20 Fun Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking site to explore. It’s considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and it’s filled with breathtaking views. There are so many amazing things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park, from hiking to camping to exploring.

From the hoodoos and natural bridges to the wildlife and vast landscapes, there are so many sights to see! Read on to discover 20 of our favorite things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park to help you plan your own adventure.

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Quick List of What Not to Miss in Bryce Canyon

You’ll find more details about each of these activities as you scroll, but here’s a quick list to get your ideas flowing!

• Go for a hike (here are my favorite hikes in Bryce Canyon!)
• Watch the park film
• Take a scenic drive
• Attend a ranger program
• Go horseback riding
• Stargazing
• Go to a festival
• Take in the views at sunrise or sunset
• Become a Junior Ranger

22 Unbelievable Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Take an Easy Hike Along the Rim Trail

One of the best ways to get to know Bryce Canyon National Park is to take in the amazing Bryce amphitheater from the rim.

The Rim Trail can be easy or strenuous depending on where you begin. The full length of this trail is 11 miles long!

Sunrise Point to Sunset Point: This easy walk is entirely paved, making it one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the park.

Fairyland Point to Bryce Point: Expect steep elevation changes on this 5.5-mile stretch of the Rim Trail.

Watch the Park Film

One of our favorite things to do in any national park is watching the park film. These short (usually ~20 minute) movies provide a great overview of the places you’re visiting. Visitors can learn things like what makes the park special, significant park history, what kind of animals live there, and more!

The Bryce Canyon National Park film plays in the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center every day and runs for 24 minutes.

Cruise Along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

This 18-mile stretch of road takes you along the rim of Bryce Amphitheater. Along the way, you can stop at various viewpoints to see popular sights, such as Thor’s Hammer or Natural Bridge. You can also park or take the free shuttle to begin your hiking trips.

If you’re short on time, the most popular viewpoints closer to the park entrance include Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.

If you have more than a few hours, consider driving the full length of the road and stopping at Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point.

Attend Ranger Programs

Park Rangers are the protectors of these sacred lands and they have so much knowledge to share. That’s why ranger programs are some of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon!

Park rangers in Bryce Canyon offer programs on a variety of topics, including the unique geology that forms the park’s hoodoos and the Grand Staircase.

Rangers also take visitors on guided full moon hikes or snowshoe hikes in the winter. Another popular option is stargazing programs with a ranger, where you can learn all about the night sky.

Go to the Annual Astronomy Festival

Speaking of the night sky, one of the most fun things to do in Bryce Canyon is participating in the Annual Astronomy Festival.

The event typically takes place in June during a New Moon. Although most of the fun is after dark, the park also offers a variety of fun, family-friendly activities during the day as well! Kids can make lots of art projects with an astronomical theme before heading out on an evening constellation tour.

Hike the Mossy Cave Trail

This hike is becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. It’s a short hike that includes a small waterfall and a tiny cavern.

In summer, the little cave is exactly as you may picture, filled with moss. In winter, the cave is covered in icicles. Sometimes, these will stick around into June thanks to the shady conditions.

Due to this hike’s not-so-secret reputation, plan to do it first thing in the morning. The parking lot is very small, along the side of US Highway 12. If the parking lot is full, you’ll have to try again later – there are no other places to park along the busy scenic byway.

Hike the Navajo Loop Trail / Queen’s Garden Loop Trail

This is easily the most popular of all the things to do in Bryce Canyon. Start this hike early to avoid crowds, and to avoid hot temperatures in the summer months.

The Parks Expert recommends hiking in a clockwise direction to avoid steep switchbacks. This means beginning at Sunrise Point along the Queen’s Garden Trail before connecting to the Navajo Trail.

On the Navajo Loop, you can return to Sunset Point either on the Two Bridges route or the Wall Street Route. In winter, Two Bridges is likely your only option as the narrow Wall Street is usually closed.

If both routes are open when you hike, the Wall Street route is my favorite. While it may be a bit steeper, ascending through the only slot canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park is worth the effort.

Once you reach Sunset Point, you’re treated to stellar views of Thor’s Hammer, one of the most recognizable hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Remember, this is one of the most popular hikes. Expect to encounter lots of other people.

Head Out on a Snowshoe Hike

If you’re visiting in winter, one of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon is immersing yourself in the snowy landscape on snowshoes.

You can either attend a ranger-led snowshoe hike or head out on your own! Stop by the visitor center to ask about the best places to snowshoe. We recommend the Rim Trail on the flat, paved section between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point.

Cross-country skiing is also an option!

Attend the Geology Festival

If the Astronomy Festival doesn’t interest you, how about the Geology Festival?

Every July, this fun event includes ranger programs, art activities, guided hikes, and family-friendly geology programming.

Learn all about the park’s unique geologic formations, including how they formed and how old they are!

Take a Horseback Ride Below the Rim

If hiking below the rim sounds too strenuous for you, consider riding on the trails on horseback!

Ruby’s Inn, a staple in Bryce Canyon City for lodging, dining, and tours, offers well-known guided horseback rides. This popular attraction is one of the best ways to take in the scenic views of Bryce Amphitheater while also having the chance to sit and relax.

Plus, you’ll be seeing the fascinating landscape the same way some of the first explorers did!

Visit Fairyland Point and/or Hike Fairyland Loop

If you’re up for a more strenuous hike that isn’t one of the most popular hikes, check out the Fairyland Loop Trail.

Begin at Fairyland Point, one of the best vistas in the park. This 8-mile hike continues to popular attractions like Tower Bridge and the Chinese Wall.

If you’re short on time or can’t hike the full 8 miles, consider hiking the shorter 3-mile stretch to Tower Bridge.

Each of these hikes are great things to do in Bryce Canyon if you wish to see fewer crowds.

View the Natural Bridge

One of the most recognized formations in Bryce Canyon is Natural Bridge, a large formation located near the park’s Scenic Drive.

This is an easy stop to make and a great option for anyone who is short on time. The pullout and small parking area are on the side of the Scenic Drive. Then, a short, easy walk to the viewing platform will allow you to see the formation.

Hike the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail

This is another great hiking option for anyone looking to do something more strenuous. This steep hike will lead to extremely rewarding and spectacular views as you take in the Wall of Windows and other beautiful locations.

Begin your 5.5-mile hike at Bryce Point.

Spend a Night Camping Under the Stars

One of the best ways to experience a national park is to spend the night in a tent immersed in the surroundings. Bryce Canyon National Park offers options for backpacking as well as two developed campgrounds: Sunset Campground and North Campground.

View Thor’s Hammer

Like the Natural Bridge, this is another easy and recognizable formation to add to your list.

Visit Sunset Point by parking or taking the bus and taking a short walk to the viewing platform. For better views, you can start to descend on the Navajo Trail slightly. There’s no need to go too far to get amazing views.

Become a Junior Ranger

This one is perfect for kids or kids at heart. Completing Junior Ranger books is a great way to learn about the park in a fun atmosphere. Plus, you’ll earn a free souvenir from a park ranger when you’re finished!

Take in Sunrise or Sunset

Last but not least, one of the ultimate things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is to view sunrise or sunset. Most of the viewpoints look east, so sunrise is your best option. There is nothing like the views you’ll see of the sun casting its rays on the orange hoodoos.

TIP: View sunrise from Sunset Point for fewer crowds!

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

There are two communities near the park: Bryce Canyon City and Tropic.

In Bryce Canyon City, Ruby’s Inn is the most popular place to stay. There are two hotels managed by Best Western: Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel and Best Western Plus – Ruby’s Inn. They are across the street from one another. There’s also the Bryce View Lodge, Bryce Canyon Pines, and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Another great option is the Bryce Canyon Lodge, located inside the national park boundaries. Rooms usually fill quickly, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

Things to Know Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park

Start Your Day Early

Starting early has its benefits in Bryce Canyon! You’ll be able to avoid crowds, find parking, and avoid the heat.

Pay Your Entrance Fee

It costs $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person (on foot or bicycle) to enter Bryce Canyon National Park.

In order to save money, I would recommend purchasing a national parks pass. These cost $80 and are valid for a full calendar year (from the date of purchase) at all public lands in the United States. After you visit 3 national parks, it’ll have paid for itself. It also makes a great gift for national park enthusiasts! Learn more about park entry fees.

If you’re visiting other Utah national parks, this is a great pass to have.

How to Get to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is located along Scenic Byway 12, our favorite highway in Utah (and possibly America!). Other attractions along the highway include Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Red Canyon, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

The nearest major airports to fly into include Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Both locations also offer car rental or camper van rental services.

Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round. The most popular time to visit is the summer. However, this is when it is the most crowded and the weather is warmest. There are other weather concerns in summer, such as flash floods and lightning.

Visiting in spring or fall offers more solitude, though the park will still be crowded. Temperatures are also milder and more pleasant.

We also love visiting Bryce Canyon in the winter months. Snow-covered hoodoos are breathtaking! Plus, snowshoeing is one of our favorite activities along the Rim Trail.

If you do choose to visit in winter, plan ahead. There could be road closures or trail closures due to snow accumulation. You should also bring traction devices for your shoes if you plan to do any hiking.

Read more about visiting Bryce Canyon.

What to Bring to Bryce Canyon

Before partaking in some of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon, it’s important that you remember to pack the essentials.

Hiking boots: Shoes that are good for hiking and have ankle support.

Sunscreen: The UV rays in Bryce Canyon can be intense, even on cloudy days.

Bug spray: There are a lot of bugs in the park, especially near water sources.

Yaktrax: Helpful for snowy conditions.

Rain gear: The weather can change quickly in Bryce Canyon, no matter the time of year. Bring a raincoat and/or umbrella just in case!

Layers: Bryce Canyon’s temperatures can fluctuate a lot, so it’s best to dress in layers.

Snacks: There are limited food options inside the park, so bring your own snacks!

Camera: You’ll want to capture the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park in photos!

Water bottle: Stay hydrated while hiking around the park!

Hat: You’ll need protection from the sun and bugs.

Binoculars: Bring binoculars if you want to view wildlife in the park.

First-aid kit: You never know if you might get a cut or scrape while hiking.

Flashlight: This is helpful for late-night hikes in Bryce Canyon!

Map: Bring a physical map for navigating the park.

Face mask: Masks are currently required inside all federal buildings and on park shuttles.

Drink A Lot of Water

Bryce Canyon National Park is at an elevation of over 8,000 feet! Drinking water is incredibly important here to help you acclimate. It’s also important in the heat of summer.

Often when it’s cold, people don’t feel as thirsty and forget to drink water. If you visit in winter, remember you still need to hydrate!

Take the Free Bryce Canyon Shuttle

We discussed a bit about crowds and limited parking in the park. That’s why the free park shuttle is such a great option!

The shuttle stops at popular locations in the park, including scenic viewpoints like Sunset Point or Sunrise Point and hiking trailheads. It also stops at hotels in Bryce Canyon City or the shuttle depot, which is where you should park if you aren’t staying in Bryce Canyon City.

Shuttles run in Bryce Canyon from April to October every year. Masks are required. You can view the most updated shuttle schedule on the official website.

Check the Weather

Visiting Bryce Canyon comes with a couple of risks in the summer: lightning storms and flash floods. Read up on both to make sure you know how to keep safe!

Best Time for Photography

Bryce Canyon is one of the most photographed places in the world for a reason! The scenery is absolutely incredible.

The best time to photograph Bryce Canyon is during the golden hour, right before sunset or after sunrise. This light casts an amazing glow on the canyon walls.

More Viewpoints to Stop At (Less Crowded!)

We mentioned some of the most popular viewpoints on our list of things to do in Bryce Canyon. However, all of the viewpoints along the Scenic Drive are outstanding. Some others you could stop at include:

• Paria View
• Swamp Canyon
• Farview Point
• Agua Canyon

Be Aware of the Elevation Change

As mentioned before, the altitude in Bryce Canyon is over 8,000 feet! Drink plenty of water and hike slowly to help yourself acclimate. If you’re coming from Zion National Park or Grand Canyon National Park, they are significantly lower in elevation. Don’t overdo it and read about altitude sickness so you know the symptoms.

Pin Our Favorite Things to Do in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park offers so many incredible experiences. We hope you enjoy your time there and that this list of things to do in Bryce Canyon helps you have a wonderful trip!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.