Not a large park by any means, Bryce Canyon National Park punches above its weight for what you get when you visit. Sitting in the middle of southern Utah, Bryce Canyon is full of hoodoos, colorful rocks, and stunning starry skies. Established in 1928 as the 16th National Park, it gets much less fanfare than its brother to the west, Zion National Park. However, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, Bryce is just as great. Plus, the Bryce Canyon National Park hiking is phenomenal!

Most people who come to the West will hit Zion and the Grand Canyon, but I’d recommend adding two more days to any trip and spending the time in Bryce. Nearly all Bryce Canyon hikes are family-friendly and offer rare views of formations not found elsewhere in the United States.

Driving to Bryce Canyon National Park: 

• Zion – West entrance: 2 hours
• Page, AZ: 2.5 hours
• Salt Lake City: 4 hours
• Las Vegas: 4 hours
• Grand Canyon South Rim: 5 hours

Below you’ll find six activities to do while visiting, including Bryce Canyon National Park hiking. You honestly don’t need more than two days here if you are active throughout your trip. Plus, the Bryce Canyon National Park photos you’ll get will be unique.

Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Hike Queens Garden and Navajo Loop

The preeminent trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is crowded during the middle of the day but offers so much unique exploring below the hoodoos. At three miles round trip and less than 700 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect hike for the entire family.

I’d recommend starting at Sunset Point and coming back up at Sunrise. This route has a more gradual uphill to save your legs and lungs. Overall, this is my favorite of the Bryce Canyon trails.

Hike down Wall Street

Wanting to see Wall Street without the interest in visiting NYC, just come to Bryce! The Wall Street route down into the canyon is a stunning array of switchbacks below towering orange hoodoos. To nail the perfect photo, get here bright and early to have the place to yourself.

You can add this to the above hike for about a four-mile trek. My suggestions are to hike down Wall Street a bit up the Navajo Trail to Two Bridges, then come back down and complete the Queens Garden Loop. You’ll love these Bryce Canyon trails!

Bryce Canyon Trails – Enjoy the views from Sunrise and Sunset Points

Aptly named for the best features, these two vista overlooks are beautiful and worth visiting even if you’re short on time. Sunset Point is closest to the parking lot, while Sunrise Point is a quarter-mile from Bryce Canyon Lodge. Lastly, it won’t surprise you that the best times to visit these two spots are sunset and sunrise.

Whether you’re here for a long stop or just a quick peek, these short Bryce Canyon hikes are must-dos.

Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking – Take the Scenic Drive to the end of the road

Wherever you look in Bryce, it’s beautiful, and the drive to Rainbow Point is mesmerizing as you traverse higher and higher above the canyon floor below. In total, the drive to the highest point in the park is 17 miles, and I’d give it close to an hour to do with frequent stops along the way.

One place to pull over is the famous Bryce Natural Bridge. The geological formation is viewable from the pull-off. The Bryce Canyon National Park photos from here are gorgeous.

Bryce Canyon Hikes – Soak up the cool air at Rainbow Point

At 9,115 feet, Rainbow Point can be anywhere from 5-10 degrees cooler than other park favorites. Be aware of this, especially if you’re going there for sunrise or sunset. Most people go for the view, but I’d suggest setting aside a couple of hours and hiking around here. The Bristlecone Loop Trail (easy) or the Riggs Spring Loop Trail (strenuous) are good options. If you’re not looking to do the entire eight-mile Riggs loop, just going down a mile or so is a great view and not too strenuous.

Bryce Canyon National Park Photos – Stare up at starry skies

Bryce Canyon National Park is an international dark sky spot meaning you will have some of the darkest skies you’ve ever seen. Plus, at over 7,000 feet in elevation, you’re closer to the stars than in most other locations in the United States – or the world. Whether or not you’re into photography, take a moment at night to go outside and soak up the view.

Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.

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