National Park Fee Change As of January 1, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) has implemented a surcharge for non-U.S. residents visiting Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks. Learn more.

Bryce Canyon National Park

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Bryce Canyon National Park is a high-altitude wonder and home to the largest collection of hoodoos on Earth. Silent forests of orange, pink and white limestone pillars descend into the vast Bryce Amphitheater.

It’s an environmental marvel offering unique adventures for travelers of all ages. Easy paths along the Rim Trail provide level walking and sweeping views of the canyon floor, while rugged routes like the Peek-a-Boo Loop or Fairyland Loop offer steep descents and encounters with towering rock fins.

Bryce is a year-round destination for exploration. Guests hike, ride horses, snowshoe through winter drifts, cross-country ski and view the Milky Way inside this certified Dark Sky Park. Local gateway towns of Bryce Canyon City and Tropic provide lodging and dining near the park entrance. Nearby treasures such as Kodachrome Basin State Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offer even more desert discovery.

Things to Do in Bryce Canyon Winter in Bryce Canyon

Discover the Bryce Canyon Region

Summer Activities

Winter Activities

Couple cross-country skiing in Bryce Canyon National Park. — Photo: Hage Photo

Horseback riding at Ruby’s Inn, just outside Bryce Canyon National Park. — Photo: Courtesy of Ruby's Inn

Visitor Centers, Entrances & Nearby Towns

Bryce Canyon National Park has a single entrance gateway near Bryce Canyon City. The park entrance leads directly to the visitor center, an essential first stop. This hub provides driving directions, weather forecasts, hiking tips and a schedule of ranger-led programs. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet or gather information on local lodging and dining.

The facility offers more than just logistics. Stroll the museum and bookstore, then stop to watch the award-winning film "A Song of Seasons" for stunning scenes of the park throughout the year. The visitor center is open daily, though hours shift with the seasons.

Summer hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Spring and fall hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Winter hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Getting To Bryce & Nearby Airports

Seasons, Weather & Best Time to Visit

Experience the best of Southern Utah’s mountain and desert climates. Summer visitation peaks during July’s “monsoon” season, when dramatic afternoon lightning storms interrupt dry, warm weather around 80°F. Night dips into the 30–40°F. November through March are the coldest months, with temperatures peaking in the 30–40°F range and dropping to freezing at night. Because of its higher elevation, Bryce is cooler than the other national parks and carries snow longer into spring.

The best time to visit Bryce Canyon depends on what you’re looking for. May through September offer ideal hiking weather in the 60s and 70s– aim for late May or September for the perfect balance of mild temperatures and fewer crowds. If you prefer solitude, the November–March winter season offers otherworldly views of snow-capped hoodoos and red rocks that you won’t find anywhere else. Pack accordingly to prepare for freezing nights and daytime highs that rarely break 40°F.

Bryce Canyon Travel Tips

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

Hell's Backbone Grill
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Ranger-led Star Programs
Road Trip Southwest Utah

See Itinerary

Dark-Sky_South_Bryce-Canyon_Thors-Hammer_Zajac-Marcin_2023_Bryce

"At Bryce, there's something awe-inspiring about the way the canyon's red rock hoodoos interact with the infinite depths of the Universe."

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.

Explore Camping Near Bryce Canyon

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Nearby Basecamps

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.

Bryce Canyon National Park FAQs

Where should I stay?

It depends on your priority: stay at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon for immediate rim access, Bryce Canyon City (Ruby’s Inn) for modern amenities and families, or Tropic (15 minutes away) for a quieter, local cabin vibe.

How many days should I spend at Bryce Canyon National Park?

One to two days is ideal. One day allows you to see the main amphitheater and hike popular trails, while a second day lets you drive the full 18-mile scenic road and catch a sunrise without rushing.

Can I drive through the park?

Yes. Unlike some other parks, private vehicles are allowed year-round. However, parking at popular viewpoints fills up fast from April to October, so using the free Bryce Amphitheater Shuttle is highly recommended during peak hours.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, but only in specific areas. Pets are permitted only on paved surfaces, including campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads and most paved viewpoints (except Piracy Point). They are also allowed on the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points and the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point.

Rules to remember:

Prohibited Areas: Pets are not allowed on unpaved trails, at Piracy Point, in public buildings or on the park shuttle bus. This applies even if the pet is being carried.
Leash Rules: Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Unattended Pets: Pets cannot be left tied to objects. While they can stay in vehicles, idling or generator use is prohibited; be mindful of temperatures.
Conduct: Owners must pick up waste and ensure pets do not make "unreasonable noise." Failure to follow these rules can result in a fine (minimum $75).