Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in February

Bryce Canyon is a popular Utah National Park and it gets crowded during the peak seasons of spring, summer and fall.

You can’t beat visiting the park without the crowds and the offseason rates in February.

Yes there will probably be snow at Bryce Canyon in February, but that’s what makes it magical! The colorful hoodoos really pop against the white snow.

And exploring the park with snowshoes and skis is part of the unique experience of a winter vacation at Bryce Canyon!

Snow is also the biggest drawback for a February trip to Bryce Canyon. If you’re not a fan of exploring the outdoors in cold weather or snowy conditions, then you should probably skip visiting this park in the winter.

The main Bryce Canyon scenic drive could be closed due to weather and road conditions, which means you’ll only be able to see the amphitheater section of the park.

But the amphitheater is the most amazing part of the park, and you’ll be able to see, photograph and explore it more intimately than you would during the peak seasons.

Getting to Bryce Canyon in February

Driving to Bryce Canyon in February takes some advanced planning compared to driving there in the summer due to it’s remote and mountainous location.

Our biggest tip is to watch the weather forecast and consider other options and routes if snow is expected. The narrow and steep backcountry roads to get to Bryce Canyon may not be plowed, and can be very scary in the snow!

Once you get to Bryce Canyon, the main road and major parking lots are usually plowed quickly after a storm.

Check the Conditions Page for road status.

Bryce Canyon entrance gate in the winter with snow.

Bryce Canyon Services in February

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 like Washington’s Birthday so be sure to check the website for the most updated Bryce Canyon hours and closures for February.

The Bryce Canyon shuttle doesn’t run in the winter. The shuttle service runs mid April through mid October. Check the NPS website for specific service dates.

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.

Weather at Bryce Canyon in February

The Bryce Canyon National Park weather in February is cold with average temperatures between 38 degrees and 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Brrr!

Don’t let these cold temperatures deter you from visiting, with the right winter gear and clothing you will have an amazing trip to Bryce Canyon in February. We recommend a winter jacket, fleece jacket, winter hat and gloves.

It will probably snow in February at Bryce Canyon so be prepared with insulated boots and waterproof hiking gear.

Does it Snow at Bryce Canyon?

Due to the high elevation of the park, there will be snow at Bryce Canyon in February. The park does a great job of plowing the roads as well as the parking lots near the viewpoints.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy snow activities like snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing.

Is February 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.

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! But a trip to Bryce Canyon in February isn’t for everyone!

Can you Drive Through Bryce Canyon in February?

In February, you’ll find two roads closed to vehicles: Fairyland Point and Paria View. They remain open for anyone who wants to hike, snowshow or cross-country ski in those areas.

Even though Bryce Canyon is open, you may find the main Bryce Canyon scenic drive closed beyond the amphitheater following a snowstorm. The park closes the road beyond mile marker 3 so snow plow crews can clear snow from the higher elevations along the southern scenic drive.

The road closure typically last a day or so, depending on the severity of the snowstorm.

They always play the first three miles of the main road first. This includes the Bryce Amphitheater area: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.

Check the Bryce Canyon Conditions Page for the most updated road status.

Arches & Canyonlands AUDIO TOUR
(GuideAlong)

“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 February

February is a magical time to visit because there are so many Bryce Canyon winter activities to enjoy. It’s a great time of year to enjoy outdoor winter activities and avoid the crowds!

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

Winter Festival in February

Ruby’s Inn hosts a Winter Festival over President’s Weekend in mid-February. The events may be subject to change due to weather conditions, but the festival will be held regardless!

Most of the activities are free. You will need to pay the entrance fee (or use your National Parks Pass) to access the events taking place at Bryce Canyon.

Here’s a list of the types of activities you’ll find during the festival: yoga, zumba, guided snowshoe hike, photography lesson, make your own pottery, stargazing with telescopes, kayaking demos and more!

Bryce Canyon City is busy during the Winter Festival. Lodging options are limited so you’ll need to book at least a few weeks in advance.

Thor's Hammer at Bryce Canyon in snow — Thor’s Hammer at Bryce Canyon in snow.

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center in February

We recommend you stop at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, especially in February. It’s important to 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 February

The ranger-led programs at Bryce Canyon happen all year long, but they aren’t as frequent in February. They are all free, but some require you to preregister.

When you visit in February you’ll find the programs include the Hoodoo Geology Talk and Snowshoe Hikes. You can get 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park hoodoos with snow in the winter.

Bryce Canyon Photography in February

Photographing Bryce Canyon is extremely popular, and February is no exception. You’ll want to stop at every Bryce Canyon view and photo spot! Check out our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint!

Be sure to download our camera gear checklist before arriving at the park to make sure you have everything you need.

If you’re willing to get up early, Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is best anywhere along the rim between Sunrise Point and Bryce Point.

And since February will be cold, we like to use photographer gloves and keep rechargeable hand warmers in our coat pockets!

Stargazing in February at Bryce Canyon

Stargazing at Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-do activity. It’s worth braving the cold night air in February to see the sky full of stars on a moonless night!

It will be easy to see why Bryce Canyon is one of Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks.

Navajo Loop trail at Bryce Canyon closed in the winter.

Hiking in February at Bryce Canyon

There are so many great Best Bryce Canyon winter hikes to go on while visiting in February, but there are two trails that will be closed.

The Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop is closed, but the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop remains open for down-and-back hiking along the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail.

And the Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Points will also be closed in February.

Be prepared with winter hiking gear at Bryce Canyon:

Wear winter hiking boots or snowshoes
Carry lots of water – we like hydration backpacks
Dress in layers
Use crampons and winter hiking poles for extra grip and support

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.

You may need traction devices on some trails. And some trails may close due to bad conditions. Check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions. Traction devices can be rented in Bryce Canyon City.

Backpacking in February at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon backpacking is hard throughout the year, but it is even more difficult in February when there’s snow and freezing temperatures. You must be a very experienced hiker to be issued a permit in the winter months.

3 people snowshoeing in deep snow — Snowshoeing at Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon Cross Country Skiing in February

One of the best ways to explore Bryce Canyon in February is cross country skiing. Bryce Canyon maintains miles of trails in the winter. If you are coming from out of town you can rent ski equipment in Bryce Canyon City.

Sledding in February at Bryce Canyon

There are not a ton of places to sled within the Bryce Canyon National Park boundaries. Sledding off the rim of the canyon is prohibited and enforced!!

Many of the local residents prefer sledding near Red Canyon.

Bryce Canyon Itineraries

Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation

Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging

Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
Bryce Canyon Winter Camping
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

Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps

Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in February

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Winter Packing List for National Parks

A Photo Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park