Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique parks in America featuring geological structures called hoodoos. The Utah park is smaller than other nearby national parks such as Zion and Grand Canyon but deserves a visit because it is so different than any other park in the country. Due to it’s relative closeness to other parks, you can easily see the best of Bryce Canyon in one day as part of an American Southwest road trip.
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Where to Stay
You can always camp in or around the park. However, if you need to see the best of Bryce Canyon in one day, it maybe more convenient to stay at a hotel for the night. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is a good option if you want to stay inside the park. Located just outside the park entrance are several hotel options as well, such as the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn.
When to Go
Bryce sits at an elevation of 8,000 – 9,000 feet and experiences much cooler temperatures than its other Utah park counterparts. Typically the best times to experience Bryce Canyon in one day is from May to September when the weather is warmer, but the crowds will be at much higher levels. The shoulder months of March-April and October-November would be less crowded, but you risk road and trail closures due to snowfall.
How to Get Here
From Zion National Park – Drive through Zion National Park via the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway (also known as Highway 9). After you exit the park, continue on Highway 9. When you reach the Mt. Carmel Junction, turn left (north) on US-89 N. Drive 43 miles and turn right (east) on UT-12. When you are just a couple miles from the park entrance, turn right (south) on UT-63. From Zion, the drive is 84 miles and just under 2 hours.
From Capitol Reef National Park – Drive west on UT-24 and cut across on Browns Lane before turning left on UT-62. After 26 miles, turn left on UT-22 (south). Turn right on Johns Valley Road and continue on UT-63 to the park entrance. Keep in mind Johns Valley Road is a narrow, windy road in a canyon. Large RV drivers should be wary of taking this route. From Capitol Reef, this drive is 107 miles or approximately 2 hours.
What are the Fees
You will need to purchase a park pass to enter Bryce Canyon. The cost is $35 per private vehicle or $20 per person for those 16 and older. The park pass is good for 7 consecutive days. If you are planning to see Bryce Canyon in one day as part of a larger national parks road trip, you should purchase an America the Beautiful park pass, which will allow you into all national parks for a year. Also, if you have a 4th grader in your household, you can get a family pass to the national parks that is good for a year. Find out more about that benefit here.
How to Get Around in the Park
You can bring your personal vehicle inside the park. However, the parking areas get full during busy times, so you may want to consider taking the shuttle. The cost of the shuttle is included in your park pass, so you will not have to pay any additional money for this service. The shuttle generally operates from April to October. For specific dates and operation times, please visit the Bryce Canyon shuttle information website.
Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail
We began our day with the Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail. Located outside the park entrance along UT-12, is a short but nice trail that is perfect to start to the Bryce Canyon in one day itinerary. Because it is an easy, 1-mile hike that features a waterfall and a cave, it is an ideal hike for children.
Bryce Canyon NP Scenic Drive
After entering the park, you can make a pit stop at the Visitor Center to talk to park rangers about current trail conditions, shop for souvenirs, and take a bathroom break before starting the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. The drive is over 20 miles long. I recommend driving straight to Rainbow Point, which is the furthest point from the park entrance, and stopping at the view points on the way back. All the pullouts will be on the right side of the road if you do it this way. Make stops at as many view points as you like such as Ponderosa Canyon, Natural Bridge, and Farview Point on your way to the highlight of the drive, Bryce Amphitheatre.
Bryce Amphitheatre
You can walk the rim of the Amphitheatre, but we chose to drive from viewpoint to viewpoint to see the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. The amphitheater viewpoints include Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, and Fairyland Point.
After finishing the scenic drive, you will be hungry for lunch. You can either bring a picnic lunch into the park or drive just outside the park entrance for several restaurant options.
Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden
Hike down into the canyon and walk among the hoodoos on this epic trail. The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trail is a 3.5-mile, moderately difficult hike that takes you to the amphitheater floor through a series of switchbacks. Use hiking poles to make this trail less strenuous. This trail begins and ends at Sunset Point. Some of the trail highlights include Wall Street, Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridges, and Queen’s Garden. If you are short on time and want to cut 0.5 miles off your hike, you can end your hike at Sunrise Point. That last half mile is walking between the two points. This shortened version of the hike is easier if you are taking advantage of the shuttle system.
Other Possible Hikes
If you are looking for more to do in Bryce Canyon in one day or if you plan to spend more time at this park, here are other highly ranked trails.
Rim Trail – You can walk from various points along the rim of the amphitheater for views of the hoodoos. This hike can be as long or as short as you want, ranging from 1 mile to 11 miles.
Bristlecone Loop – This short 1 mile walk, located at Rainbow Point, will take you through forests with expansive vistas.
Peekaboo Loop – Peekaboo Loop is a strenuous, 5.5-mile hike through the heart of the park.
Fairyland Loop – This 8-mile, strenuous trail is located at the north side of the park and will take you past the Chinese Wall, Tower Bridge and many hoodoos.
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