Bryce Canyon in August: Planning Your Vacation
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your vacation to Bryce Canyon in August.
Use the information below and our Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your August vacation.
You’ll enjoy moderate temperatures to explore the park, but August is a busy time at Bryce Canyon so be prepared for crowds.
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!
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Bryce Canyon Packing List
→ Download the free Bryce Canyon Packing List! Here’s a list of the items we recommend:
- Merrell Moab hiking shoes or Oboz hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
- Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
- Columbia fleece jacket
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Sun protection – sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
- UV sunglasses are good for summer and winter
- Travel hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Bryce Canyon guides and maps
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!
Outdoor Gear we recommend! Travel Gear & Hiking Gear
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!
There are so many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park like hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
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.
The Rainbow Bus takes visitors on a tour of the Bryce Canyon scenic drive. You can also drive this road with your private vehicle. Start early to beat the crowds and have the best light to take photos.
**Check the Bryce Canyon shuttle schedule for exact times of operation in August.
Weather at Bryce Canyon in August
August weather at Bryce Canyon 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 things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park in August:
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
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 ranger-led programs are available in August.
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.
Bryce Canyon Hikes in August
You’ll find easy, moderate and strenuous Bryce Canyon 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.
The Bryce Canyon views are unique and iconic. 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!
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.
Horseback Riding in August at Bryce Canyon
One of the fun tourist attractions in Bryce Canyon is a guided horseback tour. Exploring the park on horseback provides a different view of Bryce Canyon.
You’ll find horseback tour options taking you through Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon and the surrounding areas.
More Bryce Canyon Activities
- Backcountry trails and camping
- Bryce Canyon National Park camping
- Geology Festival
- Ranger-led programs
- Bryce Canyon virtual tour
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Things To Do Near Bryce Canyon
- 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:
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- Bryce Canyon National Park RV Vacation
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the park
- Rent an RV – have it dropped off at your vacation destination!
