Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Activities
Here’s a list of fun Bryce Canyon National Park fall activities to enjoy while visiting this park located in southwest Utah.
Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan an amazing itinerary full of fun activities in the fall! We also share tips for things to pack, where to stay and more!
Bryce Canyon is home to some of the most stunning views and landscapes in the country! Fall activities include hiking, biking, scenic drives, photography, and even horseback riding.
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 Bryce Canyon Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting during the fall months! 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 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.
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.
- Bryce Canyon in September: highs 69 / lows 37 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bryce Canyon in October: highs 57 / lows high 20 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bryce Canyon in November: highs mid-40s / lows in the teens
Be prepared for the mornings and evenings to get cold! By late fall you’ll want to wear layers have winter clothing packed. If you’re not used to dry air, you’ll want to use lotion and lip balm!
Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Activities
Check out this list of fun Bryce Canyon activities you can do in the fall:
Fall Ranger Led Programs at Bryce Canyon
While visiting we highly recommend joining a Bryce Canyon ranger-led program – check the schedule of what’s offered for the time you’ll be there:
- Hoodoo Geology Talks
- Full Moon Hikes (only offered in September)
- Astronomy Programs
All of these ranger-led programs offer a wealth of knowledge that you can learn so much more from than exploring the park on your own.
Fall Scenic Drives at Bryce Canyon
The Bryce Canyon scenic drive is the best way to see the variety of hoodoos, arches and windows at the park.
Be sure to drive to the end of the road at Rainbow Point then work 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.
People come from around the world to see the stunning Bryce Canyon views along the scenic drive and at all the amphitheater viewpoints.
We recommend 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.
Fall Hiking at Bryce Canyon
There are a variety of Bryce Canyon National Park fall hikes to explore this National Park that encompasses over 35,000 acres of picturesque expansive views!
Hiking at Bryce Canyon is definitely a unique experience where you walk right along hoodoos, windows, arches, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and more!
The best day hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park are perfect for any type of hiker with easy, moderate and strenuous trails.
If you only have time for one hike, we recommend the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail! We like to start at Sunset Point and end at Sunrise Point.
During the fall, check with the Rangers for the latest trail updates as some may close if they become unsafe due to weather and conditions.
Bryce Canyon’s elevations reach over 9,000 feet. Even a small amount of exertion may leave you feeling light-headed and nauseated. Remember, most Bryce Canyon hikes begin with a descent and end with a climb. Leave yourself enough energy for your return trip.
Fall Photography at Bryce Canyon
You’ll find a variety of Bryce Canyon photo spots to capture the stunning views of the unique landscape.
Fall is a wonderful time for Bryce Canyon sunrise photography to capture the glow that happens on the hoodoos in that early morning light!
Mornings will be cold so layers are always a good thing. We’ve found that many of the overlooks will also be windy in the morning. Here’s a helpful tip for those cold mornings – put rechargeable hand warmers in your pockets!
If you’re looking for a Bryce Canyon Photography Guide, we have created an easy-to-follow resource with tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint!
Fall Stargazing at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is designated as a Dark Sky certified park. You need to definitely take time to enjoy the night sky during your stay!
This park is a popular location for astrophotography. In the fall, the milky way is visible in the sky during these times:
- September – 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- October – 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm
- November – not visible
You’ll also find telescope tours and Bryce Canyon astronomy programs during the fall months!
Fall Tours at Bryce Canyon
Many Bryce Canyon National Park tours run through the end of October, and are dependent on weather.
You’ll find a variety of tours like guided hikes, horseback riding, photography, and ATV experiences!
Horseback Riding Tours are the most popular tourist attractions in Bryce Canyon !
- 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
Fall Biking at Bryce Canyon
There is a 5 mile section of road from Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point, with various stops in between. The path climbs 746 feet in elevation going north to south. If you prefer a downhill ride, you can 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.
You can rent bikes in Bryce Canyon City. Read more about biking at Bryce Canyon and the Shared-Use Path. You can also enjoy mountain biking in nearby Red Canyon where the landscape is similar to Bryce Canyon.
Fall Camping at Bryce Canyon
There are two campgrounds for Bryce Canyon National Park camping: North and Sunset Campgrounds.
North Campground requires reservations from May 27 to October 1. From October 2 to May 26 all sites are first-come, first-served. Sunset campground is open April 15th – October 31st. It has 98 first-come, first-served sites and 3 reservable sites.
If you can’t get a camping spot in the park, there are other Bryce Canyon National Park RV vacation spots nearby!
You can also enjoy boondocking near Bryce Canyon if you really want to enjoy the quieter side of the area!
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Fall Activities Near Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon to Zion
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hiking Guide
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon in the Fall
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the park
Bryce Canyon Itineraries
Check out these done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries to plan your summer vacation based on the number of days 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
