Bryce From the Smallfry Viewpoint

Description:

Short and sweet, this hike is accessed from outside the Park proper, from Highway 12. Watch for the signage about 1.2 miles west of the east entrance to Bryce. This is a great way to experience some of Bryce without going all the way into the Park. Note that the water in the canyon is not in a natural flow; early pioneers settlers rerouted stream water to irrigate their crops in nearby towns. Also take note that you will have stream crossings, which are usually passable by rock-hopping. Beware of possible heavy early spring run-offs. In the wintertime, you can see amazing icicle formations at Mossy Cave itself.

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Tired of walking? Let your horse do it for you.

Description:

Why hike when you can ride a horse? Choose between a 2-hour or 1/2-day trail ride through Bryce Amphitheatre along the Peekaboo Trail. Riders can choose from 200 horses and dozens of mules. This is a great way to see the canyon, and very popular with children. Pete and Keela Mangum and their crew of cowboys have been leading groups through Bryce Canyon, Zion and the Grand Canyon for over 20 years and are committed to their customers' safety and enjoyment. Let them share the striking beauty of Utah with you.

Description:

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon offers visitors the only "in-park" lodging at Bryce Canyon National Park. From this convenient location, guests have access to hiking, biking and breathtaking views from the canyon rim. The lodge itself is rustic, relaxed and refined; visitors can choose between private cabins, rooms and suites, and can enjoy fine dining in the restaurant in the main lodge.

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Thumbs up for an "environmentally sustainable menu with regional specialties as well as organic and all natural food choices."

Description:

Surrounded by the rustic elegance of the 1920s-era Bryce Canyon Lodge, you can partake in the stunning view as well as a yummy (and reasonably priced) menu. Bryce Canyon Lodge features grilled trout, breakfast buffet, and a fantastic bourbon saloon steak in addition to a lengthy lunch menu. A rarity, the restaurant has full liquor service. This is the only restaurant within Bryce Canyon National Park boundaries.

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Appreciate Bryce with more depth as rangers explain geologic history in easy-to-understand terms

Description:

What the heck is a hoodoo anyway? Find out during one of these informative yet far from dry ranger-led Geology Hikes. The crazy topography of Bryce Canyon will make more sense as the rangers explain, in very down-to-earth terms, how our planet heaved and spat and fired up various rocks to create the impossibly gorgeous and truly bizarre scenery at Bryce.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

How cool would it be to say you've looked directly at the sun & didn't go blind?

Description:

This is just so cool. As a kid, most of us were told that looking directly at the sun would cause blindness. (Or maybe, as most of us probably discovered when we slyly ignored our parents' admonitions, lots of colored spots dancing before our stressed little eyeballs.) Well, at Bryce, you not only can look directly at the sun, the rangers encourage you to do so! Of course, you must use the special solar telescopes and follow a ranger's direction. But, along with many other Bryce attractions, Solar Viewing is one experience you won't soon forget.

Description:

Hoodoos, ancient lakes and something called frost-wedging? Geologists have spent years studying the unique story of Bryce Canyon. Spend a half hour with a ranger as we discuss the current scientific explanation behind Bryce Canyon's unique geologic history. Check at the visitor center for current information.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lovely views and fewer sites make this a somewhat more intimate campground

Description:

The North campground is open year-round (some sites may be closed in winter), and offers sites suitable for both tents and RVs. No sewer, water, or electrical hookups. Reservations can be made for May - September from six months to two days in advance for a fee, by calling (877) 444-6777 or going to www.recreation.gov.