Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon in October
Planning a vacation to Bryce Canyon in October is one of our favorite times to go. There are so many fun things to do at Bryce Canyon during the fall months.
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 weather at Bryce Canyon is cooler in October making it the perfect time for exploring the great outdoors.
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.
Use these done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries to plan the perfect vacation:
- 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
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 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
October weather at Bryce Canyon in the fall 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. We recommend layers with a fleece jacket for those colder mornings and evenings.
It usually doesn’t snow in October at Bryce Canyon, but it may rain so be prepared with waterproof hiking gear.
Bryce Canyon Services in October
The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, even on holidays! Be sure to check the Bryce Canyon website for the most updated information for the visitor center hours and closures in October.
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. Check current conditions for more information.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is open in October, but the Western Cabins close mid-month.
Bryce Canyon national park camping 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.
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 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
We highly recommend October because there are so many things to do at Bryce Canyon in the fall.
Be sure to check out our tips for visiting Bryce Canyon to help you plan the perfect vacation!
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and Ranger-Led Programs
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.
While visiting Bryce Canyon National Park you will want to check out some of the amazing ranger-led programs. They are all free to do, although some do require you to preregister so you will want to sign up early.
In October the programs include the Hoodoo Geology Talk and Rim Walk. On some Saturdays, you can enjoy looking at the constellations with the telescopes at the Visitor Center.
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.
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.
In October, you may find patches of fall leaves to photograph along the Bryce Canyon scenic drive.
Be sure you pack your camera equipment for this stunning national park!
Some of our favorite photography spots are:
- 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!
Horseback Riding at Bryce Canyon in October
Viewing Bryce Canyon on horseback is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Luckily the guided trail rides at Bryce Canyon are available until October 31st, depending on the weather. The tour options include a 1.5 to 2-hour ride or a 3-hour complete tour of the canyon.
Hiking at Bryce Canyon in October
There are so many great Bryce Canyon hikes that you can do in October. The hikes are divided into easy, moderate, and hard depending on your hiking ability.
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.
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation
- Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Packing List
- Things to Do at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Tours
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
- 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
