National park · United States

Bryce Canyon National Park

Give Bryce one full day: drive to the far viewpoints in the morning, then walk the Queen's Garden–Navajo loop from Sunrise Point before 10:00 or after 15:00. Skip it as a day trip from Las Vegas (4 h each way); sleep in Bryce Canyon City or Tropic instead.Give Bryce one full day: drive to the far viewpoints in the morning, then walk the Queen's Garden–Navajo loop from Sunrise Point before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM. Skip it as a day trip from Las Vegas (4 h each way); sleep in Bryce Canyon City or Tropic instead.

Not field-verified

Source checked: A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked: Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated: Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

145 km² (56 sq mi)56 sq mi (145 km²)

approximate

Established

1928

Best months

May–Jun, Sep–Oct

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…

North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

At a glance

Country: United States
Area: 145 km² (56 sq mi)56 sq mi (145 km²); About 35,835 acres (145 km²) per the park's own figure; older sources round to 56 sq mi.
Established: 1928
Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Permits: For some areas

Bryce is not a canyon but a row of amphitheaters cut into the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, filled with limestone spires called hoodoos. The park road runs 18 miles (29 km) from the entrance to Rainbow Point, and the whole visit sits between 8,000 and 9,000 ft (2,440–2,740 m), so the air is thin and the nights are cold even in July. Most people see the Bryce Amphitheater from four overlooks and one loop trail; the quieter half of the park is the southern drive and the longer trails below the rim.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

No UNESCO listing; national park since 1928.

Size and age

145 km² (56 sq mi)56 sq mi (145 km²) · national park since 1928

About 35,835 acres (145 km²) per the park's own figure; older sources round to 56 sq mi.

Why go

Hoodoo amphitheaters you can walk into, not just photograph from a railing.
One of the darkest skies in the lower 48; the park runs astronomy programs and a June festival.
A single day covers the classic viewpoints; a second day opens the 18-mile southern drive and the trails below the rim.
High elevation keeps summer days cooler than Zion or the Grand Canyon, and the same height makes winter snowshoeing possible.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanCaution
FebCaution
MarGo
AprGo
MayBest
JunBest
JulCaution
AugCaution
SepBest
OctBest
NovGo
DecCaution

JanSnow and ice; some trails closed; snowshoe walks
FebCold, clear; ice on the rim
MarSnow melting; lodge opens late March
AprMild days, freezing nights; some ice below the rim
MayShuttle starts; trails clear; crowds build
JunWarm, dry; astronomy festival; busiest weekends
JulMonsoon thunderstorms most afternoons
AugStorm season continues; lightning risk below the rim
SepStorms fade; comfortable walking; shuttle still runs
OctClear, cold nights; shuttle ends late October
NovQuiet; lodge closes early November
DecSnow; the road beyond the amphitheater may close

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Bryce Canyon National Park
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mule deer around the rim and campgroundsMay–Oct · Do not feed them; food-conditioned deer become aggressive.	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no
Elk and pronghorn on the plateau outside the parkMay–Jun, Sep–Oct	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	no	no	yes	yes	no	no
Clark's nutcracker, ravens and Steller's jaysAll year	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Mountain lion and black bearAll year · Rarely seen; store food properly at campsites.	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Las Vegas

I-15 north, then Utah 9, US-89 and Utah 12 through Red Canyon; the last stretch climbs onto the plateau.

4–4.5 h

Open the page →

From Salt Lake City

I-15 south to Beaver or Nephi, then US-89 and Utah 12.

4–4.5 h

Open the page →

From Zion National Park

Utah 9 through the Zion tunnel to US-89, then Utah 12 east.

2–2.5 h

From Cedar City

Utah 14 to US-89, then Utah 12; the nearest small commercial airport.

1.5–2 h

Zones and sectors

Zones of Bryce Canyon National Park
Zone	What is there	Access
Bryce Amphitheater	The four classic overlooks — Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce Point — plus the loop trails below the rim.	Open with a ticket; shuttle in season; parking fills by mid-morning.
Southern scenic drive	Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow and Yovimpa Points.	Open by car; the road beyond the amphitheater may close after heavy snow.
Fairyland	The northern rim and the Fairyland Loop, quieter than the amphitheater.	Open; trailhead at Fairyland Point.
Backcountry below the rim	The Under-the-Rim Trail and Riggs Spring Loop, with designated campsites.	Permit required for overnight stays.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Approximate positions along the park road, for orientation only.

1Bryce Canyon Visitor Center · Headquarters≈37.640, -112.170Map ↗
2Sunrise Point · Viewpoint≈37.628, -112.163Map ↗
3Sunset Point · Viewpoint≈37.623, -112.166Map ↗
4Inspiration Point · Viewpoint≈37.616, -112.170Map ↗
5Bryce Point · Viewpoint≈37.604, -112.156Map ↗
6Natural Bridge · Viewpoint≈37.532, -112.260Map ↗
7Rainbow Point · Viewpoint≈37.475, -112.240Map ↗
8Bryce Canyon City · Town≈37.674, -112.157Map ↗
9Tropic · Town≈37.624, -112.087Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

9 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Approximate positions along the park road, for orientation only.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

TrailsModerate2.5–3.5 hQueen's Garden and Navajo LoopThe standard first walk: down from Sunrise Point past Queen Victoria, up the Wall Street switchbacks to Sunset Point. About 4.6 km (2.9 mi) with 500–600 ft of climb.

TrailsEasy1–3 hRim Trail between the overlooksPaved in parts, running along the cliff edge from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point; walk one section and ride the shuttle back.

ViewpointsEasy2–3 hSouthern drive to Rainbow Point29 km (18 mi) each way with stops at Natural Bridge and the southern overlooks; the quietest hours are before 10:00.

TrailsHard4–5 hFairyland Loop12.9 km (8 mi) with about 900 ft of climbing; the northern half of the amphitheater with a fraction of the traffic.

TrailsHard3–4 hPeekaboo Loop8.8 km (5.5 mi) below the rim; shared with horses, so expect dust and droppings.

CultureEasy2–4 hHorseback or mule ride into the amphitheaterRuns spring through fall; a way to cover the Peekaboo trail without the climb.Booking: Book with the in-park concessioner or a Tropic outfitter

ViewpointsEasy1–2 hRanger astronomy programTelescope sessions in the dark sky park; the June astronomy festival is the biggest event of the year.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

USD ranges · check

Fees for Bryce Canyon National Park
Item	Range	Per	Note
Entrance, private vehicle	US$35	vehicle	Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate, confirm current rate on the park site.
Entrance, motorcycle	US$30	motorcycle	Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate.
Entrance, per person on foot or bike	US$20	person	Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate.
America the Beautiful annual pass	US$80	year	Covers entrance at federal sites for a year; 2026 estimate.
North or Sunset campground, tent site	US$20–30	night	Rates have risen since the last published figures; check the park site.
Backcountry permit	US$10–15	permit	Plus a per-person nightly fee; check current amounts.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entrance permit or guide

Pay at the entrance station on Utah 63, or show an America the Beautiful pass.

Backcountry camping permit or guide

Reserve in advance through the park's backcountry permit system; sites are limited and fill in spring and fall.

Horseback rides no permit

Book with the in-park concessioner or an outfitter based in Tropic; rides run spring through fall.

What would our group pay?

from the fee rows above · estimates

People

Nights or days

Entrance, private vehicleper vehicleUS$35
Entrance, motorcycleper motorcycleUS$30
Entrance, per person on foot or bikeper personUS$20
America the Beautiful annual passper yearUS$80
North or Sunset campground, tent siteper nightUS$20–30
Backcountry permitper permitUS$10–15

Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.

A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on National Park Service — Bryce Canyon fees and passes before you go.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Stay on trails below the rim: The hoodoos are soft rock and the slopes are loose; shortcuts cause erosion and rescues.
No drones: Launching or landing a drone anywhere in the park is prohibited.
No feeding wildlife: Keep food and scented items stored; animals that get human food often die later.
Pets: Allowed only on paved roads and the paved Rim Trail between the lodge and Sunset Point; not on trails below the rim.
Campfires: Only in provided rings at campgrounds; check fire restrictions in dry summers.

Where to stay

In the park

Bryce Canyon Lodge

The only in-park lodging, between Sunrise and Sunset Points; open roughly late March to early November, cabins a shorter season.

In the park

North and Sunset Campgrounds

Two in-park campgrounds, no hook-ups; North is first-come, Sunset takes summer reservations.

Near the park

Bryce Canyon City

Motels and a campground just outside the entrance, walkable to nothing but the shuttle.

Near the park

Tropic and Cannonville

Smaller, cheaper rooms 15–25 min down Utah 12.

Safety

Altitude medium

The rim sits near 2,440 m (8,000 ft). Take the first day slowly, drink more water than feels necessary, and expect breathlessness on the climbs.

Afternoon thunderstorms high

In July and August, be out of the amphitheater by early afternoon; lightning hits the rim and exposed switchbacks first.

Ice and snow on trails medium

From November to March, use traction devices; the Navajo Loop's Wall Street section closes under ice.

Heat and exposure medium

There is little shade below the rim; carry 2 L of water per person and turn around if you are behind schedule.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Date

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

The Rim Trail between the lodge and Sunset Point is paved and wheelchair accessible, with overlooks along it.
The visitor center, lodge and general store are accessible; shuttle buses carry wheelchairs.
Trails below the rim are steep, uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Visiting lightly

Ride the seasonal shuttle instead of circling for parking at the amphitheater overlooks.
Refill bottles at the visitor center rather than buying single-use plastic.
Stay off the hoodoo slopes; the formations erode quickly once footprints break the crust.
Keep to designated campsites below the rim to limit impact on the backcountry.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Bryce Canyon National Park?

A private vehicle pays about US$35 for a 7-day pass (2026 estimate); motorcycles about US$30 and people arriving on foot or by bike about US$20. The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers Bryce and other federal sites for a year. Check the park site for the current rate before you drive up.

What are the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park?

For a first visit, the Queen's Garden–Navajo combination (2.9 mi / 4.6 km) from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point shows the amphitheater from below. The Rim Trail is the easy option along the edge. If you have a second day, the Fairyland Loop (8 mi / 12.9 km) is the quietest long walk, and the Peekaboo Loop (5.5 mi / 8.8 km) goes deepest into the formations.

When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?

May, June, September and October give mild days, cold nights and open trails. July and August are warm but bring afternoon thunderstorms that make the exposed switchbacks risky. Winter is quiet and snowy, with some trails icy and the road beyond the amphitheater sometimes closed.

Do I need a reservation to drive into Bryce Canyon?

No timed-entry reservation is required for the park road. Parking at the amphitheater overlooks fills by mid-morning in summer, so use the seasonal shuttle from the entrance area or arrive before 9:00.

Can I see Bryce Canyon in one day?

Yes. Drive the 18-mile southern road to Rainbow Point in the morning, then walk the Queen's Garden–Navajo loop in the afternoon when the amphitheater is in shade. Two days let you add the Fairyland Loop or a horseback ride.

Is Bryce Canyon near Zion and the Grand Canyon?

Bryce is about 2–2.5 hours from Zion's east side and roughly 2.5 hours from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in season. Most drivers link Bryce with Zion, Capitol Reef and Arches on a southern Utah loop.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

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