Bryce Canyon National Park

Hours: 24/365
Weather: Mostly Sunny, 20F

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An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon. The alpine environment is home to dozens of species of mammals and birds, all acquainted with a spectacular truth: this is no ordinary forest. Water and wind over millions of years of freezes and thaws, have carved into the plateau endless fields of distinctive red rock pillars, called hoodoos, as well as into the park's series of natural amphitheaters. And because Bryce Canyon National Park is at an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, there are even opportunities for winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Things to Do in Bryce Canyon Winter in Bryce Canyon

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Summer Activities

Winter Activities

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Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodging

Stay at the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge inside the national park, or at a nearby hotel in Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, Cannonville, and Henrieville.

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Camping

Bryce Canyon National Park has two established campgrounds (North Campground and Sunset Campground) offering nearly 200 total campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs. Some backcountry camp areas are available as well (permits required). For travelers looking to camp outside the park, the gorgeous Kodachrome Basin State Park offers 52 additional sites less than 30 minutes away.

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Bryce Canyon Park Region Highlights

Nearby Towns

Bryce Canyon City

Right outside of the national park, Bryce Canyon City is most known as the home to Ruby's Inn, which offers lodging, camping, guided experiences, annual events, dining and a general store. This area is also a stop along the free Bryce Canyon Shuttle route.
Escalante

Escalante, UT

Between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks and perched on the edge of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, the town of Escalante offers access to some of the most beautiful parts of Southern Utah.
Panguitch

Panguitch, UT

Panguitch, Utah, captures the enduring pioneer spirit of Utah with its welcoming rural charm and strong sense of heritage.

Travel Tips

Navajo Trail to Queens Garden is one of the best 3-mile hikes anywhere and solace-seekers should consider the 8-mile Fairyland Loop.
Bryce Canyon’s pristine dark skies mean incredibly starry nights. Sign up early for astronomy programs.
Full moon hikes mean eerily well-lit hoodoos, but don’t forget your headlamp and jacket.
High altitude hiking means sunscreen, hats, long sleeves and extra water.
The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet.
Save Presidents Day weekend in February for the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival or bring your own mule for the May Mule Days.
Read these resources to learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Bryce Canyon National Park most fully.
View a downloadable map of Bryce Canyon National Park

More travel tips for visiting Bryce Canyon.

Weather

Travelers will experience the best of Southern Utah’s mountain and desert climates at Bryce Canyon. Summer visitation peaks during July’s “monsoon” season where travelers will encounter generally dry, warm weather around 80°F interspersed with dramatic afternoon lightning storms. Night dips into the 30–40°F’s. November–March are the coldest, with temperatures peaking in the 30–40°F’s and freezing at night. Because of its higher elevation, Bryce is cooler than the other national parks and carries snow longer into spring.

5 Days

Red Rock & Dark Skies: Stargazing the National Parks

This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Adventure, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Stargazing

Highlights