Guide to Visiting Bryce Canyon in the Winter
Going to Bryce Canyon in the winter is truly a unique and incredible experience and is totally different than visiting in the summer.
Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your winter vacation: what to pack, things to do, and where to stay!
Yes it will be cold and you will need to bundle up, but the crowds are gone and you can truly appreciate this park in all its natural beauty. It is especially gorgeous with the white snow contrasting against the red orange hoodoos.
Here’s everything you need to know to visit Bryce Canyon in the winter: weather, services available, activities 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:
- Hiking shoes – Insulated winter boots (winter)
- 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 – Insulated winter coat
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing – winter base layers
- 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 the Winter
It’s important to know what to expect when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter.
Remember Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000 feet so the scenery changes dramatically in the colder months. You’ll have a unique experience here, but it requires a very different packing list.
Winter Weather at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park weather can change quickly at this high elevation. Winter storms can create some challenging conditions. You can see current weather conditions at Bryce Canyon on the NPS website and check weather forecasts in advance for storms. We recommend you check out the 7-day forecast as your visit approaches.
- December temperatures: High 36 | Low 15
- January temperatures: High 37 | Low 15
- February temperatures: High 38 | Low 17
Don’t let these cooler temperatures deter you from visiting, with the right winter gear and clothing you will have an amazing trip to Bryce Canyon in the winter months.
Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Bryce Canyon
Check out our guide for finding the best time to visit Bryce Canyon. Each season and month of the year will have different activities and services available.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each month during the winter at Bryce Canyon:
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!
Bryce Canyon Services in the Winter
The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, even on holidays!
But the visitor center will be closed on holidays so be sure to check the website for the most updated hours and closures for the winter months.
Restrooms at the following locations are open in the winter: Rainbow Point, Farview Point, Sunset Point, Visitor Center and North Campground.
When a snow storm hits 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 “might” have some units open in during the winter months, but we recommend you always check in advance.
Bryce Canyon winter camping can be found at the North Campground as it’s open year-round and it’s first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground is closed November through March.
Things to Do at Bryce Canyon in the Winter
There are so many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter especially if you enjoy snow activities!
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center in the Winter
If it’s your first time to Bryce Canyon, we recommend you stop at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, especially during the winter.
Find out the latest road conditions, hiking trail conditions and talk to the ranger to see if they have any tips for things to do while visiting.
It’s also good to ask about the weather forecast and what ranger-led programs are happening during your stay.
If you are traveling with kids you will want to grab Junior Ranger booklets as well.
The services at the Visitor Center include:
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Backcountry permits
- First Aid
- Ranger Help Desk
- Book Store
- Twenty Minute Introduction Movie
- Exhibits
Bryce Canyon Ranger-Led Programs in the Winter
The ranger-led programs at Bryce Canyon happen all year long, but they aren’t as frequent in the winter. They are all free, but some require you to preregister.
In the winter you’ll find the programs include the Hoodoo Geology Talk and Snowshoe Hikes. The park does provide snowshoes at the visitor center if you don’t bring your own. This snowshoe adventure takes about 1 ½ to two hours to complete. You must be at least 8 years old to go on the hike.
On some Saturdays, you can enjoy looking at the constellations with the telescopes at the Visitor Center.
Scenic Drive in the Winter at Bryce Canyon
The Bryce Canyon scenic drive is the perfect activity if you want to see the views of hoodoos, arches and windows from 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.
Keep in mind the road may be closed past the amphitheater at any time during the winter for snow removal.
Winter Photography at Bryce Canyon
There’s nothing like the stunning landscape at this park – and winter makes it even more spectacular! Your camera will get a workout taking pictures of the Bryce Canyon views of naturally carved amphitheaters with colorful hoodoos and windows.
Definitely stop at all the pullouts along the Bryce Canyon scenic drive and take pictures of the amazing views! Some of our favorite Bryce Canyon photo spots are:
- Rainbow and Yovimpa Points
- Agua Canyon
- Natural Bridge
- Bryce Point
- Paria View
- Amphitheater Overlooks
Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is awesome anywhere along the rim between Sunrise Point and Bryce Point.
Grab our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips for taking pictures with any camera!!
Be sure you have your winter photography gear packed to take pictures at this stunning national park! We love our photography gloves and rechargeable hand warmers!
Winter Stargazing at Bryce Canyon
Stargazing at Bryce Canyon National Park is amazing! We think it’s worth bundling up and braving the cold night air to see the sky full of stars on a moonless night!
You’ll see why Bryce Canyon is one of Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks.
Bryce Canyon Cross Country Skiing
One of the best ways to explore Bryce Canyon is on cross country skis. There are many routes and trails to explore in the winter. Bryce Canyon maintains miles of trails for skiing.
If you are coming from out of town you can rent ski equipment in Bryce Canyon City.
Winter Hiking at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon hikes are amazing in the winter. The hiking trails are divided into difficulty levels. So regardless of your ability, there is a hike that you can do during the winter.
When hiking at Bryce Canyon in the winter:
- Wear winter hiking boots or snowshoes
- Use crampons and winter hiking poles for extra grip and support
- Carry water – we like hydration backpacks
- Dress in layers
Some great easy hikes include Sunset to Sunrise, Rim Trail, Bristlecone Loop, and Mossy Cove.
With all trails keep in mind that snow is only cleared from sidewalks as well as the overlooks. The snow can become muddy and slippery so you want to be extremely careful while hiking.
Winter Backpacking at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon backpacking is hard throughout the year, but it is even more difficult in the winter with all the fallen snow and freezing temperatures.
It is easy to find yourself veering off the trail if you are not careful. You must be a very experienced hiker to be issued a permit in the winter months.
Sledding in the Winter at Bryce Canyon
With all the snow you might find yourself wanting to go on a sledding adventure. Sledding is allowed above the Caynon rim, but you must never sled off the rim of the canyon. It is prohibited and enforced.
There are not a ton of places to sled within the park. Many of the local residents prefer sledding near Red Canyon, but not in the park.
Winter Festival at Bryce Canyon
If visiting during President’s Day weekend you can take part in the Winter Festival. This is a free festival with lots of activities to do for the whole family. Events include:
- Cross country ski tours
- Snowshoe tours and races
- Archery clinics
- Photography clinics
- Photo contests
- Kids snowboot races
- Ski archery competition
- People-powered sled races
- Kayaking demonstrations
- Snow Sculpture contests
- Clinics on waxing
- Lots of entertainment for you and the family to enjoy
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation
- Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
- 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 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!
