Best Easy Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park Any Time of Year

This Bryce Canyon travel guide details everything you need to know to enjoy your hiking adventure at this park any time of year.

We list the best easy hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park that provide expansive views of the stunning landscape no matter when you plan your vacation!

Bryce Canyon hiking trail in the snow: Bryce Canyon easy hiking trails any time of year

There are important things to know about hiking at Bryce Canyon: what to wear for the hike, what to pack in your day bag, best time of year for hiking, and trail descriptions.

Use this guide to prepare for, and enjoy, the easy Bryce Canyon hikes on your vacation!

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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!

Bryce Canyon Hiking Resources

Check out this list of resources for day hikes, hiking with kids, and camera gear to carry along!

What to Bring on a Hike: Day Hike Packing List
Hiking Gear for Kids: And Tips for a Day Hike
Photography Gear for Hiking

Important Things to Know Before Hiking at Bryce Canyon

One of the most popular Bryce Canyon activities is hiking. It’s important to know what to expect before hitting the trail.

We always recommend you talk to a park ranger to get the most updated information about trail conditions and weather before setting out on any Bryce Canyon hikes.

Bryce Canyon elevation: You’ll be over 9,000 feet in the park. Many visitors can feel light-headed and nauseated with just mild exertion. All of the easy hikes at Bryce Canyon don’t require climbing DOWN into the canyon. If you do want to try one of those trails, keep in mind that all those hikes end with a climb back UP. Leave yourself enough energy for your return trip.

Hiking boots, not sneakers: The top injuries at Bryce Canyon are altitude-related illnesses and ankle injuries! You want to wear hiking boots with good “lug” traction and ankle support. When visiting Bryce Canyon in the winter, you’ll want traction devices and ski poles for extra grip and support. You can rent traction devices and snowshoes at the park.

Water, food and sun protection: Carry plenty of water; 1 quart per 2-3 hours of hiking for each person. Also eat plenty of healthy snacks and food, especially salty treats. You’ll want sun protection year-round: lip balm with UV protection, sunscreen, and a sunhat. Remember it’s just as easy to become dehydrated in the cold as it is in the heat so carry plenty of water during the winter, and not just during the summer.

Stay on maintained trails: Do not use “social” trails or climb on hoodoos. These social trails contribute to plant death, aggressive erosion, and visitor/wildlife confrontations including rattlesnakes. It’s always best to obey Leave No Trace principles.

Hiking with pets: Pets are only allowed on paved trails and viewpoints, roads, campsites, and picnic areas. The 0.5 mi section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points and the Shared-Use Bike Path are the only paved trails at Bryce Canyon. Pets must be leashed at all times and you are required to clean up after your pet. Dog owners looking for hoodoos and dog-friendly trails should consider visiting nearby Red Canyon, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

hiking trails at Bryce Canyon in the winter

Best Time to Hike at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park weather varies from season to season, and even month to month.

The weather can change quickly in any season at this high elevation, but winter storms can create some of the most challenging conditions so always check current weather and road conditions!

Lightning at Bryce Canyon is a year-round danger, especially during the summer monsoon season. If you can hear thunder, lightning is within 10 miles and you need to seek the shelter of a building or your vehicle immediately.

Monsoon season at Bryce Canyon occurs in July and August. During this time afternoon thunderstorms roll in producing heavy rain and frequent lightning.

Before setting out on Bryce Canyon winter hikes, talk to a park ranger to get the most updated information about trail conditions and weather. Some trails close in the winter due to unsafe conditions.

Easy Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park

This article is all about the easy hikes, but if you’re interested, there are other day hikes at Bryce Canyon that also include moderate and strenuous trails.

You’ll see this list of the easy hiking trails at Bryce Canyon stay along the rim of the canyon. Any trail that goes DOWN into the canyon will require you to hike back UP, making it a moderate trail due to the steep climb!

Sunset to Sunrise Trail

Distance: 1.0 mile roundtrip
Hike length: 1 hour
Hike difficulty: Easy
Trailhead Location: Sunset Point Parking Lot

The Sunset to Sunrise Point is the easiest hike at Bryce Canyon. You can also do it the reverse say and hike from Sunrise to Sunset Point. You’ll enjoy staggering views of the Bryce Amphitheater from below. There are several benches located along the trail that make a perfect spot to just enjoy the unique landscape scene.

Highlights:

The Sunset to Sunrise trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
It is suitable for adults and children in all fitness levels.
This is the only trail at Bryce Canyon where dogs are permitted.

Bryce Canyon Rim Trail

Distance: 5.5 miles one way – but many shorter options can be done. The shuttle can be used to return to your car.
Hike length: 1 to 7.5 hours
Hike difficulty: Easy
Trailhead Location: Fairyland Point or Bryce Point Parking Lost

The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park is an easy hike with an elevation change of about 300 meters. This is a great trail for those who want a longer hiking experience without dropping into the canyon. You can start from Fairyland Point or Bryce Point, whichever suits your preference.

You’ll pass by all the scenic overlooks as you hike this trail. Wooden benches at various points along the path give visitors opportunities to relax and enjoy the wondrous scenery.

Most of this trail is well-worn which makes it somewhat wheelchair accessible in some spots. There are other areas with steep gradients and uneven surfaces that will make it more difficult to use a wheelchair.

Highlights:

The largest collection of hoodoos and massive fins are found here at the Rim Trail.
If you’re interested in Bryce Canyon sunrise photography, we like Bryce Point so you could start your morning there then hike along the rim toward Fairyland Point.

Bristlecone Loop Trail

Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip
Hike length: 1 hour
Hike difficulty: Easy
Trailhead Location: Rainbow Point Parking Lot

At the end of the Bryce Canyon scenic drive, you will find the Bristlecone Loop. This trail is easy and smooth.

The views of Bryce Canyon along Bristlecone Loop are amazing. Enjoy the forest environment here being surrounded by the Bristlecone Pine trees with shade and fresh air!

Once you’re done with this trail, be sure to stop at all the scenic drive overlooks as you head back toward the Bryce Canyon entrance.

Highlights:

A century-old Bristlecone Pine tree is found on this trail.
The trail is suitable for children and adults at all fitness levels.
The parking lot for Rainbow Point and the Bristlecone Loop is small and does fill up. But many only stay long enough to look at the viewpoint so spots will open up regularly.

Mossy Cave Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip
Hike length: 1 hour
Hike difficulty: Easy
Trailhead Location: Departing from the park Visitor Center, drive 4 miles (6.4 km) north on UT 63 (main park road) north to its junction with SR 12. Turn right and drive 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east. Parking will be on the right hand side. Do not park along the shoulder of SR 12. If parking lot is full, return to hike at another time.

The Mossy Cave Trail is perfect easy trail for hikers to get a view from below looking up at hoodoos without the strenuous trek down and back up the canyon!

During the winter, Mossy Cave may have large ice formations. When the weather is good, the dripping spring in the cave remains. You’ll also find the Tropic Ditch waterfall on this trail.

Being one of the most accessible trails, the Mossy Cave Trail is often one of the most visited so arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds.

Highlights:

Visitors are permitted in the water, but only enter and exit at bridge crossings to reduce social trails elsewhere.
Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.

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!