Bryce Canyon Spring Activities + Travel Tips
Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to some of the most stunning views and landscapes in the country! Here’s a list of fun Bryce Canyon spring activities and things to do near the park this time of year like hiking, biking, scenic drives, and photography.
Due to the higher elevation, it’s important to be up-to-date with current weather and road conditions when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the spring. It is not unusual to get a heavy snowfall in March or April.
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 spring months of March, April, and May.
Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan an amazing itinerary full of fun spring activities! We also share tips for things to pack, where to stay and more!
Our biggest tip is to be prepared for the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll be at the park so you’re able to enjoy the outdoor activities you want to do! Use our Bryce Canyon Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the spring! 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!
What It’s Like Visiting Bryce Canyon in the Spring
When visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, it’s important to know what to expect during each month of this season.
Bryce Canyon in March
Yes, there will probably be snow at Bryce Canyon in March, but that’s what makes it magical! The colorful hoodoos really pop against the white snow. You can’t beat visiting the park without the crowds and the offseason rates in March.
There are a number of things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park in March, but 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 early spring.
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.
Bryce Canyon in April
Bryce Canyon in April is considered the shoulder season so the visitor numbers are much lower than summer or fall. But ALL five Utah National Parks are busy during spring break!
Due to the high elevation of the park, there’s a good chance you’ll experience snow at Bryce Canyon in April. If you’re prepared with rain and/or snow gear there are many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park in April. Always check the weather forecast so you have the right clothing for the conditions.
Bryce Canyon in May
The mornings and evenings will be cool, but the daytime temperatures will be just right at Bryce Canyon in May. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy all the outdoor activities at this unique park.
May begins the busy season at Bryce Canyon. The shuttles are running, but they aren’t mandatory. You can drive your car to the various Bryce Canyon viewpoints and photo spots along the scenic drive. Parking could be an issue so we recommend exploring the park in the morning or later in the day.
Spring Weather at Bryce Canyon
Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in the spring means you will see a variety of different weather conditions depending on the month you visit.
It is important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change. It is not unusual to get a heavy snowfall in March or April.
Here’s the expected Bryce Canyon National Park weather in the spring:
- March – highs 45° F | lows 23° F
- April – highs 54° | lows 29° F
- May – highs 64° | lows 37° F
You might still need insulated winter clothing in March or April if a storm rolls through. Layers are key to enjoy the outdoor adventures at Bryce Canyon!
- Wicking clothing
- Fleece jacket
- Rain jacket
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves
- Insulated jacket
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Insulated boots
Bryce Canyon Spring Activities
During spring in Bryce Canyon, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, and photography to explore the unique landscape filled with colorful hoodoos!
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
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Visitor Center and Ranger Programs
Stop by the visitor center when you first arrive. So often people visiting skip this, but it is actually the first thing we do on each trip to Bryce Canyon.
While in the visitor center we talk with the park ranger about which hikes and activities we are planning to do on our trip. They share tips and advice that are valuable as well as the conditions of the trials.
At the visitor center, you can also see what Bryce Canyon ranger-led program are running during your stay. These are the programs that usually take place in the spring:
- Geology talks
- Full Moon hikes
- Constellation tours
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.
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Scenic Drives
People come from around the world to see the stunning views. The Bryce Canyon scenic drive is the best way to see the variety of hoodoos, arches and windows at the park.
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.
In early spring the road could close past the amphitheater due to snow. But there are still many overlooks to see and photograph the stunning views in the amphitheater area!
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.
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Hiking
You’ll find easy, moderate, and strenuous Bryce Canyon spring hikes to accommodate all levels of hikers!
If a storm rolls through, you may find closed trails due to unsafe conditions. The trails in the spring may be muddy, snowy or icy so check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions before setting out on any hike.
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.
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.
In the spring, the full Navajo Loop may still be closed due to trail damage from spring runoff. Check with the Rangers for the latest hiking trail updates.
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Landscape Photography
Taking photos of the Bryce Canyon sunrise is all about capturing the the warm sunlight shining on the tall, thin rock formations. Watch for reflected light on the hoodoos, fins, windows and trees in the canyon.
Be sure to download our camera gear checklist before arriving at the park to make sure you have everything you need.
Bryce Canyon has cool rock holes, tunnels, and windows that provide unique composition and faming elements!
Check out our Bryce Canyon Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each viewpoint!
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Stargazing
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! In the spring, the milky way is visible in the sky.
The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” encourages visiting at night to simply Look up! On a clear night, the sky is literally filled with stars. Be sure to schedule one night to enjoy the night sky at Bryce Canyon!
Bryce Canyon is a popular location for astrophotography. If you’ll be doing astrophotography, be sure to use a headlamp with a red light. The red light minimizes the disruption of night vision and allows you and other photographers around you to see their surroundings while preserving the sensitivity of their eyes to low-light conditions.
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Biking
There is a 5 mile section of road for bikers to ride from Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point, with various stops in between. There is an elevation climb of 746 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.
The Shared-Use Path is 18 miles and connects 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.
You can enjoy mountain biking in nearby Red Canyon where the landscape is similar to Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Guided Tours
Because Bryce Canyon has a high-elevation climate, weather conditions can be extremely variable throughout spring. Many Bryce Canyon Tours require good weather, and spring is an “iffy” time of year.
If the weather cooperates for your spring trip, viewing Bryce Canyon on horseback is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! There are two guided trail ride options at Bryce Canyon: 1.5 to 2-hour ride or a 3-hour complete tour of the canyon.
Here are a few other tours to consider:
- Guided Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Private Guided Hike and Picnic
- One Hour Bryce Canyon ATV Tour
Bryce Canyon Spring Activity: Camping
There are two campgrounds for Bryce Canyon National Park camping: North and Sunset Campgrounds.
Due to the high elevation at Bryce Canyon (8,900 feet above sea level), be sure to pack for the weather conditions. The temperatures drop at night, so it’s important to be prepared.
North Campground requires reservations through Recreation.gov 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.
You can also find some other camping options near Bryce Canyon:
- RV Parks near Bryce Canyon National Park
- Boondocking Near Bryce Canyon
- Glamping Near Bryce Canyon National Park
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Lodging in the Spring Near Bryce Canyon
If camping isn’t your thing, there are a variety of options so you can find the best place to stay for your travel style and budget.
