Visiting Bryce Canyon in September
Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for the unique and colorful rock formations known as hoodoos. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your vacation to Bryce Canyon in September.
As the summer crowds thin out and temperatures cool down, you can enjoy stunning views at Bryce Canyon in the fall without having to deal with the heat or huge numbers of tourists.
We live only a few hours away from Bryce Canyon and have visited during all four seasons. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years, and specifically for the month of September! This Bryce Canyon travel guide includes things to do, what to pack, where to stay, weather conditions and more!
You can’t beat the September weather for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, photography, and more! But fall is a busy time at Bryce Canyon so be prepared for crowds, they just aren’t as bad as the summer crowds.
Our biggest tip is to be prepared for the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll be at the park so you’re able to enjoy the outdoor activities you want to do! Use our Bryce Canyon Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in September! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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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 September
September weather is just about perfect to enjoy outdoor Bryce Canyon National Park fall 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 September 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 September?
Yes, the Bryce Canyon shuttle runs every day in September, 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 September – toward the end of the month the times of operation change.
Weather at Bryce Canyon in September
The Bryce Canyon National Park weather in September is pretty much perfect with highs around 70 and lows around 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be prepared for cool to cold mornings and evenings at Bryce Canyon in September. Always check the Bryce Canyon weather forecast, wear layers and pack a fleece jacket!
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 September
Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon National Park fall activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, photography, camping, and more!
There are fun way to get the family excited before, during and after the trip with National Park activities:
- Bryce Canyon National Park Coloring Page
- Bryce Canyon National Park Facts
- National Park Activity Pack (FREE PRINTABLE)
- National Park Activity Books for Kids
All ages 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 Ranger Programs in September
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 September: Hoodoo Geology Talk, Full Moon Hike, and the Junior Ranger Program for kids!
If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park with kids, be sure to grab the Junior Ranger booklet so they can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!
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 September
You’ll find easy, moderate and strenuous Bryce Canyon National Park fall hikes to accommodate all levels of hikers.
In September 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.
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!
Bryce Canyon Photography in September
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. 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 at Bryce Canyon in September
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! In September the Milky Way is visible right after sunset!
Check out all the Bryce Canyon astronomy and night sky programs available in September.
Biking in September 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 Tours in September
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 September
In September 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.
September 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.
Bryce Canyon Lodging in September
If camping isn’t your thing, there are more lodging options near Bryce Canyon:
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Glamping Near Bryce Canyon National Park
- 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 September
- Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon to Zion
- Zion National Park in September
- 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 Itineraries
We’ve created done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries to make vacation planning easy depending on the amount of 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
