Top 7 Things to Do in A Day at Bryce Canyon

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!

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:

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.

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.

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.

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:

Housed in the motel bearing the same name, the Bryce Canyon Pines dining room is housed in a charming, cottage-style room, warm and inviting. With sandwiches for lunch and a full menu for dinner, Bryce Canyon Pines features a fantastic Utah Trout entrée that must be tasted. Beer and wine are available.