Three Days in Bryce Canyon National Park: Itinerary and Guide

If you’ve got the time, here’s our recommended itinerary for three days in Bryce Canyon National Park!

Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your 3-day trip: things to see and do, best time to visit, what to pack, and where to stay.

3 days in Bryce Canyon National Park

For anyone who doesn’t have 3 days to spend at the park, check out these other itineraries:

Bryce Canyon Travel Bundle
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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!

Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, even on holidays! Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated information for the Bryce Canyon hours and closures when you plan to visit.

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.

Bryce Canyon Seasons and Weather

We get asked often: When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon? The time of year will definitely play a big part in what you can see or do at the park. 

Most of the year you’ll enjoy fun outdoor things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park like scenic drives, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. During the winter, the activities are a bit more limited due to the cold and snow!

Due to the higher elevation at Bryce Canyon compared to the other Utah National Parks, the weather and temperatures will be different so it’s important to be up-to-date with current weather and road conditions!

Here’s a list of the average temperatures and Bryce Canyon weather during all four seasons:

Bryce Canyon spring weather: Due to the elevation, it will be cold, and may even be snowy, in early spring which usually means fewer (but steady) crowds.

It is especially 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. We recommend you pack winter clothes when going to Bryce Canyon in March and April. 

Bryce Canyon summer weather: the temperatures aren’t as hot as the other Utah National Parks which is nice!

We recommend having a fleece jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings. Summer monsoon rain storms are common as well so check the weather to see if you may also need a rain jacket.

Bryce Canyon fall weather: temperatures are cooler and there are fewer people taking vacations this time of year, making it the perfect time for visiting this park.

Bryce Canyon winter weather: it will be cold and snowy, 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.

Late spring, summer, and fall are the best times of year to visit Bryce Canyon so you don’t need to worry about the cold weather and snow storms closing roads during the winter months.

But…if you’re prepared with winter clothes and gear you will have an amazing trip to Bryce Canyon in the winter months. You’ll enjoy fun snow activities like snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing in a setting like no other!

The park does a great job of plowing the Bryce Canyon roads as well as the parking lots near the viewpoints. Always check the Bryce Canyon website for current conditions.

Bryce Canyon entry sign in the winter
Bryce Canyon entry sign in the winter

How Many Days to Spend in Bryce Canyon

When people ask us “How Many Days Should I Spend in Bryce Canyon National Park”, we always recommend at least two days in Bryce Canyon.

But if you’re not a hiker, or don’t plan to do any Bryce Canyon tours like horseback riding or ATV riding, then one full day will be enough. Our Bryce Canyon National Park one day itinerary includes sunrise photography, exploring the scenic drive, hiking one or two short and easy trails, and ending with late afternoon/sunset photography.

Map of Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive Points of Interest

Use this Google map of the Bryce Canyon scenic drive points of interest to navigate through the park.

Map of Bryce Canyon viewpoints along the scenic drive

Itinerary for Three Days in Bryce Canyon National Park

Your three days will include the Bryce Canyon scenic drive and amphitheater, hiking trails, and other activities. The spring/summer/fall itinerary will be different from the winter itinerary.

We always recommend you stop at the Visitor Centers first thing to get the updated weather forecasts, trail conditions, and ranger activities happening while you’re visiting.

The scenic drive road is paved and offers the most amazing Bryce Canyon views and photo spots from the pullouts along the road or in the parking lots. We’ll share photo tips for each stop.

Some of the best Bryce Canyon hikes are longer and take an more than 2 hours to complete like the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail. You can definitely add one of these longer hikes to the 2-day itinerary.

When hiking at Bryce Canyon sure to stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, and wear sunscreen, even in the winter!

You’ll also have time to do some other fun Bryce Canyon activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, and biking in the summer.

There are fun things to do at Bryce Canyon in the winter as well: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating!

bryce-point-hoodoos-bryce-canyon-national-park-photo-jeepers-1
Sunrise at Bryce Point

Day 1 at Bryce Canyon National Park

Here’s what we recommend for visiting Bryce Canyon the first day of your vacation in the spring, summer, and fall. The winter itinerary is discussed below.

  • Sunrise at Bryce Point
  • Scenic Drive
  • Short Hike(s)
  • Sunset at Paria View

Sunrise at Bryce Point

This is our favorite place to watch and photograph sunrise in Bryce Canyon. You’ll find panoramic views of the horizon to the west and the amphitheater to the east.

The elevation at Bryce Point is above the hoodoo-filled amphitheater so you can capture wide angle photos of the red rock amphitheater, as well as focused telephoto shots.

The changing light as the sun sweeps across the hoodoos provides a constant variety of composition opportunities.

We recommend you get to the overlook early since it’s a popular sunrise photography spot!

Here are some Sunrise Photography Tips you might find helpful.

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive Best Viewpoints

Next you’ll explore the Bryce Canyon scenic drive – we have 13 stops we recommend.

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.

The viewpoints along the scenic drive are considered the best Bryce Canyon views so be sure to have your camera ready!

Driving through Bryce Canyon will take you approximately three hours if you do the full 38-mile round trip scenic drive with time at each stop to take pictures.

Rainbow Point at Bryce Canyon
Rainbow Point at Bryce Canyon

Rainbow and Yovimpa Points: These two points are a good introduction to Bryce Canyon National Park with the best views of the pink cliffs and hoodoos. This area sits at 9,000 feet in elevation which provides amazing panoramic views! 

You’ll access Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point from this main parking lot. At Rainbow Point you’ll be looking north. At Yovimpa Point, you can see the various “steps” to the south that make up the Grand Staircase landscape. Each step of the Grand Staircase is named after its colors (Pink Cliffs, White Cliffs, and Grey Cliffs).

The Rainbow Point parking lot is small, but since you’ll be here early you should be able to find a parking spot! If it is busy, just drive around a bit since people don’t usually stay too long at this location.

Black Birch Canyon: The turnout here is small, and many people miss it. From here you can see Rainbow Point in the distance. At this viewpoint you’ll get a good view of the pink, orange, and white-colored cliffs and hoodoos.

Ponderosa Canyon: You’ll see Ponderosa pine trees surround this viewpoint – that’s why it’s called Ponderosa Canyon. Some of these Ponderosa pine trees have lived a hundred years. The view here is not as impressive as others.

The Hunter and The Rabbit at Bryce Canyon
The Hunter and The Rabbit at Bryce Canyon

Agua Canyon: This is a popular viewpoint to see two famous structures: “The Hunter” and “The Rabbit”. The Hunter has a hat of evergreens and is easily seen just in front of the viewpoint. To the right is a smaller hoodoo commonly referred to as The Rabbit (the The Hunter’s prey).

Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon
Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon

Natural Bridge: Technically, this is an arch, not a bridge. It started as a “window” and has eroded where the opening is nearly 125 feet tall! When you catch the light just right at mid-morning, the orange/red hues reflected inside the arch is stunning.

Fairview Point: Enjoy the view of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with its blue-hued mesas, canyons, and plateaus. From north to south, you will be able to see the Aquarius Plateau, Molly’s Nipple, Kaiparowits Plateau, and Kaibab Plateau.

Swamp Canyon: Below the rim, two tiny creeks and a spring provide the water needed for lush vegetation like grasses and willows to grow. It’s a wetland compared to the rest of the park, which gives it the name Swamp Canyon.

Paria View near sunset
Paria View near sunset

Paria View: If you’re interested in doing sunset photography to end Day 1, this is where you’ll go. You can visit it now and again at sunset since the colors on the hoodoos will be different both times of day.

Keep in mind that Bryce Canyon isn’t known for its sunsets because the canyon features all face east. But you will find the famous “glow” on the hoodoos at Paria View in the evening since the hoodoos here face the west.

Bryce Point sunrise light on the hoodoos
Bryce Point view of the amphitheater

Bryce Point: If you watched the sunrise from Bryce Point, it’s still worth a stop because the scene changes as the sun gets higher in the sky.

Inspiration Point landscape at Bryce Canyon
Inspiration Point landscape at Bryce Canyon

Inspiration Point: There are three levels to view the amphitheater at Inspiration Point. Take note that the cliffs at this viewpoint are exceptionally dangerous. The edges are crumbly rock with slippery slopes and sheer drop-offs below. It’s important to remain on trails and behind railings, and watch children here!

Thor's Hammer at Bryce Canyon
Thor’s Hammer at Bryce Canyon

Sunset Point: The name is a bit deceiving because Sunset Point is best at sunrise, not sunset. This is where you’ll go for sunrise on Day 2! It is a well-visited overlook due to the popular Thor’s Hammer and Silent City you can see from here.

Our favorite hike at Bryce Canyon is the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail that starts at Sunset Point and ends at Sunrise Point. We’ll talk more about hiking trails you can do a bit later.

Sunrise Point: This points offers stunning views of the Aquarius Plateau and the Sinking Ship. And as the name suggests, the colorful vistas you’ll see at sunrise make it a popular spot at this time of day, but we think Sunset Point and Bryce Canyon are still the best spots for sunrise.

hoodoos near Fairyland Point
hoodoos near Fairyland Point

Fairyland Point: This is the last stop along the scenic drive in Bryce Canyon when going from North to South like we recommend. But it can be easily overlooked and many people drive past without knowing it’s there.

This is also the trailhead to a moderate hiking trail. You won’t have time on Day 1 for this full hike, but we enjoy hiking a bit along to trail to take close-up photos of the hoodoos.

Navajo-Loop-Trail-hikers-Photo-Jeepers
Navajo Loop hiking trail

Bryce Canyon Hiking Trails

At this point in Day 1, you can select one of the shorter Bryce Canyon hikes to explore after you’ve finished the scenic drive.

Here are some things to keep in mind before hitting the trail:

Bryce Canyon high 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. 

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.

Determine the trail(s) that are best for your hiking ability and will fit the time you have left in your Day 1 itinerary for Bryce Canyon. Here’s a list of hikes we recommend:

Bristlecone Loop hiking trail
Bristlecone Loop hiking trail

Bristlecone Loop Trail

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

Add this hike when you stop at Rainbow Point at the end of the Bryce Canyon scenic drive. It’s an easy and fairly level hiking trail.

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!

view from sunrise to sunset trail at Bryce Canyon
view from sunrise to sunset trail at Bryce Canyon

Sunset to Sunrise Trail 

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

Sunset to Sunrise Point is one of the easy hikes at Bryce Canyon to 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. You can also do it the reverse say and hike from Sunrise to Sunset Point.

Queen's Garden trail at Bryce Canyon
Queen’s Garden trail at Bryce Canyon

Queen’s Garden Trail

  • Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
  • Hike length: 1 to 2 hours
  • Hike difficulty: Moderate
  • Trailhead Location: Sunrise Point Parking Lot

The Queen’s Garden Loop is one of the popular hikes at Bryce Canyon It’s a short, steep trail that starts at Sunrise Point. Remember the trail going down the canyon may not seem too difficult, but don’t forget you’ll need to hike back up this same trail!

This trail earned its name because of the iconic Queen Victoria hoodoo. The resemblance of the spire to a carved-out Queen is visibly apparent.

switchbacks along the Navajo Loop trail
switchbacks along the Navajo Loop trail

Navajo Loop Trail

  • Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip
  • Hike length: 1 to 2 hours
  • Hike difficulty: Moderate
  • Trailhead Location: Sunset Point Parking Lot

Along the Navajo Loop Trail you’ll see three famous formations: Thor’s Hammer, Wall Street, and Two Bridges.

We HIGHLY recommend taking this trail down to at least Thor’s Hammer so you can experience seeing the hoodoos and windows up close. That way, the climb back up isn’t as long compared to going down to the canyon floor.

The slot canyon-style narrowness of Wall Street is a famous attraction, making it one of the favorite hikes at Bryce Canyon.

window formation at Bryce Canyon
window formation at Bryce Canyon

Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop

  • Distance: 2.9 mile point to point
  • Hike length: 2 to 3 hours 
  • Hike difficulty: Moderate 
  • Trailhead Location: Sunrise/Sunset Point Parking Lot

The Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail combination is the one must-do hike we love! We like to start at Sunset Point and end at Sunrise Point, but you can start and end at either point.

Paria View sunset golden light on the hoodoos
sunset light at Paria View at Bryce Canyon

Sunset at Paria View

We love the reflected light on the hoodoos here at golden hour right near sunset. Be sure to stay after sunset to capture the blue hour colors with more pastel tones. It’s so pretty!

hiking trails at Bryce Canyon in the winter

Day 1 in the Winter at Bryce Canyon

You can enjoy these Bryce Canyon winter activities IF everything is open.

  • Sunrise at Bryce Point
  • Scenic Drive
  • Short Hike(s) or Ranger-led Snowshoe Hike
  • Sunset at Paria View

Sometimes the scenic drive road will be closed to Rainbow Point due to weather and bad road conditions. You can still explore the other viewpoints around the amphitheater.

Be sure to check with the rangers at the Visitor Center to know whether the hiking trails are open, and if you’ll need traction devices or snowshoes. You can purchase traction devices at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. You can rent both traction devices and snowshoes in Bryce City.

Bryce Canyon Winter Hikes

Be sure you have winter hiking gear before hitting the trail:

Some fun Bryce Canyon winter 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. 

Ranger-led Snowshoe Hikes at Bryce Canyon

A fun Bryce Canyon winter activity is snowshoeing with a Ranger! The snowshoe hikes accommodate all levels from beginner to expert.

The Ranger-led snowshoe hikes at Bryce Canyon last about 2 hours, and you’ll hike about 1 mile. This program is free and available to anyone 8 years and older. The snowshoes and poles are provided (free) for those who sign up. You’ll need to wear winter clothing and waterproof boots, and pack water.

If you’re lucky, you can sign up for the Full Moon Snowshoe Hike, but the full moon and weather have to cooperate for this program to take place!

Bryce Canyon maps and guides

Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps

Days 2 and 3 at Bryce Canyon National Park

There are quite a few activities to choose from to include in your Bryce Canyon Day 2 and Day 3 itinerary. The hard part will be deciding the things to do that will fit in your schedule during the spring, summer, and fall! The winter itinerary is detailed below.

  • Sunrise at Sunset Point
  • Day Hikes
  • Horseback Riding Tour
  • ATV Tour
  • Biking
  • Sunset at Mossy Cave
sunrise-at-sunset-point-Bryce-Canyon (3)
Sunrise at Bryce Canyon

Sunrise at Sunset Point

At Sunset Point you can capture the rising sun over the distant hills, and take pictures of the morning light reflecting on the hoodoos and landscape features before them.

We also like to hike down the Navajo Loop trail a bit to capture the sun with Thor’s Hammer.

Thors Hammer Bryce Canyon sunrise spot
Sunrise near Thor’s Hammer at Bryce Canyon

If you didn’t do the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail, then this is a terrific time to do it! You’ll enjoy the trail without a lot of people!

Bryce Canyon Day Hikes

For Day 2, you can select a few shorter or one long day hike at Bryce Canyon. In addition to the hikes listed above, you can also explore the longer day hikes. Many Bryce Canyon hikes connect to create longer combinations of hiking trails.

This makes it easy to create the best Bryce Canyon hiking experience for the time you have to spend at the park. You also need to consider your physical abilities to tackle the high elevation at Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon Hike the Hoodoos

Check out the Hike the Hoodoos program if you want a fun way to explore the hiking trails in Bryce Canyon. You must hike at least 3 miles on designated trails to find benchmark survey markers.

To prove you hiked the trails, you can obtain rubbings of the benchmarks or take a selfie with the benchmark. Present the rubbings or photos to the Visitor Center ranger to receive a special reward!

There are nine Hike the Hoodoos benchmarks found along eight day hiking trails at Bryce Canyon:

  • Mossy Cave
  • Bristlecone Loop
  • Queen’s Garden
  • Navajo Loop
  • Tower Bridge
  • Swamp Canyon Loop
  • Peekaboo Loop
  • Fairyland Loop
tree along the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail
Rim Trail view at Bryce Canyon

Rim Trail

  • Distance: 5.5 miles one way – shorter options available
  • Hike length: 1 to 7.5 hours
  • Hike difficulty: Easy
  • Trailhead Location: Fairyland Point Parking Lot

The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park is a great trail for anyone who can’t hike DOWN and back UP the canyon. You can start from Fairyland Point hiking to Bryce Point, or the other way around.

Tower Bridge trail at Bryce Canyon
Tower Bridge trail at Bryce Canyon

Tower Bridge Trail

  • Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
  • Hike length: 2 to 3 hours
  • Hike difficulty: Moderate 
  • Trailhead Location: Sunrise Point Parking Lot

Along the Tower Bridge trail at Bryce Canyon you’ll see panoramic views of arches, hoodoos, and red rocks.

Starting at Sunrise Point the trail drops in elevation from the rim down to Tower Bridge. You can return the way you came back to Sunrise Point or continue along the Fairyland Loop Trail (8 miles total).

Swamp Canyon view at Bryce Canyon
Swamp Canyon view at Bryce Canyon

Sheep Creek / Swamp Canyon Loop Trail

  • Distance: 4.0 mile loop
  • Hike length: 3 to 4 hours 
  • Hike difficulty: Moderate 
  • Trailhead Location: Drive south along the Bryce Canyon scenic drive. The Sheep Creek or Swap Canyon trailhead is located on your left side.

The Sheep Creek or Swamp Canyon trail was formerly used for moving sheep around to different grazing areas. You’ll hike through a lush meadow area surrounded by Ponderosa pines.

This loop trail is less popular than others in the park so it’s a great way to escape the crowds.

Fairyland Loop trail at Bryce Canyon
hiking trails around the hoodoos near Fairyland Loop

Fairyland Loop Trail

  • Distance: 8.0 miles point to point
  • Hike length: 4 to 5 hours
  • Hike difficulty: Strenuous 
  • Trailhead Location: Fairyland Point Parking Lot 

The Fairyland Loop is considered strenuous for most hikers due to its length, complicated trail, and intensity of elevation changes. Located at the northern portion of Bryce Canyon, it’s a great way to escape the crowds.

You’ll enjoy views of the China Wall, Tower Bridge, and an extensive collection of hoodoos along with other unique geological features in the park. 

Peekaboo Trail at Bryce Canyon
Peekaboo Trail at Bryce Canyon

Peekaboo Loop Trail

  • Distance: 5.5 miles 
  • Hike length: 3 to 4 hours 
  • Hike difficulty: Strenuous 
  • Trailhead Location: Bryce Point Parking Lot

The Peekaboo Loop is a strenuous hike due to its length and steep and roller coaster-like ups and downs along the trail.

The views along the trail are amazing where you’ll see up close Bryce’s hoodoos, The Cathedral, Fairy Castle, and Wall of Windows. The Peekaboo Loop earned its name from the windows (natural arches) formed in the rocks found in the area. 

NOTE: Please be courteous when meeting horse/mule riders on the trail and give them right-of-way.

hikers on the Navajo Loop trail at Bryce Canyon
hikers on the Navajo Loop trail at Bryce Canyon

Navajo/Peekaboo Combination Loop Trail

  • Distance: 4.9 mile loop 
  • Hike length: 3 to 4 hours 
  • Hike difficulty: Strenuous 
  • Trailhead Location: Sunset Point Parking Lot. Head straight down into the canyon and take the sign labeled as “Wall Street” to start the Navajo Loop.

Starting at Sunset Point, the Navajo/Peekaboo Combination Loop is a strenuous hike with a series of steep switchbacks and elevation changes. 

hiking trail through the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon
hiking trail through the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon

The Figure 8 Combination

  • Distance: 6.4 miles loop
  • Hike length: 4 to 5 hours 
  • Hike difficulty: Strenuous 
  • Trailhead Location: Sunset Point Parking Lot

The Figure 8 Combination Trail combines Queen’s Garden, Peekaboo Loop, and Navajo Loop. The steep grades and multiple elevation changes make the Figure 8 Combination Trail a strenuous one.

horseback-riding-bryce-canyon-national-park-utah-jennifer-wolff
Bryce Canyon guided horseback riding tour

Bryce Canyon Activities

There are also many Bryce Canyon activities you can choose to do instead of, or in addition to, hiking! The hard part will be deciding what to fit into your Bryce Canyon Day 2 schedule!

Horseback Riding at Bryce Canyon

Horse backing riding is another great way to see the park. There are many Bryce Canyon guided horseback tours that you can sign up for and do while visiting.

If you aren’t able to hike the trails down the canyon then back up, then definitely add this to your list so you can see the hoodoos up close on these trails!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure we highly recommend!

ATV group
ATV tours near Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon ATV Tours

Exploring the area on a guided ATV tour is a fun activity. Here are the most popular options:

Bryce Canyon Guided ATV Ride – Follow your guide in your own ATV to explore the Bryce Canyon Rim. Ride lasts an hour.

Private UTV Tour of Little Bryce Canyon – Tour lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. Learn all about the history of the pioneer settlers to the area.

ATV tours are open April through October, weather and trails permitting.

bryce canyon biking shared use path
riding bikes in Bryce CAnyon

Biking at Bryce Canyon

Another fun way to explore the park is by bike! There is a 5 mile section of road available to bikers from Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point. The elevation gain is 746 going north to south. You can also 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.

There’s also an 18-mile Shared-Use Path connecting 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.

mossy-cave-at-bryce-canyon
waterfall along the Mossy Cave hike

Sunset at Mossy Cave

Late afternoon and sunset is a perfect time to visit Mossy Cave that’s just outside the park.

  • 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 an 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 in the winter hoodoos with snow
Bryce Canyon hoodoos with snow

Days 2 and 3 at Bryce Canyon in the Winter

Here’s the list of activities for Day 2 at Bryce Canyon if you’re visiting in the winter.

  • Sunrise at Sunset Point
  • Day Hikes
  • Cross-country Skiing
  • Winter Astronomy – On some Saturdays, you can enjoy looking at the constellations with the telescopes at the Visitor Center. 
  • Ruby’s Inn Winter Activities (Ice Skating, Sleigh Rides)
  • Sledding
  • Sunset at Mossy Cave

Cross-country Skiing at Bryce Canyon

One of the best ways to explore Bryce Canyon is on cross country skis. There are many routes and trails to explore in the winter. Bryce Canyon maintains miles of trails for skiing.

If you are coming from out of town you can rent ski equipment in Bryce Canyon City. 

Sledding in the Winter at Bryce Canyon

With all the snow you might find yourself wanting to go on a sledding adventure. Sledding is allowed above the Caynon rim, but you must never sled off the rim of the canyon. It is prohibited and enforced.

There are not a ton of places to sled within the park. Many of the local residents prefer sledding near Red Canyon, but not in the park. 

Winter Festival at Bryce Canyon

If visiting during President’s Day weekend you can take part in the Winter Festival. This is a free festival with lots of activities to do for the whole family.

Coral-Pink-Sand-Dunes-State-Park-Utah-by-Photo-Jeepers
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Day 3 Option: Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon

You’ll find a ton of fun activities to do around the Bryce Canyon area to fill the third day.

If you’ll be visiting Capitol Reef, be sure to note all the Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12:

The drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion is full of amazing things to see as well:

Red-Canyon-tunnel-winter-snow-photo-jeepers-sm
Red Canyon tunnel

Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:

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