Bryce Canyon National Park: Itinerary, Attractions & Things to Do
If you found this post you are likely considering a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park and looking for the best way to maximize your experience.
Bryce Canyon is known for its incredible red rock formations, unique hoodoos, and stunning panoramic views, making it a need-to-see destination of the American Southwest.
To aid your journey in the park, this guide provides invaluable information to help plan your visit, find the need-to-see sights, activities and experiences you won’t want to miss this fall.
Bryce Canyon National Park is the best place to be, regardless of whether it’s your first time there or your hundredth time that you need to find out about the best scenic trails and how to photograph the magic.
Inside: A breakdown of the best places to visit, what to expect during your trip and how to get the most out of your time in this natural wonder.
Explore one of the most unusual landscapes that exist on this earth with the ultimate guide to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Views
Get your adventure underway at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, where you can grab maps, brush up on park history and check out the latest on trail conditions.
Your first day is all about the Bryce Amphitheater, which is the park’s most iconic terrain with thousands of hoodoos and breathtaking viewpoints.
Be sure to visit Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce Points for some of the most stunning panoramas in the park, each with its own vantage point of the amphitheater.
As the day comes to an end, head to Sunset Point to see the colors of the canyon shift as the sun sets, and bathes the hoodoos in a golden hue.
Wind down your day with some stargazing (Bryce Canyon is a designated Dark Sky Park, so the night skies are some of the clearest you’ll find anywhere).
Day 2: Hiking and Scenery
Start your day with a sunrise hike on the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail, one of the park’s most popular and most scenic hikes.
This three-mile loop also leads you down into the amphitheater itself, winding through towering hoodoos, rock tunnels, and lush pine forests, providing a closer look at Bryce Canyon’s other-worldly formations.
After your hike, take it easy on the 18-mile scenic drive, getting out at spots like Aqua Canyon, Natural Bridge, and Rainbow Point.
The drive features several vistas offering stunning views and places to take a photo as you experience the beauty of Bryce Canyon from different angles.
Conclude your day with a picnic lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas, set among striking rock formations and tranquil pine forests.
Day 3: Backcountry Italia
For the more adventurous, the park’s backcountry trails, including the Riggs Spring Loop or the Fairyland Loop, provide solitude and less-trodden paths.
The Fairyland Loop is an 8-mile trail that takes you through a relatively peaceful part of the park, with stunning views of hoodoos, spires of rock and plunging canyons.
For a longer hike, the 8.5-mile Riggs Spring Loop is a scenic trail that takes you through pine forests and dramatic rocky outcrops, great for seasoned hikers.
Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and a map, as these trails are more remote and do not have many facilities compared to the main amphitheater area.
After your backcountry trip, you can enjoy a leisurely evening at one of the park’s campgrounds or nearby lodges, recollecting the spectacular sights you saw on the trail.
Must-See Attractions
Bryce Amphitheater: The main attraction in Bryce Canyon, consisting of thousands of hoodoos and some of the park’s most famous viewpoints.
Thor’s Hammer: This famous hoodoo looks like a hammer, and it’s from along the Navajo Loop Trail — one of the most photographed features in the park.
Wall Street: An epic narrow slot canyon found on the popular Navajo Loop Trail that features towering rock walls that stand as a backdrop for hikers.
Natural Bridge: A geological rock arch that resembles a bridge rather than a product of natural forces, providing a photo-opportunity as the the scenic drive continues.
Mossy Cave: A short hike outside the main amphitheater area that ends in a small waterfall and cave, ideal for families and those seeking an easy trail.
Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park
Stargazing: Due to low light pollution, Bryce Canyon has some of the most pristine night skies in the U.S. — visitors can witness the Milky Way and a multitude of stars.
Horseback Riding: Discover the park’s trails on horseback via guided tours that venture deep into the canyon for a unique vantage point of the landscape.
Photography: The dramatic landscapes of Bryce Canyon are beautiful opportunities for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the colors of the rocks are relatively active.
Ranger Programs: Participate in a ranger-led program to gain more knowledge of the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history, helping you get more out of your visit to Bryce Canyon.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking: In winter, experience the park’s snowy landscapes through activities such as snowshoeing, providing a peaceful and less crowded experience.
Plan your trip Conclusion, Bryce Canyon National Park: Itinerary, Attractions & Things to do
Bryce Canyon National Park is unlike any other in the United States, with stunning vistas, unique geological formations, and enough adventure opportunities to keep travellers busy.
Whether you are hiking among the hoodoos, getting capture sunrise at the amphitheater, or exploring remote trails, every corner of Bryce Canyon contains something magical.
Now that you’ve got this guide, you are armed and ready to fully take advantage of your visit, and not miss any of the the top attractions and experiences the park has to offer.
Whether you prefer a leisurely scenic drive or a strenuous hike, Bryce is the perfect choice for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
So grab your bags, bring your camera, and prepare to visit one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. and make lifelong memories.
