Visiting Bryce Canyon in August
Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for the breathtakingly beautiful orange and red rock formations that rise up from the canyon floor. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your vacation to Bryce Canyon in August.
Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your August vacation: weather, what to pack, where to stay, things to do and more!
You’ll enjoy moderate temperatures to explore the park, but August is a busy time at Bryce Canyon so be prepared for crowds.
From hiking trails that wind along cliff edges to horseback rides through hoodoos, there are plenty of ways to experience the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Keep reading for our tips and resources to plan a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in August: what to pack, where to stay, things to do and more!
We’ve created done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries for easy travel planning:
- Bryce Canyon National Park One Day Itinerary
- Two days in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Three Days in Bryce Canyon National Park
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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!
Visiting Bryce Canyon in August
August weather is so nice to enjoy outdoor Bryce Canyon activities. The mornings and evenings will be cool and the daytime temperatures will be just right!
Keep in mind the summer months at all Utah National Parks are peak times so be prepared for crowds.
Our big tip to avoid the crowds in August is to get into the park early. You can’t beat Bryce Canyon sunrise photography and hiking in the morning!
Does the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Run in August?
Yes, the Bryce Canyon shuttle runs every day in August, but it’s not mandatory to ride the shuttle to access the park. The shuttle buses take visitors to the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park.
Check the Bryce Canyon shuttle schedule for exact times of operation in August.
Weather at Bryce Canyon in August
The Bryce Canyon National Park Weather in August is pretty much perfect with highs in the upper 70s and lows around 50 degrees F.
Be prepared for rain since August is part of the summer monsoon season at Bryce Canyon. Always check the Bryce Canyon weather forecast and carry rain gear so you can still enjoy the outdoors.
The afternoon thunderstorms can produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. The park has the reminder “when thunder roars go indoors!” because lightning is dangerous at Bryce Canyon!
When is the Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year long. Check out our resource of the best times to visit Bryce Canyon that includes specific information about what it’s like at different seasons and months of the year.
Bryce Canyon in the winter is a fun time to enjoy winter activities and avoid the crowds if you don’t mind cold and snow!
Things To Do at Bryce Canyon in August
Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon National Park summer activities: hiking, biking, horseback riding, photography, camping, and more!
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center in August
Check out the Visitor Center when you first arrive to talk with the park ranger about the activities you plan to do. They will share important things to know as well as the conditions of the hiking trails. Check out what Bryce Canyon ranger-led programs are available in August.
The services at the Visitor Center include:
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Backcountry permits
- First Aid
- Ranger Help Desk
- Book Store
- Twenty Minute Introduction Movie
- Exhibits
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
Definitely add the Bryce Canyon scenic drive to your must-do list to see all the park’s points of interest. At each overlook you’ll see different views of hoodoos, arches and windows.
We always recommend you start by driving to the end of the road at Rainbow Point first. Then as you make your way back to the amphitheater all the overlooks are on the right so it’s easy to pull in and out of each parking lot.
Check out the Bryce Canyon GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location. It’s a great way to have a tour guide in your car as you drive!
Bryce Canyon Hikes in August
You’ll find easy, moderate and strenuous Bryce Canyon National Park summer hikes to accommodate all levels of hikers. Hiking is the best way to explore Bryce Canyon and see the hoodoos and windows up close!
In August some trails may be closed due to unsafe conditions caused by the heavy monsoon rains. Always check with the visitor center before heading out on any trail.
The one hike we always recommend is the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail. Sometime the Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop is closed, but you can take the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop to complete this hike.
Hiking at Bryce Canyon means going down into the canyon then back up. Going down is fairly easy, but going back you’ll find steep canyon trails that can be tough!
- Day Hike Checklist
- What to Bring on a Hike
- Photography Gear for Hiking
- Hiking Gear for Kids & Tips for Hiking with Kids
Bryce Canyon Photography in August
In August, sunrise will be early, but it will be so worth it! Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is spectacular because the light creates a glow on the multi-colored hoodoos that cannot be missed.
There’s a reason people come from around the world to see the amazing Bryce Canyon views. Be sure to take pictures at all the overlooks along the scenic drive and amphitheater!
If you’re serious about taking pictures, check out our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips and best times to photograph each viewpoint!
We’ve got a free Bryce Canyon photo spots checklist you can download as well!
Stargazing in August at Bryce Canyon
You’ll be amazing at the endless sky of stars you’ll see here! Stargazing at Bryce Canyon is a must-do activity. We recommend you take one night to head out and just look up!
The Milky Way is visible in August from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am. Use a headlamp with a red light to navigate through the dark and not disturb other photographers.
Check out all the astronomy and night sky programs available at Bryce Canyon.
Biking in August at Bryce Canyon
From Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point, this 5 mile section of road is available to bikers to ride. The elevation gain is 746 going north to south. You can also 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.
There’s an 18-mile Shared-Use Path connecting 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.
Bryce Canyon National Park Tours in August
Whether you’re looking for a half-day or full-day excursion, there are plenty of Bryce Canyon National Park Tours available to fit your needs: guided hikes, horseback riding, photography, and ATV experiences!
- Guided Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Horseback Riding Tours
- Bryce Canyon Private Guided Hike and Picnic
- One Hour Bryce Canyon ATV Tour
- Epic Jeep Rentals at Bryce Canyon Country
Bryce Canyon Camping in August
In August you’ll find two campgrounds near the Visitor Center and Amphitheater for Bryce Canyon National Park camping.
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.
August is a busy time so finding camping spots in the park can be difficult. Check out the various Bryce Canyon National Park RV campsites near the park as well.
If you’re ok with getting of the grid, there are places for boondocking near Bryce Canyon.
Or you can elevate your camping experience to enjoy glamping near Bryce Canyon National Park!
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Things To Do Near Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon to Zion
- Zion National Park Travel Guide
- Visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
- Capitol Reef National Park Guide
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hiking Guide
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon in August
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the park
Bryce Canyon Packing List
The climate and altitude of Bryce Canyon can be harsh if you’re not prepared with the right clothing, hydration, food, personal items and hiking gear. To help you know what to pack for your August trip, check out our Bryce Canyon Packing List! Click the graphic below to get your free checklist download!
