Bryce Canyon National Park is often hailed as one of the most stunning national parks in the U.S. Despite its grandeur, it’s surprisingly compact, allowing visitors to cover many highlights in just one or two days. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top activities in Bryce Canyon, ranging from awe-inspiring hikes to breathtaking overlooks.
Queens Garden and Navajo Loop
If you plan to hike in Bryce Canyon, make sure to include this trail. It’s relatively easy for the incredible views and closeness to the hoodoos you’ll enjoy. The trail is about 3 miles long and moderately challenging, with a bit of ascent as you exit the canyon. Most people complete it in 1.5 to 2 hours, so budget your time accordingly. For more details, check out our guide on the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trail.
Sunrise Point
One of Bryce Canyon’s easily accessible overlooks, Sunset Point offers fantastic views over the amphitheater area. While it might not be the best spot for a sunrise (compared to Sunset Point), it’s worth visiting anytime. Located along the Rim Trail and the Fairyland Loop, it also serves as the starting point for the Queens Garden Trail. Plus, there’s ample parking, bathrooms, a general store, and picnic tables.
Sunset Point
Just a half-mile from Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail, Sunset Point provides a counter perspective to its neighboring Sunrise Point. It’s also the starting point for the Navajo Trail, which can be combined with the Queens Garden Trail for a loop. You can descend a bit to see unique formations like Thor’s Hammer. The point is conveniently connected to the Bryce Canyon shuttle.
Inspiration Point
Perhaps my favorite overlook, Inspiration Point offers both lower and upper observation points for an array of stunning views. It’s particularly magical at sunrise. Don’t miss either the upper or lower points for slightly different perspectives of the hoodoos.
Bryce Point
Bryce Point delivers some of the most spectacular views of the hoodoos at any time of day, especially early or late. It’s also the starting point for the Peekaboo Trail and the longer Under-the-Rim Trail. Don’t miss the famous Wall of Windows from Bryce Point and along the Peekaboo Trail.
Mossy Cave Trail
This unique trail diverges from the typical amphitheater and canyon areas, offering a glimpse into a different part of the park and its history. The 1-mile hike takes you past an irrigation ditch, leading to a cave and views of some hoodoos. You’ll also encounter a waterfall and the moss-covered Mossy Cave.
Fairyland Loop Trail
For a longer and less crowded hike, the Fairyland Loop Trail is a gem. It offers magnificent views of hoodoos and takes you through a quieter part of the canyon. Typically, it takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure you have enough time before setting out.
Fairyland Point
Located at the park’s northern end, Fairyland Point offers spectacular canyon views and serves as the starting point for the Fairyland Loop. Fewer visitors make it here, making it a tranquil spot. It’s situated outside the park’s pay station, offering a quick yet rewarding stop.
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Opened in 1925, this historic lodge offers 114 rooms, including suites, motel rooms, and cabins. The lodge features a gift shop and a restaurant and offers a magical experience, harkening back to a time when park visitation was minimal. It’s a great spot for a meal or rest.
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
The first stop for any park visitor, the Visitor Center provides valuable information, ranger-led tours, and fascinating exhibits about the park and its hoodoos. You can also watch a film detailing the park’s history.
Tower Bridge
This iconic landmark within the park features impressive hoodoo formations resembling a stone bridge. You can either hike out-and-back to the bridge or opt for a longer loop via the Fairyland Loop.
Rim Trail
Stretching 5.5 miles from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, the Rim Trail offers dynamic views of the hoodoos and canyons. You can hike it point-to-point or round-trip, with shuttle options available to shorten the return.
Red Canyon [Dixie National Forest]
Just outside Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon and Dixie National Forest offer impressive red rock formations and numerous trails, including bike paths. Be sure to visit the seasonal Visitor Center for more information.
Stargazing
Bryce Canyon is renowned for its dark skies, making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The park offers regular night sky programs during high season. Try to visit on a moonless night for the best experience.
Rainbow Point
Located at the park’s southern end, Rainbow Point offers a magnificent view back over the canyon. It’s an excellent starting point for various trails, including Riggs Spring, Bristlecone, and the Under-the-Rim Trail.
Yovimpa Point
The southernmost viewpoint accessible by road, Yovimpa Point provides sweeping vistas of the Grand Staircase and beyond. It’s the starting point for several trails, including the Riggs Spring and Bristlecone Loop.
Peekaboo Trail
This 5.5-mile loop takes you through some of the park’s most incredible hoodoo formations. You can connect it to the Navajo Trail for an extended experience.
Natural Bridge
A unique roadside overlook, the Natural Bridge offers a different perspective from most other overlooks in the park. It’s a quick stop worth making.
Wall Street
One of the park’s most famous hike segments, Wall Street takes you through a narrow canyon surrounded by hoodoos. Note that it’s currently closed due to rockslides.
Farview Point
With an elevation of 8,819 feet, this aptly named point offers expansive views of Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase. You can even see distant landmarks like the Kaibab Plateau and Navajo Mountain.
Bristlecone Pine Trail
Near Rainbow and Yovimpa Points, this easy 1-mile loop offers cliffside views and a chance to see ancient bristlecone pines.
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park
Hotels
– *Bryce Canyon Lodge*: The best and only in-park lodging option.
– *Best Western Ruby’s Inn*: Conveniently located just outside the park entrance.
– *Best Western Grand Hotel*: Slightly nicer than Ruby’s Inn, located nearby.
– *Bryce Pioneer Village*: A budget-friendly option with an on-site restaurant located in Tropic.
Camping
– *North Campground*: 100 sites for tents and RVs, requiring reservations during peak season.
– *Sunset Campground*: 100 sites, 50 for tents and 50 for RVs, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional Reads
– *UTAH: Completing the Hickman Bridge Hike – Capitol Reef National Park*
– *UTAH: Observation Point via East Mesa Trail Guide: Zion National Park*
– *UTAH: Delicate Arch Hike Guide – Arches National Park*
– *UTAH: Angel’s Landing Hike Complete Guide: Zion National Park*
– *ARIZONA: Best Things to Do in Page, AZ*
– *ARIZONA: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park*
Enjoy your adventure in Bryce Canyon National Park!