Fun List of Bryce Canyon Activities

Here’s a list of fun Bryce Canyon activities and things to do near the park.

Use the list below and our Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan an amazing itinerary full of fun activities! We also share tips for things to pack, where to stay and more!

Bryce Canyon activities

Check out these done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries:

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A Photo Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park

Take a visual tour through Bryce Canyon National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Must-Do Bryce Canyon Activities

Check out this list of fun things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park:

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

The Bryce Canyon scenic drive is the best way to see the variety of hoodoos, arches and windows at the park.

We always recommend you start by driving to the end of the road at Rainbow Point then working your way back to the amphitheater. This way all the overlooks are on the right so it’s easy to pull in and out of each parking lot.

Hiking Trail at Bryce Canyon
Hiking Trail at Bryce Canyon

Hiking at Bryce Canyon

Exploring the Bryce Canyon hikes is the best way to appreciate this National Park that encompasses over 35,000 acres of picturesque expansive views!

The best day hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park are perfect for any type of hiker with easy, moderate and strenuous trails.

Hiking at Bryce Canyon is definitely a unique experience where you walk right along hoodoos, windows, arches, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and more!

If you only have time for one hike, we recommend the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail! We like to start at Sunset Point and end at Sunrise Point.

hiking trails at Bryce Canyon in the winter
Hiking trail at Bryce Canyon in the winter

Don’t forget about Bryce Canyon winter hiking! If you’ve got the right winter hiking gear, you’ll be set to enjoy the unique landscape this time of year!

Traction devices are recommended for all winter hikes at Bryce Canyon. They can be rented in Bryce City if you don’t bring your own.

We also recommend you talk to a park ranger to get the most updated information about trail conditions and weather. Some trails close in the winter due to unsafe conditions.

sunrise at the Bryce Canyon amphitheater
Sunrise at the Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Photography

Bryce Canyon photos showcase the vibrant color as the light creates a spectacular glow on the multi-colored hoodoos that cannot be missed. People come from around the world to see the stunning Bryce Canyon views.

Check out our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint! Our favorite Bryce Canyon sunrise photography spots are Bryce Point, Sunset Point and Inspiration Point.

Be sure to download our camera gear checklist before arriving at the park to make sure you have everything you need. 

You’ll love taking Bryce Canyon winter photos with the contrast of white snow against against the red rocks!

Bryce Canyon in the winter hoodoos with snow
Bryce Canyon in the winter

Bryce Canyon Stargazing and Astronomy

Bryce Canyon National Park is designated as a Dark Sky certified park. You need to definitely take time to enjoy the night sky during your stay!

During spring, summer and fall the milky way is visible in the sky. It’s a popular location for astrophotography.

The park offers telescope tours and astronomy programs, and there’s an Astronomy Festival each year!

Bryce Canyon view
Bryce Canyon view

Bryce Canyon Camping

There are two campgrounds for Bryce Canyon National Park camping: North and Sunset Campgrounds.

Due to the high elevation at Bryce Canyon (8,900 feet above sea level), be sure to pack for the weather conditions. The temperatures drop at night, so it’s important to be prepared.

North Campground requires reservations through Recreation.gov from May 27 to October 1. From October 2 to May 26 all sites are first-come, first-served. Sunset campground is open April 15th – October 31st. It has 98 first-come, first-served sites and 3 reservable sites.

biking at Bryce Canyon
Biking at Bryce Canyon

Biking at Bryce Canyon

There is a 5 mile section of road for bikers to ride from Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point, with various stops in between. There is an elevation climb of 746 going north to south. If you prefer a downhill ride, you can take the park shuttle to Inspiration Point then ride back going downhill.

All viewpoints, the Lodge, Visitor Center and Shuttle Station have bike racks so you can stop at various places in the park to explore the area.

The Shared-Use Path is 18 miles and connects Red Canyon with Inspiration Point. Pedestrians, leashed pets, cyclists, skaters, longboards, non-motorized scooters and wheelchairs can use this path.

You can rent bikes in Bryce Canyon City. Read more about biking at Bryce Canyon and the Shared-Use Path.

You can enjoy mountain biking in nearby Red Canyon where the landscape is similar to Bryce Canyon.

bryce canyon horseback riding photo credit: Jennifer Wolff
Horseback riding tour

Horseback Riding at Bryce Canyon

Horse backing riding is another great way to see the park. You can bring your own horse and ride on the equestrian trails.

There are many guided horseback tours that you can sign up for and do while visiting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure we highly recommend!

Bryce Canyon entry sign in the winter
Bryce Canyon entry sign in the winter

Bryce Canyon Winter Activities

Due to the high elevation of the park, there will be snow at Bryce Canyon in the winter.

You’ll enjoy fun Bryce Canyon winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The park does a great job of plowing the roads around the park as well as the parking lots near the viewpoints. 

If visiting during President’s Day weekend you can take part in the Winter Festival. This is a free festival with lots of activities to do for the whole family. Events include:

  • Cross country ski tours
  • Snowshoe tours and races
  • Archery clinics
  • Photography clinics
  • Photo contests
  • Kids snowboot races
  • Ski archery competition
  • People-powered sled races
  • Kayaking demonstrations 
  • Snow Sculpture contests
  • Clinics on waxing
  • Lots of entertainment for you and the family to enjoy
Bryce Canyon maps and guides

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Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation

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