Bryce Canyon's Top 10 Activities

Our Local Expert Says:

Totally cool way to see a national park! Don't miss the opportunity if you visit during a full moon.

Description:

Another Bryce specialty, the Full Moon Hikes are an adventurous (yet safe) and different way to experience a national park. Caveat: make sure you're visiting during a full moon if you want to take advantage! Shadows and moonlight help those hoodoos look downright spectral, spurring on your imagination as the ranger leads. There are some very strict rules about getting tickets as well as honoring your commitment to experience a Full Moon Hike, so be certain to check the website or at the visitor center at least the day before the night of a full moon for specifics.

Our Local Expert Says:

Classic. Beautiful. Stunning views. Don't miss a stop here, no matter how short your visit.

Description:

From here, you can see the whole of the Bryce Canyon amphitheater, bristling with pointy, colorful hoodoos. Keep an eye out for Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels and Uinta Chipmunks (but please, no feeding the wildlife, no matter how well they try to convince you they are starving. This is not only against Park law, it can be deadly to the cute little critters.). Funny piece of history: Ebenezer Bryce, for whom Bryce Canyon is named, is said to have noted that "It's a hell of a place to lose a cow." As you gaze down upon the crazy jumble of spires and mini-canyons from Bryce Point, you'll probably agree.

Description:

Yes, the hoodoos and rocks and cliffs you can see from here do indeed boast an impressive rainbow of natural colors, ranging from auburn to cream to tangerine to dusty pink to tan to white. As you look out, see if you can spot these fancifully-named natural attractions: Grand Staircase, Vermilion Cliffs, Molly's Nipple, Grey Cliffs, Pink Cliffs, and the Kaibab Plateau (the North Rim of the Grand Canyon), far in the southern distance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bryce has one of the National Park system's best astronomy programs. Very detailed and professionally organized, the “Dark Rangers” offer an excellent way to learn about our rapidly disappearing night skies.

Description:

This fabulous, not-to-be-missed program is believed to be the National Park system's oldest. Headed up by "founding father of astronomy" Patrick Wiggins, this is hands-down an excellent way to experience the night sky. And at Bryce, that sky is awesome. Tip: check out the annual Astronomy Festival, usually held in mid-June, for amazing and fun learning opportunities about our nation's otherwise light-choked night skies. Bryce is famous for the clarity of stars; take advantage to see them in this gorgeous environment.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bryce classic. Don't miss it, even though it's short & sweet.

Description:

Popular and gorgeous, this well-named view offers a classic take on Bryce. Look for bristlecone pines on the empty hillsides, especially the young ones. Young bristlecone pines are distinct due to their tall, spindly stature and the fact that the entire length of their branches are sheathed in pine needles-hence the nickname "fox-tail pines." Inspiration Point is a great sunset spot to cap off a day spent exploring the Park. Note: watch out for the steep cliff edges! The railings are there for a reason.

Description:

True to its name, sunset lights up the colorful hoodoos visible from Sunset Point to an almost aching beauty. The swirl of oranges, reds, pinks, whites, tans, and more just beg for photographic capture at this popular spot. Look for notable formations such as Silent City and the majestic, slightly intimidating Thor's Hammer. Birders, watch the skies for hawks, ravens, Cliff Swallows, and Violet-green swallows, among others.

Description:

You say you're not a morning person. Despite your protestations, you must not miss dawn on a clear day at Sunrise Point. Suck down the caffeine and get out there, camera in hand, and be prepared for spectacular views as the light washes over the rocks of Bryce Canyon. Look out for the Limber Pine with its starkly exposed roots, the result of the rapid geologic erosion happening virtually before our eyes. Rangers think Bryce Canyon will be eroded into nothingness in about three million years. Good thing we're alive now so we can still see it!

Our Local Expert Says:

A classic that shows off the best of Bryce.

Description:

Another shortie that still reveals a lot of that amazing Bryce scenery, the Navajo Loop is great April through November; winter snows make it impassable. Start at Sunset Point and head down. At the bottom of the switchbacks, look for the two towering Douglas fir trees that have been stretching up toward the sun for over 750 years! Toward then end of this trail, peel your eyes for the hoodoo Twin Bridges as well as the descriptive Thor's Hammer. The Navajo Loop is popular; go early in the day or the evening if you want to avoid hordes of hikers.

Our Local Expert Says:

The main backpack trail of Bryce, this is a lovely stunner that lets you see everything Bryce offers.

Description:

The biggie of Bryce, Under-the-Rim Trail is for backpackers who want to get out there and see country few of the Park's visitors manage to reach. It is strongly suggested that this hike not be attempted as a fly-by, but instead as a leisurely stroll over several days. That way, you will take in the best of Bryce's backcountry as well as afford yourself the gift of air-remember, some of Bryce reaches over 9,000 feet in elevation, which has been known to kick the butts (lungs) of even the hardiest hikers. Make sure to get your backcountry permit at the visitor center up to 48 hours before your hike. No, they won't issue permits over the phone or by mail. And if you don't camp at a designated site, the chipmunks will hunt you down and throw bristlecone pines at you.

Our Local Expert Says:

An astounding amount of classic scenery for such a short hike

Description:

A short one if you lack time or desire to tackle longer hikes. The best time of year to see the Queens Garden is from April through October. Winter renders it impassable due to snow. Start at either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. If you start at Sunrise, keep an eye out early on for views with fanciful names such as the Sinking Ship and Boat Mesa. If you peer off to the northeast, you'll see the rise of the Aquarius Plateau, the highest one in North America. Note: unless you backtrack, you'll need to shuttle at the end of your hike.