getting to bryce
The two closest airports to Zion National Park is the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas which is approximately 268 miles away and approximately a 4 hour and 14 minute drive and the Salt Lake City International Airport which is approximately 273 miles away and a 4 hour and 9 minute drive. Remember if you are driving from Las Vegas you are coming from a different time zone and will lose one hour heading toward Bryce- make sure to plan ahead for that! Given the distance to major airports, it is best to make it at least an overnight trip to capitalize the most on your experience.
getting around bryce
Bryce has a free shuttle system that runs mid April through late October. You can board this shuttle with proof of purchase of park ticket and it brings you to major points of interest within the park. If you stay at hotel in Bryce this shuttle also stops at the Best Western Grand Hotel, Ruby’s Inn and Ruby’s Campground. You can park at the Visitor Center, Shuttle Station, Lot in Bryce Canyon City or Ruby’s Inn Campsite.
The shuttle is not mandatory but can save on time waiting for parking during the busy summer months. When shuttle is not running it is best to drive your vehicle in and stop at points of interest. To drive your own vehicle into the park costs $35. The roads are all paved and points of interest have parking lots.
There is a Rainbow Point Shuttle Tour. **This tour is currently cancelled until further notice secondary to COVID precautions- check NPS website for updates**
where to stay
Bryce National Park has a number of available accommodations options both in the park and just outside it. You can stay just outside at the Best Western Grand Hotel or Ruby’s Inn which are both along the shuttle route.
If you wish to stay inside Bryce National Park, you can stay at the Bryce Canyon Lodge which is open year-round. There are various types of rooms from suites, motel rooms and cabins and there is a dining room that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For camping, Bryce Canyon National Park has the North Campground and the Sunset Campground. The North Campground is open year-round and first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground is open April-October 31 and is first-come, first-served except between May 20 and October 15th when reservations are required The sites cost $20 for tent camping and $30 for RVs. Discounts given for Annual and Senior America the Beautiful Pass Holders. You can reserve by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov.
when to visit
In general, the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is in the spring and fall due to moderate weather. Summer temperatures are very comfortable secondary to the elevation and are the busiest time to visit due to its summertime popularity. Winter bodes the best time to see snow which creates incredible contrast to canyon colors. The shuttle buses in Bryce Canyon run from mid-April through late October you would like the flexibility of driving your own vehicle you should visit outside that time.
fees
Weekly passes are good for both Bryce Canyon for 7 consecutive days.
Private vehicle: $35/7 days
Motorcycle: $30/7 days
Person: $20/7 days (bicycle, hikers- without a vehicle)
Bryce Canyon Annual Pass: $40
Annual Pass: $80 interagency pass good for one year from month purchased- I highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year.
Tent Camping $20 per night/RV camping $30 per night
top things to do
Bryce Canyon National Park is breath-taking canyon with the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world. No stop is complete without hitting up the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center with informative park rangers who can let you know how to make the most of your visit. If you are fascinated by the geology please check out the ranger guided Hoodoo and Grand Staircase Geology talks.
Bryce is packed with some incredible hiking trails. The Sunset and Sunrise Points serve as trailheads to the popular Queen’s Garden and Navajo Combination Loop. Another excellent hike is Peekaboo Loop which can be combined also with the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop. There are a number of moderate and difficult hikes you can explore but remember good sun protection and plenty of water. If going during the winter consider bringing your crampons as some parts can be icy and steep.
If driving is your preferred way to see the park, you will not be disappointed. You can drive most of the park on paved roads. You must check out these most popular view points: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point and Natural Bridge Overlook.
Make sure to keep your eyes out for wildlife. You can see mule deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs, great birdlife, or even a mountain lion.
Bryce canyon is a great park to see at night for its incredible starry night sky. You can even consider joining a ranger lead Constellation tour that lasts about 20 minutes. These require reservations that can be made at the visitors center.
