkle. These moments of natural beauty are not to be missed and are some of the most photographed scenes in the park.
READ MORE: Best Views in Bryce Canyon National Park
7. Explore the park’s night skies by participating in a ranger-led astronomy program
Bryce Canyon is a haven (or heaven) for stargazers. The park is recognized for its exceptionally dark skies, and is an official International Dark Sky Place. This makes it an ideal spot for astronomy. The lack of light pollution means you can see thousands of stars with your naked eye, including the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
Participate in a ranger-led astronomy program to learn about constellations, planets, and the science of the cosmos. These programs often include telescope viewing, allowing you to gaze at celestial wonders with clarity. Check the park’s schedule for nighttime events, which may include full moon hikes or special astronomy presentations.
Remember to dress warmly, as nights at high elevation can be quite cool, even in summer.
READ MORE: Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
8. Be Prepared for Sudden Weather Changes
Bryce Canyon’s high altitude means the weather can be unpredictable, and sudden changes are common.
You might start your hike under a clear blue sky and find yourself in the middle of a rain or snow shower an hour later. Always check the weather forecast before you head out, but be prepared for it to change without much warning.
Dressing in layers is the best strategy to handle these fluctuations. This allows you to add or remove clothing as needed to stay comfortable. Keep a waterproof jacket and warm layers in your backpack, and consider moisture-wicking materials for your base layers.
9. Visit Lesser-Known Overlooks and Trails
While Bryce Canyon’s main attractions in Bryce Amphitheater and the scenic drive are spectacular, there’s a special kind of magic in the lesser-known spots. For a more solitary experience, venture to overlooks and trails that are off the beaten path.
Fairyland Point, for example, offers stunning views and a quieter atmosphere.
Similarly, trails like the Fairyland Loop and the Peek-A-Boo Loop are less crowded but equally rewarding with their breathtaking vistas and opportunities for solitude.
By exploring these areas, you’ll get a different perspective of the park and perhaps find a moment of peace away from the main tourist spots.
10. Purchase a Detailed Itinerary
If you’re looking to maximize your time in Bryce Canyon National Park without the stress of planning, purchasing a detailed itinerary can be incredibly beneficial.
I offer carefully created 1-day and 2-day itineraries that provide an hour-by-hour breakdown of activities tailored to various fitness levels and interests.
These itineraries are designed to alleviate the overwhelm of trip planning by including essential tips for visiting, important park information, detailed descriptions of hikes, driving directions, and scenic drive details.
Having a pre-planned itinerary allows you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics, ensuring you don’t miss any of the park’s highlights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, these itineraries can help streamline your visit and make your adventure in Bryce Canyon as enjoyable and efficient as possible.
Read more about what’s included in the Bryce Canyon Itineraries here.
Enjoy your visit – Bryce Canyon National Park!
You might also like
Bryce Canyon Itinerary
Fun Facts About Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park Guide
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
Best Bryce Canyon Viewpoints
Closest Airport to Bryce Canyon National Park
How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park
Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
The Airports Near Bryce Canyon National Park
Do you have any other Bryce Canyon National Park tips? I’d love to hear about them. 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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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.
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