Visiting Bryce Canyon in October
Perched in the southwest corner of Utah, when visiting Bryce Canyon in October you’ll enjoy one-of-a-kind, vibrantly colored rock structures, fondly referred to as ‘hoodoos’.
The weather at Bryce Canyon is cooler in October making it the perfect time for exploring the great outdoors.
Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your vacation in October: weather, services, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay!
The busy season begins to wind down during the month of October at Bryce Canyon so you can enjoy a more relaxing time at this amazing national park.
We live only a few hours away from Bryce Canyon so we’ve had the opportunity to visit many times. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years, and specifically for the month of October!
Use these done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries to plan the perfect vacation based on the time you have to spend at the park:
- 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 October
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24/7, 365 days a year! Be sure to check the NPS website for the most current Bryce Canyon hours and closures for October.
You will need a National Park pass to enter Bryce Canyon. The annual park pass can be purchased online or at the park entrance booth. If you purchase a digital pass be sure to print or save it on your mobile device since connectivity is limited in the park.
The weather in October is just about perfect 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 in October like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Keep in mind the fall months at all Utah National Parks are peak times so be prepared for crowds.
Our big tip to avoid the crowds in October is to get into the park early. You can’t beat Bryce Canyon sunrise photography and hiking in the morning!
October Weather at Bryce Canyon
The Bryce Canyon National Park weather in October is wonderful: temperatures begin to get more chilly with the highs hovering around 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and dipping down into the high 20s at night.
The daytime temperatures in October are amazing for exploring the Bryce Canyon hikes. It usually doesn’t snow in October at Bryce Canyon, but it may rain so be prepared with waterproof hiking gear.
Since the morning and evening temps will be COLD, you should pack winter clothing:
- Wicking clothing
- Fleece jacket
- Rain jacket
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves
- Insulated jacket
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking shoes
If you’re not used to a dry environment, you may also need to use lotion and lip balm!
Bryce Canyon Services in October
The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, even on holidays! Check the Bryce Canyon hours and closures for the most updated October dates .
In October it’s rare to have a snow storm, but if one does roll through the area, there may be temporary road closures. Road(s) will stay closed until plowing is completed and conditions are safe for visitor traffic.
Lodge at Bryce Canyon in October: the Lodge is open, but the Western Cabins close mid-month.
Bryce Canyon Campgrounds in October: the North Campground is open year-round and it’s first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground requires a reservation through mid-month, then it’s first-come, first-served through the end of October.
Does the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Run in October?
Yes, the Bryce Canyon shuttle runs every day until late October, 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 October.
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 October
Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon National Park fall activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and photography.
If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park with kids, there are fun way to get them excited before, during and after the trip with National Park activities:
- Bryce Canyon Coloring Page
- Bryce Canyon National Park Facts
- National Park Activity Pack (FREE PRINTABLE)
- National Park Activity Books for Kids
Bryce Canyon Ranger Programs in October
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.
There are fun Bryce Canyon ranger-led programs available in October: Hoodoo Geology Talk, Full Moon Hike, and the Junior Ranger Program for kids!
Kids, and adults, will enjoy collecting stamps in their National Park Passport book! Passport booklets and stamp sets are “usually” available at the park visitor centers, but we recommend you get the passport book before the trip, just in case!! We’ve seen sad kiddos when a visitor center is out of passport books. Rangers can stamp a piece of paper, but it’s not just the same experience!
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive in October
The Bryce Canyon scenic drive offers views of hoodoos, arches and windows at various viewpoints and overlooks.
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.
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 Photography in October
You’ll want to definitely be ready to photograph the Bryce Canyon views of the naturally carved amphitheaters with colorful hoodoos and windows.
Be sure you pack your camera equipment for this stunning national park!
In October, you may find patches of fall leaves to photograph along the Bryce Canyon scenic drive.
We’ve got a free Bryce Canyon photo spots checklist you can download. Here are a few of our favorite photography spots:
- Rainbow and Yovimpa Points
- Agua Canyon
- Natural Bridge
- Bryce Point
- Paria View
- Amphitheater Overlooks
Grab our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips and the best times of day to take pictures at each viewpoint!
Bryce Canyon Stargazing in October
You cannot visit Bryce Canyon National Park in October without stargazing one evening. As you view the night sky, you will be blown away that you can see up to 7500 stars on a moonless night!
Take advantage of seeing the night sky at one of Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks. October is the last month you can photograph the milky way – it won’t be visible again until March!
Check out all the Bryce Canyon astronomy and night sky programs available in October.
Bryce Canyon Tours in October
There are a variety of Bryce Canyon National Park Tours available to fit your needs: guided hikes, horseback riding, photography, and ATV experiences!
If you’re looking for a unique way to see Bryce Canyon, the horseback tours are amazing!!
- 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
Hiking at Bryce Canyon in October
There are so many great Bryce Canyon National Park fall hikes that you can do in October. The hikes are divided into easy, moderate, and hard depending on your hiking ability.
In October some trails may be closed due to unsafe conditions caused by weather so always check with the visitor center before heading out on any trail.
IMPORTANT TIP: remember that all trails below the rim have steep climbs out of the canyon!
When hiking at Bryce Canyon keep these tips in mind:
- Wear actual hiking boots
- Carry lots of water (1 liter for every 2-3 hours of hiking) per person
- Be aware that due to park elevation, you might get a little light-headed while hiking.
- Stay on maintained trails and do not climb hoodoos.
Most of Bryce Canyon’s popular hiking trails connect together so you can combine several easy hikes together to make a harder hike.
If you want to know the best Bryce Canyon hike, we recommend the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail, you won’t be disappointed.
Biking in October 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 Camping and Lodging in October
There are two campgrounds near the Visitor Center and Amphitheater for Bryce Canyon National Park camping. The North Campground is open year-round and it’s first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground requires a reservation through mid-month, then it’s first-come, first-served through the end of October.
Late fall ends the busy season at Bryce Canyon so many lodging options begin to close. Here are a few more camping ideas near Bryce Canyon, but check to see if they’re open for the dates you’ll visit:
- Bryce Canyon National Park RV Parks
- Boondocking near Bryce Canyon
- Glamping near Bryce Canyon National Park
You’ll also find a variety of places to stay near Bryce Canyon as well:
- Bryce Canyon National Park Lodging
- Cabins Near Bryce Canyon National Park
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the park
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Things To Do Near Bryce Canyon in October
- 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
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 October trip, check out our Bryce Canyon Packing List! Click the graphic below to get your free checklist download!
