Live Your Best Lives
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah, on the north bank of the Colorado River. Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not a true canyon. Instead, it is a vast natural amphitheater carved by erosion along the eastern face of the Ponsagant Plateau, somewhat resembling the Roman Colosseum .
The park is famous for its bizarrely shaped and vibrantly colored rocks, earning it the nickname "Palace of Natural Stone Figurines." Fourteen valleys stretching up to 300 meters deep are found within the canyon. Erosion by wind, frost, rain, and snow has eroded the rocks into over 60 different shades of red, reddish red, yellow, and pale yellow. The shifting colors of the rocks create a vibrant, vibrant hue that is truly captivating.
Due to its high altitude, arid climate, and remote location, Bryce Canyon National Park boasts one of the darkest skies in North America, making it one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Approximately 7,500 stars can be seen with the naked eye. In the summer, you can admire the Andromeda Galaxy, Jupiter, Venus, and countless other stars.
The most amazing sight in the park is the rows of rock pillars. There is a dazzling desert landscape in the lush plateau area.Thousands of crimson-colored pinnacles and pillars, known as " rock pillars ," stand within . At sunrise, the vibrant colors of the rising sun bathe the rock pillars in a breathtaking beauty, leaving one marveling at the wonders of nature.
Spring and autumn are cool and the weather is most comfortable and suitable for hiking.
Bryce Canyon has eight marked and maintained hiking trails that can be hiked in less than a day.
Navajo Loop Trail
It is the most popular loop trail, starting from SUNSET POINT and going down to the bottom of the arena, then going up from SUNRISE POINT . It is a loop trail that takes about 2 hours. You can walk to the depths of the canyon to see the stone pillars.
Recommended play time: 1-3 days
US$30/car
All day
Bryce Canyon National Park, established in 1928, is renowned for its striking rock formations called hoodoos, which have been shaped by erosion over thousands of years. The park is a geological marvel and holds significant cultural importance for the Native American tribes of the region, including the Paiute people.
Located in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon is about 4 hours from Las Vegas and 1.5 hours from Zion National Park. The park is accessible by car; there are no public transportation options, but visitors can reach the park via Highway 12 from nearby towns like Panguitch and Bryce.
Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round. The best times to visit are spring and fall, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer sees more visitors but offers the best opportunities for stargazing. Winter is quieter but cold and may have snow.
The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance or online via the official National Park Service website for park passes and camping reservations.
For general park access, no advance booking is required. However, for campsites or certain tours, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season (spring and summer).
To fully explore Bryce Canyon, 1-2 days are recommended. This allows time for hiking, scenic drives, and stargazing. Longer stays allow you to explore the surrounding areas like Kodachrome Basin and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Guided tours are available, including ranger-led hikes and programs in English. Audio guides are available for rent at the visitor center or can be downloaded in advance for a self-guided experience.
A popular itinerary includes: Start at the Visitor Center for maps and information, then head to Sunrise Point for the view, hike the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trails, and finish at Sunset Point. If you have extra time, drive to Rainbow Point for panoramic views.
Bryce Canyon is a designated Dark Sky Park, and it offers spectacular stargazing opportunities. Ranger-led night programs are available during the summer months, providing insights into the night sky and its constellations.
Bryce Canyon can be crowded during the summer months, especially in June through August. To avoid crowds, visit in the early morning or late afternoon during weekdays, or consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.
There are restrooms, a visitor center, a small shop, and a restaurant near the park entrance. Drinking water is available at various points within the park, and there are designated picnic areas for visitors.
The park offers some accessible trails, including the Pa'rus Trail and viewpoints along the main road. Facilities like the Visitor Center and certain restrooms are accessible, and shuttle buses provide transport around the park.
Cash is accepted, but most places within the park, including the visitor center and stores, accept credit cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Many restaurants in Bryce and nearby towns offer vegetarian and vegan options like salads, veggie burgers, and pasta dishes. Halal options may be limited, but vegetarian meals are widely available.
There are souvenir shops at the park entrance and in nearby Bryce. Popular items include Zion and Bryce Canyon-branded merchandise, local crafts, postcards, and hiking gear.
