Park Overview
Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos. These towering spires of rock, sculpted by a method called ice wedging, create a landscape that captivates visitors. The park's elevations range from 6,620 feet to 9,105 feet, offering diverse viewpoints and dramatic vistas of the amphitheaters below.
The flora in Bryce Canyon is varied, with lower elevations hosting pinyon pines and junipers, while higher altitudes support ponderosa pines, blue spruce, and aspen trees. This range of habitats fosters a rich diversity of wildlife, including mule deer, mountain lions, and over 170 species of birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
Situated on the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, Bryce Canyon's location within the Grand Staircase-Escalante region places it in close proximity to other natural wonders, making it an essential stop for those exploring the American Southwest.
Bryce Canyon National Park draws over two million visitors each year, who come to experience its striking beauty and outdoor activities. From hiking along the scenic trails that wind through the hoodoos to stargazing under some of the darkest skies in North America, the park offers something for every adventurer.
Bryce Canyon holds cultural significance as the ancestral land of the Fremont and Anasazi people who occupied the portion of the Colorado Plateau near Bryce Canyon from around 200 A.D. until 1200. The Fremont were more to the north and west, with the Anasazi more to the south and east. There is recently discovered evidence of the mixing of these two cultures on the Kaiparowits Plateau. Additionally, Paiute Indians occupied the area around what is now Bryce Canyon starting around 1200 A.D. The Paunsaugunt Plateau was used for seasonal hunting and gathering activities, but there is no evidence of permanent settlements. The area remains a testament to their enduring connection to the land and their rich cultural heritage.
Planning a Visit
Be up to date on park alerts
Park alerts include trail and road closures, weather conditions, construction areas, fire bans, and other information that can heavily influence your travel arrangements. Alerts for Bryce Canyon can be found here.
Reservations
No reservations are required to enter Bryce Canyon National Park at any time of year. No reservations are required to utilize the shuttle system. Simply pay the park entrance fee or present your America the Beautiful pass upon arrival.
Utilizing the Shuttle System
Visitors can board the shuttle at any stop with proof of park admission, which can be purchased before boarding at the Shuttle Station (Stop 1), Ruby's Inn, and Ruby's Inn Campground. You can view these stops on the map below.
Staying Overnight
Stay inside or outside the park?
Staying inside the park gets you an early start, which can be extremely important for beating the crowds and being the first on the shuttle (catching the shuttle mid-day during the peak season (May-October) can mean long lines and delayed schedules!)
Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds, North campground, which is open year -round, and Sunset campground, which closes during winter. Both campgrounds are located in close proximity to the Visitor Center and the main Bryce Amphitheater. Both campgrounds are extremely popular and fill up quickly upon release (in a matter of minutes-seconds during peak season). Walk-up sites are frequently available, but I recommend getting to the site first thing (i.e., before noon).
A dispersed primitive site is a great option for those who could not secure a site. There are many established dispersed campsites in and around the park. Use this guide/map for more information.
- I recommend the 10 sites along the main road of the park (No. 087).
Staying outside of the park is extremely accessible due to the shuttle system and the ability to pay the entry fee at alternative locations outside of the park. There are two walk-up campgrounds outside of the park as well!
Campgrounds in the Park
- North Campground
- Located across the road from the Visitor Center, which has a shuttle stop.
- Reservations required during peak season (May-October). First-come first-serve all other months.
- 100 sites for both RV and tent campers
- There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. A dump station is available in summer months and there are flush toilets at the campground.
- General store (coin operated laundry machines and showers available here), firewood for sale.
- Sunset Point Campground
- 1.5 miles south of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
- 99 sites for both RV and tent campers.
- Reservations are required year-round.
- There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. The dump station at North Campground is included with campsite fee.
- Shuttle stop at entrance
- North Campground's General Store - 20-30 min walk (coin operated laundry machines and showers available here).
Campgrounds Outside the Park
- Ruby's Inn
- Just a little over 2 miles to the main entrance.
- 250 sites with electric and water!
- Showers, restrooms, camp store, Wi-Fi, pool and hot tub, laundry, and family friendly actives.
- Close proximity to the Shuttle.
- Cabins and tipis for the glamping experience
- Closes during the winter months.
Sleeping in the Backcountry
Permits are required for all backcountry sites. There are two trails with backcountry sites in this park. Permits for March 1 through November 30, become available for reservation 3 months in advance. Permits for winter backcountry camping, December 1 through the last day of February are only available in person at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.
- Advanced reservations close 24 hours prior to a trip start date.
- After making your online backcountry reservation, you must meet with a ranger at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center to obtain your physical backcountry permit.
- Permits must be picked up in person by 2:00PM MT the day of your trip or your reservation will be cancelled.
- Check in at the Visitor Center before departing to review backcountry regulations, rent a free bear canister, or have yours inspected.
Under-the-Rim Trail (7 campsites)
The Under-the-Rim Trail is approximately 22.9 miles (7 km) from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point. Three connecting trails intersect the Under-the-Rim trail at Swamp Canyon, Whiteman Bench, and Agua Canyon trailheads.
Riggs Spring Loop Trail (4 campsites)
The Riggs Spring Loop Trail is an 8.6-mile (14 km) loop, which begins and ends at the Rainbow/Yovimpa Point trailheads. This trail descends to the valley below the cliffs at the south end of the park.
Need to Know
- From October to May temperatures fall below freezing nearly every night. Temperatures drop quickly, be prepared!
- Very limited cell reception in the park. Plan ahead and download hiking routes for offline navigation.
- Keep in mind Bryce Canyon is a high-altitude park. Even mild exertion in the park can lead to altitude-sickness if you're not prepared