Guide for Visiting Bryce Canyon in the Fall

Planning a vacation to Bryce Canyon in the fall is one of our favorite times to go to unique Utah National Park.

This Bryce Canyon travel guide has everything you need to know to plan your fall vacation: weather, what to pack, where to stay, and things to do!

Bryce Canyon in the Fall

The weather at Bryce Canyon is cooler in the fall, and there are fewer people taking vacations this time of year, making it the perfect time for exploring the great outdoors. 

Use our done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries to plan the perfect vacation:

Bryce Canyon Travel Bundle
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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 the Fall

You’ll enjoy amazing weather when visiting Utah National Parks in the Fall! It’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy all the outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, and photography.

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 during the fall months is to get into the park early. You can’t beat Bryce Canyon sunrise photography and hiking in the morning!

Here’s what you can expect when you plan a fall trip to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Canyon Services in the Fall

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 the fall.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon and Western Cabins begin to close for the season.

Bryce Canyon national park camping in the fall: the North Campground is open year-round and it’s first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground requires a reservation and is closed November through March.

Fall Weather at Bryce Canyon

Fall is the perfect time to visit Bryce Canyon. Throughout the fall the temperatures range from the highs in the 60s to the lows in the teens by the time November hits. 

Always check the Bryce Canyon weather forecast, wear layers and pack a fleece jacket!

Bryce Canyon sunrise is must-do Utah experience.

Is Fall a Good Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park?

The fall months are a terrific time of year for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. But it’s considered the busy season so be prepared for crowds.

Check out our list of best times to visit Bryce Canyon with information about what to expect during each season and every month of the year to decide if fall is the best time for you to go to Bryce Canyon.

Does the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Run in the Fall?

Yes, the Bryce Canyon shuttle runs every day in the fall, 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 September – toward the end of the month the times of operation change.

Zion & Bryce Canyon AUDIO TOUR
(GyPSy Guide)

“Download the app to your phone – no cell or wifi service needed. Based on your GPS location, the app takes you on a guided tour of the park and points out all the interesting features and stops. It’s like having a park ranger in the car with you.”

Things to do at Bryce Canyon in the Fall

There are so many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park in the fall.

Be sure to check out our complete travel guide to Bryce Canyon to help you plan the perfect vacation!

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center

Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center at Bryce Canyon. In fact, each time we go this is the first thing we do! We pick up our hiking directions and talk to the ranger to see if they have any tips for us to do while visiting. We also find out the weather forecast and what ranger-led programs are happening during our stay.

You can take a breather and watch “Shadows of Time.” Don’t forget to check out the museum exhibits and the bookstore as well. 

If you are traveling with kids you will want to grab Junior Ranger booklets as well. 

Bryce Canyon Ranger-Led Programs in the Fall

While visiting the park, check out the amazing Bryce Canyon ranger-led programs. They are all free to do, although some do require you to preregister so you will want to sign up early. 

During the fall you can experience Geology Talks or the Rim Rock Daily. On some Saturdays, you can enjoy looking at the constellations with the telescopes at the Visitor Center. 

Natural Bridge at Byrce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive in the Fall

Definitely add the Bryce Canyon scenic drive to your must-do list of activities to do when visiting in the fall. It’s the best way 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.

Iconic Thor's Hammer at Bryce Canyon National Park.

Fall Photography at Bryce Canyon

Photography at Bryce Canyon is epic. As you visit. look at the amazing carved natural amphitheaters that showcase colorful formations and windows you can’t help but be amazed.

Some of our favorite Bryce Canyon Views and Photo Spots:

  • Rainbow and Yovimpa Points
  • Agua Canyon
  • Natural Bridge
  • Bryce Point
  • Paria View
  • Amphitheater Overlooks

Check out the list of Bryce Canyon sunrise photography spots and use our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint!

Stargazing at Bryce Canyon in the Fall

You cannot visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the fall 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.

Horseback riding at Bryce Canyon is a thrill!

Horseback Riding at Bryce Canyon in the Fall

If you want to explore Bryce Canyon in a whole new way, why not do it on horseback! There are guided trail rides at Bryce Cayon in the fall until October 31st depending on the weather. 

They have two-hour and three-hour rides. You can rent horseback while there or you can bring your own. If you bring your own, you just want to make sure that you follow the Private Stock regulations and guidelines at Bryce Canyon. 

HORSEBACK TOURS AT BRYCE CANYON
Enjoy the hoodoos up close along the Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon

Fall Hikes at Bryce Canyon

There are so many great fall Bryce Canyon hikes. The hiking trails are divided into easy, moderate, and hard depending on your hiking ability.

Regardless of your ability, you want to remember that all trails below the rim have steep climbs out of the canyon, so you want to be especially careful. 

When hiking at Bryce Canyon keep these tips in mind.

  • Wear actual hiking shoes or boots
  • Carry lots of water (1 liter for every 2-3 hours of hiking) per person – hydration packs are perfect for hiking!
  • 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 do connect together. We love this because if we link several easy hikes together it makes a harder hike. 

Some of the best fall hikes that you will want to check out are Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail, Mossy Cave, Sunset to Sunrise, Rim Trail and Bristlecone Loop. 

bryce canyon biking shared use path
Photo Credit NPS

Biking in the Fall 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.

More Bryce Canyon Activities

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