Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Rainbow and Yovimpa Point

The elevation at the Visitor Center is about 8,000 feet. As you drive to Rainbow Point, you climb 1,100 feet higher. The Scenic Drive ends at the combined parking area for Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point.

View the colorful hoodoos in Rainbow Canyon. Walk along the Bristlecone Loop Trail to see an 1,800-year-old bristlecone pine. This tree is believed to be one of the oldest living things at Bryce Canyon.

.

Ponderosa Canyon

You can see hoodoos and magnificent views to the north and south from the Ponderosa Canyon overlook. There are huge Ponderosa Pines on the canyon floor, some are over 150 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter, which is hard to see from the top of the canyon.

.

Agua Canyon

Some of the best contrasts of color in the park can be seen at Agua Canyon. One of the fun things to do at this overlook is to find the two prominent hoodoos named The Hunter and The Rabbit.

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is really an arch. This is one of the more popular stops on the scenic drive. Try to find a spot where you can photograph the green Ponderosa trees through the arch. This adds a nice pop of color.

.

Bryce Point

The most concentrated grouping of hoodoos in Bryce Canyon is found in The Amphitheater section of the park. The Bryce Point overlook provides one of the most scenic vistas of hoodoos in the amphitheater. This viewpoint is perfect for sunrise photos because the tops of the hoodoos glow with light.

.

Sunset Point

The most dramatic scene of hoodoos is found at Sunset Point. The famous ‘Silent City’ is a close grouping of hoodoos and fins found directly below the point and to the south. Since all the viewpoints face east, at sunset you won’t see or photograph the sun setting, but instead view the soft light as it glows on the tops of the hoodoos.

RELATED: Can’t get enough of the USA’s National Parks? Check out our complete guide to planning to trip to Yellowstone NP, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon or Arches National Park!

Thor’s Hammer

Thor’s Hammer is one of the most well-known and photographed formations at Bryce Canyon. It’s just below the overlook of Sunset Point, but the best way to view it is along the Navajo trail.

We highly recommend hiking the Navajo-Queen’s Garden Trail to see the hoodoos up close. Even if you don’t want to hike the complete loop trail, at least walk down the Navajo trail far enough to see Thor’s Hammer up close.

The Navajo Loop Trail

.

Sunrise Point

Sunrise Point is on the northern side of the Bryce Amphitheater. As the name suggests, it is a good location to view the sunrise, but it’s also a wonderful place to photograph at sunset. At this viewpoint, take the Queen’s Garden trail and descend to the canyon floor to explore the Queen’s Garden.

Queen’s Garden

Queen Anne Rock Formation

The Queen’s Garden Trail drops about 320 feet below the canyon rim for about 1 mile to reach the area known as the Queen’s Garden. Interesting rock formations here include Gulliver’s Castle, the Queen’s Castle, and Queen Elizabeth herself.

Queen’s Garden

When Is The Best Time To Visit Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is located at a high elevation (8,000-9,000 feet) so it is generally cooler than Utah’s other National Parks and it is advisable to bring warm clothing with you regardless of what time of year you visit. Summer (June -September) temperatures are pleasant 21-24oC (70-75F) dropping to 8-10oC (45-50F) overnight. During winter (December – February) daytime temperatures average 2-3oC (36-39F) with overnight temperatures as low as 30 below zero.

The rainy season occurs in July and August with frequent, usually brief, afternoon thunderstorms which produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. If visiting during these months remember that lightning kills and “when thunder roars go indoors!”

Where To Stay To Visit Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park have rooms, suites and cabins at Bryce Canyon Lodge (budget option below) and  two campgrounds, North and Sunset, which are both located near the visitor center.

The North Campground has 13 RV sites (by reservation) + 86 RV and Tent sites available on a first come first served basis. (RV sites = $30pn, Tent sites = $20pn).

Sunset Campground is located west of Sunset Point with 20 Tent sites (by reservation) + 80 RV and Tent sites + 1 Group site available on a first come first served basis. Sunset campground is closed during Mid-October through mid-April.

Both sites typically fill up by early afternoon in the warmer months.

If you’re not much of camper, there are also lots of hotels and cabins in the Bryce Canyon area – here are our top picks for each of our standard price brackets:

	Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel - Luxury Stay ($200+ per night) Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel features rooms equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave and a spa bath. They feature tea and coffee making facilities, wireless internet access and a kitchenette. Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews
	Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn - Mid-Range Stay ($100-$200 per night) Best Western PLUS Ruby's Inn provides cosy 3-star accommodation in Bryce Canyon City. It has a spa and wellness centre, as well as an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi along with barbecue and picnic amenities for guest use. Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews
	Bryce Canyon Lodge - Budget Stay (2*) (<$100 per night) Located inside Bryce Canyon National Park itself, there are a range of suites, rooms and cabins available for guests and apparently they have a killer breakfast! Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

That’s a wrap folks! I hope you enjoyed our Guide to Thing To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park and you’re all set to get amongst the hoodoos and fins!