Your First Time in Bryce Canyon National Park

Our Local Expert Says:

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

Our Local Expert Says:

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

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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:

The rangers are well-versed in Bryce's interesting geological history, and the knowledge you gain on this short hike will really enhance your appreciation for this park.

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Get the scoop on Bryce Canyon's geology, botany, history, and more as you stroll the amphitheater rim with a ranger. Learn about native fauna, find out which trees smell like butterscotch (yes, really), and stretch your legs a bit. This is an easy hike for young children, the less mobile, and those simply wishing to take in the surrounding beauty without having to watch their step too much.

Our Local Expert Says:

A classic that shows off the best of Bryce.

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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:

Due to it strenuousness, this trail arguably showcases some of Bryce Canyon's best features and is also appreciably less crowded.

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Starting at Bryce Point, head down below the rim. When you reach the choice of going either left or right at the fork, choose left so you do the trail clockwise. Look up to your left for the Fairy Castle! And if you can, peer off straight ahead in the distance to see folks looking down from Bryce Point, now a mile away and 900 feet above you. Then you'll come to the Wall of Windows, which is more impressive if seen coming up in this direction, from the south. Watch for horses on this trail, and give way if you see them. Or sign up for a horseback ride yourself, which is a really fun and different way to experience Peekaboo Loop.

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A great trail, the Rim Trail will require shuttling at one end or the other. The Park shuttle runs to Bryce Point but not Fairyland Point, so plan accordingly. If motivated and it's not shuttle season, you can park in the middle at Sunrise Point, hike out to Fairyland Point, turn back and hike all the way to Bryce Point, then turn around again to head back to your car at Sunrise Point. Some steep climbs with some easier parts; bring moleskin for your tootsies if you don't hike a lot and make sure your boots fit well. The views of the hoodoo-laden hillsides are spectacular, like peering down into a nest of red and cream-colored spires jutting upward from the earth. Note that the Rim Trail is a good spring-through-fall jaunt, although it can be exposed, so be aware of the strong sun. In the wintertime, snow can block access to the trail, or at least make it very muddy and a less pleasant slog.

Our Local Expert Says:

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

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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:

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

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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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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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Cheap and fast

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Canyon Diner features big breakfasts, western food, and pizza. This unpretentious diner also produces delicious bratwurst, stuffed potatoes, and fried halibut. Please note, no alcohol is served. One of two restaurants at Ruby's Inn (the other is Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room). Okay fare, will fill you up. Don't expect fancy and you won't be disappointed.

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Cowboy Blues in Escalante, UT, welcomes you with its flamboyant Old West décor and tempting western menu. Simple, yummy fare and a decent wine list make Cowboy Blues one of the go-to joints in Escalante after a day outside. Expect a relaxed atmosphere and good service. 40 miles east of Bryce Canyon along a stunning drive.

Our Local Expert Says:

This place has it all: outdoor gear, beer & wine as a state-licensed liquor store, good food, and great smoothies. The outside deck is perfect for noshing & sometimes features live music.

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Wonderful espresso, yummy pizza, and one of the largest selections of local Utah microbrews on tap and in bottle make the Esca-Latte Internet Café and Pizza Parlor worth the trip to Escalante Outfitters. Stay connected with the outside world if you bring your laptop, use theirs, or forget it about it over a couple of brews and a slice. Salads, sandwiches, and other light fare are also available. They also offer accommodations, in the form of cabins, tent sites, and one RV space. An outfitting service, gear shop, topo map selection, regional books to browse, and the area's state liquor store help round out this great little place. Live entertainment often happens on their covered deck in the front.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great food, and amazing jewelry available from authenticated Native American artisans. And the view! Right above the Escalante River canyon.

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Kiva Koffeehouse is relaxing, plain and simple. Located half way between Escalante and Boulder, Kiva Koffeehouse is well known to those versed in the intricacies of the Escalante Grand National Monument. Grab your coffee and one of many fantastic homemade treats (soups, breads, pastries, etc.), peruse the large library of books devoted to hiking and the nearby outdoors, and spend an afternoon admiring your surroundings and feeling pretty darn good about yourself.

Our Local Expert Says:

Do NOT pass through southern Utah without making it a priority to stop by this restaurant & sample its amazing food & atmosphere. Sit outside if it's warm.

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With a seasonal menu built on Buddhist philosophy, it's no wonder that Hell's Backbone Grill has received some of the highest reviews of any restaurants in Utah. Tucked into tiny Boulder, UT, Hell's Backbone Grill takes good food seriously. Founded by Chef-Owners Jen Castle and Blake Spalding, Hell's Backbone Grill has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Bon Appetit, and The New York Times, and is a proud member of the Slow Food Organization. Sample plates include Puff Pastry Pesto and Goat Cheese Turnover, Cornmeal-Molasses and Pecan Skillet Trout, and Agave & Lime Grilled Chicken Breast. Truly a transcendent dining experience.

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.

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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:

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

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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:

Hearty meals in a great location right by the Bryce Canyon entrance

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Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room serves consistently delicious fare - steaks, seafood, and a full buffet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Country-style ribs, soups, Rainbow Trout, and burgers are featured at Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room. Stop by, grab a seat on the patio, and enjoy the full liquor license.

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Got snow? Strap on the Park-provided snowshoes and get thee out there on a ranger-led Snowshoe Hike! Every winter week, if there's enough of the white stuff, you can see Bryce in a way few will while learning more about it from a ranger. For example, they'll teach you how snow shapes the hoodoos. A Snowshoe Hike is an awesome activity to get everyone in your party out and about, especially if there was any whining about the cold. Note: snowshoeing is more physically active than you might expect, so be prepared to huff a little. Snowball fight optional.

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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:

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

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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.

Our Local Expert Says:

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

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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.

Our Local Expert Says:

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

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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.

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Somewhat short yet definitely good, this well-worn trail starts from Sunrise Point and leads you into the heart of those crazy hoodoo rock formations. When you land (safely!) at the bottom, 950 feet below the trailhead, you'll be rewarded by Tower Bridge, situated right beside Keyhole Window in a stunning display of typical Bryce topography. Tower Bridge does indeed look like a natural version of, say, London Tower, albeit far more light and beautiful. Look for bristlecone pines and China Wall off in the distance.

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How do those rocks just balance like that, seeming so precarious? The Hat Shop hike offers close-ups of balancing little rocks capping the hoodoos. Don't worry, you can huff and puff but you won't be able to blow them down. But it sure is fun to check out all the wild shapes and pretend the hoodoos are ladies dressed up in their millinery finest to go to the races. Note: this is a down and back up trail-way, way up. You gain about 1,000 feet as you ascend, making the Hat Shop a thigh-burner in the extreme. It's also very exposed, so not a good mid-July, midday hike. Awesome views, though, and also less traveled than other hikes in Bryce Canyon.