Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in February
Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Bryce Canyon National Park in February? Bryce Canyon in the winter is one of the most amazing times to go. It’s important to note the weather at Bryce Canyon in February is cold, and winter snow storms may create challenging travel conditions and road closures.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy winter activities in a stunning location, then a February vacation to Bryce Canyon might be what you’re looking for!
Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to help you decide if a February vacation is the right time for you to enjoy outdoor winter adventures at this park. We share services available, weather, what to pack, where to stay, and things to do at Bryce Canyon in February.
Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Bryce Canyon showcases a unique landscape willed with colorful rock structures called ‘hoodoos’. 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 February!
Our biggest tip is to be prepared for the winter weather so you’re able to enjoy the outdoor activities you want to do at Bryce Canyon! Use our Bryce Canyon Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the winter! 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 National Park in February
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24/7, 365 days a year! Be sure to check the NPS website for the most current Bryce Canyon hours and closures for February.
You will need a National Park pass to enter Bryce Canyon. The annual park pass can be purchased online or at the park entrance booth. If you purchase a digital pass be sure to print or save it on your mobile device since connectivity is limited in the park.
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 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. Restrooms at the following locations are open in January: Rainbow Point, Farview Point, Sunset Point, Visitor Center and North Campground.
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.
- Wicking clothing
- Fleece jacket
- Rain jacket
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves
- Insulated jacket
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Insulated boots
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 February is a fun time to enjoy winter activities and avoid the crowds if you don’t mind cold and snow!
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.
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!
If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park with kids, there are fun way to get them excited before, during and after the trip with National Park activities:
- Bryce Canyon Coloring Page
- Bryce Canyon National Park Facts
- National Park Activity Pack (FREE PRINTABLE)
- National Park Activity Books for Kids
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.
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 Scenic Drive in March
The Bryce Canyon scenic drive offers views of hoodoos, arches and windows at 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 Bryce Canyon must-see viewpoints are on the right so it’s easy to pull in and out of each parking lot.
In February, the road from the Amphitheater to Rainbow Point might be closed due to a snow storm.
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 viewpoint and photo spot!
You’ll want to pack your camera gear to capture Bryce Canyon winter photos!
Be sure to download our camera gear checklist before arriving at the park to make sure you have everything you need. Since February will be cold, we like to use photographer gloves and keep rechargeable hand warmers in our coat pockets!
If you’re willing to get up early, Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is best anywhere along the rim between Sunrise Point and Bryce Point.
We’ve put together a Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint!
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.
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.
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.
Bryce Canyon Camping in February
There is only one option for Bryce Canyon Winter camping in February. The North Campground is open year-round and it’s first-come, first-served. The Sunset Campground is closed November through March.
Only loop A of North Campground is open in February. It is first come, first serve. Due to the cold temperatures there are times you could find yourself with the campground all to yourself. If you want to experience the campground and Bryce Canyon without all the crowds and people, winter is a good time to do it.
You can also find RV parks near Bryce Canyon if you can’t get a spot in the park itself.
Lodging Near Bryce Canyon in February
There are a few options for lodging near Bryce Canyon during the winter if camping isn’t your thing:
- Bryce Canyon National Park Lodging
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Cabins Near Bryce Canyon National Park
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Things To Do Near Bryce Canyon in February
- Bryce Canyon to Zion
- Zion National Park in February
- 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 put together our favorite Bryce Canyon National Park Itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 days in the park! Grab a free copy by clicking the graphic below. Click on the links to read the detailed itinerary for Bryce Canyon based on the 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
