Bryce Canyon Winter Photos + Travel Tips

A trip to Bryce Canyon in the winter is the best if you enjoy a snowy winter wonderland! We’ve created this gallery of Bryce Canyon winter photos to inspire you to add this location to your bucket list!

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.

Use this gallery and Bryce Canyon travel guide to know all the best things to see, do, and photograph plus services available, weather, and more for your winter vacation.

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 during the winter months of December, January, and 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! 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.

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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Visiting Bryce Canyon in the Winter

Even though it’s a cold and snowy time of year to visit, you’ll find fun Bryce Canyon winter activities to enjoy. The landscape is especially gorgeous with the white snow contrasting against the red orange hoodoos.

Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Weather

The temperatures, conditions and 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 on the Bryce Canyon NPS website and check weather forecasts in advance for storms.

We recommend you check out the Bryce Canyon 7-day forecast as your visit approaches so you’re prepared.

Here are the average temperatures during the winter:

Bryce Canyon in December: High 36 | Low 15
Bryce Canyon in January: High 37 | Low 15
Bryce Canyon in February: 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.

FIND HIKING GEAR AT REI

FIND HIKING GEAR AT AMAZON

Bryce Canyon Winter Photos

Here’s a gallery of our favorite Bryce Canyon National Park winter pictures and some tips for visiting!

As you drive to or from Bryce Canyon, one of the best stops along Scenic Byway 12 is Red Canyon. We’ve also included photos of what you’ll see as you drive through Red 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.

Bryce Canyon sunset point snow — Bryce Canyon Sunset Point

Yes Bryce Canyon in the winter 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.

Bryce Canyon in the winter hoodoos with snow — Bryce Canyon Silent City

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.

photographer at Bryce Canyon in the winter — Photographer at Bryce Canyon in the winter

Bryce Canyon winter hikes are amazing. 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

hiking trails at Bryce Canyon in the winter — Rim Trail

View of Navajo Loop trail — View of Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail at Sunset Point

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.

Navajo Loop hiking trail closed at Bryce in the winter — Bryce Canyon hikes may close due to unsafe conditions in the winter

Bryce Canyon in the winter with snow — View from Sunset Point

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.

The Sinking Ship at Bryce Canyon with snow — The Sinking Ship

View from Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon in the winter — View from the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise point

Rim Trail from Sunrise to Sunset Point in the winter

Red Canyon Winter Photos

Here’s a gallery of 8 photos of Red Canyon in the winter, one of the best stops along Scenic Byway 12 as you are driving to or from Bryce Canyon.

Hoodoos in Red Canyon with snow on a sunny day

Red Canyon Tunnel with snow on a sunny day

If you’ll be driving to Bryce Canyon, be sure you’re prepared with winter road trip supplies!

Utah's Red Canyon in the winter — Utah’s Red Canyon in the winter

Your packing list should definitely include winter clothing and other gear for hiking in the snow.

Traction devices: You’ll want warm waterproof hiking boots and traction devices and ski poles for extra grip and support.

Red Canyon in a snow storm — Do you see the hikers on the left?

Hikers in Red Canyon in the winter — Enjoy hiking Red Canyon

Water and sun protection: Carry plenty of water; 1 quart per 2-3 hours of hiking for each person. In the winter you’ll still need sun protection: lip balm with UV protection and sunscreen.